“Dancing With the Stars” contestant Phaedra Parks is shaking off the drastically low score she received from guest judge Gene Simmons.
During Tuesday’s Hair Metal Night, the KISS rocker gave the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star and her pro partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, a “5” out of “10” for their rock ’n’ roll-themed paso doble set to “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi.
Parks, 50, and Chmerkovskiy, 38, appeared visibly shocked by the low score –– especially since resident judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli unanimously held up a “7” scoring card.
“I loved the routine, and I think we did good, despite Gene Simmons being a total ding-a-ling,” Parks exclusively told Page Six’s Desiree Murphy in the ballroom Tuesday night.
The “Traitors” alum then praised Chmerkovskiy for being a “wonderful coach” while doubling down on the fact that she “loved the routine” and the reigning mirrorball champion’s fun choreography.
“I figured he [Simmons] didn’t like short black women,” Parks quipped, continuing to slam the rock icon.
Chmerkovskiy chimed in, jokingly adding, “It’s always fun to have a guest judge in the ballroom.”
Meanwhile on social media, fans watching the show took to X to express their outrage over the low score, with many calling the moment “wild.”
“Gene giving Phaedra’s dance a 5 tonight is WILD. What the f–k,” one person argued.
Gene Simmons clarifies his judging on ‘DWTS’
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“When I tell you I almost fell out of my chair when Gene picked up the 5 for Phaedra and Val ,” another person shared.
“i think phaedra parks should be allowed to punch gene simmons if she wants to,” someone candidly quipped.
Another viewer wrote, “i cant watch this show knowing gene gave phaedra a 5 jsjsjdjdjd.”
Parks and Chmerkovskiy went all out for their routine, rocking statement wigs, grunge costumes and makeup to fit the Hair Metal Night theme.
“Of course, I’m giving Tina Turner, the ultimate rocker, the ultimate iconic woman, you know? So I was extremely excited. I love a theme. I love a costume,” Parks gushed to Page Six.
The Bravolebrity told us it took about “two hours” to get all dolled up for the big night.
Meanwhile, Chmerkovskiy joked that he was “giving Stevie Nicks icon” with his frizzy blond rocker wig.
Despite their low score from Simmons, the dance duo still garnered enough viewer votes to make it through to next week’s Dedication Night.
“I love this night, because we really get to shed some light on some intimate stuff with our celebrities,” Chmerkovskiy told us of what to expect from the all-new episode.
Parks also revealed that she’ll be dedicating the dance to her mom, Regina Bell.
“My whole family is coming out next week,” she teased. “I’m super excited, so it’ll be very special. It’ll be super special.”
And next week the two won’t have to worry about any low scores from Simmons as former “Dancing With the Stars” pro Mark Ballas will be taking his place as guest judge.
“Mark is a master of this craft, not just from the TV standpoint of ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ but from the ballroom,” Chmerkovskiy said of his longtime pal, who won the trophy three times while competing on the show as a pro dancer. “I’m looking forward to hearing his opinion. I think he’s very creative, he’s got a lot of insight on choreography, on storytelling, and then technical stuff. I’m excited.”
“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
