The latest episode of “Dancing With the Stars,” broadcast on October 8, featured a special “Hair Metal Night” with guest judge Gene Simmons of Kiss, who created a stir by awarding the first perfect score of the season— a 10—to model Brooks Nader. However, this score was controversially altered to a 9 in the final tally due to a mix-up, sparking discussions among viewers. Numerous fans expressed their discomfort with Simmons’ comments, which focused on the physical appearance of the female contestants, overshadowing the elimination of two celebrities: veteran actors Eric Roberts and Reginald VelJohnson.
Before presenting the 10 to Nader, Simmons acknowledged that while he lacked technical expertise, he was impressed by her vibrant personality and attractiveness, expressing hopes for her continuous improvement in dance. His comments towards another contestant, Chandler Kinney, further stirred discomfort when he complimented her beauty alongside their emotional connection during dancing. These statements initiated a wave of cringeworthy reactions on social media, including disbelief over Simmons’ behavior and remarks, making more noise than the episode’s actual eliminations.
The performances of the night included several segments set to classic hair metal hits from iconic bands such as Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, enveloping the stage in an energetic atmosphere characterized by extravagant hairstyles and elaborate dance moves. Among the participants, NBA star Dwight Howard presented a dramatic Paso Doble inspired by bullfighting, exuding confidence with his cape-twirling routine. Yet, the night wasn’t without its challenges as some performances, particularly during the group dynamics, faced heat from both viewers and the judges.
In a moment that resonated negatively with viewers, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro had to apologize for the timing of the episode’s closing song, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions, given it coincided with severe weather events affecting parts of the southeast. He expressed sympathy for those impacted by recent hurricanes and clarified that the song choices were made well in advance, reinforcing a commitment to supporting recovery efforts through donations to relief organizations.
The double elimination that night slimmed the competition from 11 couples down to 9, following the previous week’s break due to the Vice Presidential debate. The judges’ scores, combined with live audience votes from both performance nights, determined which contestants were at risk. The prior week featured a “Soul Train Night,” suggesting a diverse range of themes as the season progresses, with the next episode returning to a once-a-week format on Tuesdays, airing on both ABC and Disney+.
In summary, this week’s episode encapsulated the highs and lows of live television, from the exhilaration of new dance scores and performances to the uncomfortable fallout of the remarks made by Simmons. The interactions encompassed a significant part of the reality show vibe, leading to a mix of entertainment and controversy, ultimately setting the stage for an evolving narrative in the season ahead. As “Dancing With the Stars” moves forward, viewers will undoubtedly remain engaged by the performances and personalities that define the show.