So You Think You Can Dance 8 – The Final Four!

By On 08/10/2011 · 119 Comments · In So You Think You Can Dance

Ugh Nigel. What’s with the choreography tonight? You complained halfway through tonight’s show that the performances were disappointing, but the problem was not your fine dancers, who did their best with what was handed to them.

We managed to get through an entire season without freaking Disco. Why start now, with a dance that was less a routine than a series of lifts clumsily strung together?  And Lil C needs to do less talking and tweeting and more work to make his routines less BORING. Stacey Tookey’s routine for Melanie and Robert was unremarkable, Mark Ballas take your butt-slapping Cha cha back to DWTS where it won’t hurt anybody (except for some D list “stars”), and WTH was that Wellington slap crap? It was “throw the boys under the bus” that’s what the hell it was. Tonight’s show was not a fitting way to end a great season.

The best routines: Sonya’s ode to Sasha “Raise Your Weapon”. The fierce Sasha shined!, Sasha & Marko’s charming Broadway routine to “Whatever Lola Wants” (suck it, Nigel),  Sasha and Melanie as surpressed 50′s housewives in a Stacey Tookey routine, and my  favorite of the night–Tessandra Chavez’ gorgeous contemporary for Marko and Lauren. Sensational. Marko moves me so much and Lauren was fantastic.

I still don’t care who wins tomorrow, but I think it was shitty of Nigel to tell the boys to their faces that they weren’t going to win.  It made me want to vote for them, just on principal.

Also, worst guest judge of the season? Katie Holmes. She had nothing to say, and kept repeating herself, thanking the dancers, telling them they were strong and beautiful, and my favorite–”I believed your story.”  Kenny Ortega was only slightly better. He gets more blame, because as a choreographer, he should have been able to offer the contestants some valid criticisms.

Tomorrow, we’ll see reprises of some of the seasons best dances, including the statue dance, tWitch & Sasha’s breakfast routine & the door piece, which is something to look forward to. Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Robin Antin, Lil’ C, Tyce Diorio and Sonya Tayeh will guest judging with Nigel and Mary. And, oh. The Glee kids will be sitting in the audience, but I’m pretty sure only I care about that. Heh.

Can You believe it? It’s So You Think You Can Dance finale week! The Top 4 Sasha, Melanie, Tadd and Marko compete to win So You Think You Can Dance. The winner will be announced tomorrow during a two-hour finale.

UPDATE: Nigel Lythgoe tweets, “I know one thing tomorrow has great routines. Statues, Caitlyn’s Tango, the Matrix Doors, Twitch and Sacha’s breakfast, and the winner…the “Wall” and the “Jail” remember Chris’ routine? Both on tomorrow nights show”

Katie Holmes and Kenny Ortega are guest judging, with Nigel and Mary.

Cat Deeley looks STUNNING TONIGHT in a chic shift and upswept do! <3.

Here come the Top 4!

The Top 4 will dance solos with all-stars and each other.

Katie is so excited to be back. She congrats Cat on her Emmy nom, and pimps her upcoming film. Kenny has enjoyed the “electric” season of SYTYCD. He’s honored and thrilled! Not pimping anything.

VIDEOS: IdolXFactor

Marko and Melanie – Disco – Doriana Sanchez – “I Feel Love” Donna Summer – Yes, this is the 1st disco of the season Odd. Doriana wants them to be matching mirror balls. The lifts will be off the charts. The duo have the proper attitude, they look like they’re having fun, but the lifts look a little labored. Too many in this routine. Ken says it was just like Saturday Night Fever–electric sizzling. Katie says strong, beautiful, “I believe the stories you’re telling. Oh, I can tell the guest judging is going to be useless. Mary thought the lifts were a struggle, and they went in and out of the style (yep, even I noticed that), Nigel also thought it was a struggle. Nigel is looking forward to them doing better in their future routines.

Sahsa & AS Mark – Sonya Tayeh – “Raise Your Weapon” – The piece is Sonya’s ode to Sasha because she confronts all of the obstacles in her life. A shirtless (!!!) Mark represents the obstacles that try to hold her back in this muscular routine. He pushes and pulls, Sonya fights back. In the end, she throws him down victoriously. OK These two are awesome together. Katie says I love this number, you are so strong and so powerful. Sonya, you are amazing. I love everything about this. Mary: Whooo hooo! You looked great, before you took one dance step. You looked every bit as mature and seasoned as Mark. Mary calls her a star. Nigel calls her a warrior. He loves Sonya’s darker pieces. “You just thrown down the gauntlet to the other 3 contestants,” says Nigel Kenny says Sonya’s work is always considerate of the dancers. Kenny reveals that Sasha is battling an injury. “Sasha warrior princess. You are the victor,” says Kenny.

Tadd & AS Joshua – Hip Hop – Lil C – “Hustle Hard” Ace Hood. – Routine is all about the hustle! Joshua is a certified hustler, gotta turn Tadd into a hustler too, says Lil C. Tadd’s dancing was solid, but I had a hard time paying attention. That horeo did nothing for me–dull. Joshua won Season 4, for those who don’t know. Mary feared Tadd’s sweetie pie factor would get in the way of a hard hitting hip hop number. BUT NOT THIS TIME! “You have been hustling hard ever since you started this show…you delivered everything tonight.” Nigel does a little Lil C blather to compliment him. He found Tadd a little too sweet. Not a bad job, but not as strong as he’d like. Kenny wants a pair of Tadd’s red shoes. He gives props to the all stars. “They have really elevated the show”. The pairing was perfect, says Ken. Katie says, “I love your smile and your sweetness. I loved the two of you together. I bought it. I love those red shoes. It highlighted how fast you are.”

Melanie & AS Robert – Contemporary – Stacey Tookey – “Sacrifice” by Sinead O’Connor – Melanie has to leave a relationship to save herself from unrequited love. A very pretty routine, but I feel like we’ve seen this already. Melanie would have been better off with a routine that stretched her capabilities. She is a beautiful dancer, however. – Nigel calls the choreo beautiful, and the dance beautifully done. I don’t know if you’ve captured America’s heart, but you captured mine, says Nigel. Sonya threw down the gauntlet, but Melanie slapped it right back, he adds. Tonight will be a fight. Kenny wants to work with Melanie. He says she brings, theater, emotion and technique to everything she does on that stage. She’s incredible to watch. Hm. Kenny mentions his upcoming Dirty Dancing reboot.Nobody puts Cat in the corner! Katie says “You blow me away. The way you create and tell stories…every movement makes sense. It’s magical.” Mary says she must have been happy to draw her own style. You have that captivating capabiltiy to draw people in. Every thing you do you do it with class. I’m proud of you.”

Sasha & Marko – Broadway – Spencer Liff – “Whatever Lola Wants” by Ella Fitzgerald – The routine takes place in a restaurant. – Marko is a waiter whom the sexy Sasha wants. Whoa Marko. My eyes are on him during this routine. Cute AND acrobatic. Adorbs. Loving it. Impressive Broadway skills. Sasha was solid, but Marko was the standout here. Kenny says great fun. From leading man to character actor. And Sasha–from warrior princess to sophisticated lady. “There isn’t anything you can’t do. You never leave any change,” he says. Katie says, I loved it. Sasha you are such a beautiful woman. Reminds me of Cyd Charice. Marko you are incredible. Mary says comedy is not easy. “You both pulled it off.” It didn’t knock Nigel out. “I think you make a better warrior princess than vamp. Didn’t get Marko’s character.” Uhm. I don’t agree!

Cat Deeley interviewed the Top 4 last week after they got the good news they would be competing in the final

Melanie’s Solo:  Cat asks Melanie tells Cat her best friend throughout the competition was Ricky. She really misses him. She’s also close to Marko. They talk about the Kiss! Melanie is crying through this whole interview, especially when she recalls her late dad. “Song for Viola” – 1-888-836-7601 Text 1 to 83676

Marko’s Solo: Cat asks Marko about how he’s enjoyed the ride. He watched SYTYCD on the internet from Guam. Hearts of Stone was his favorite piece. Marko is honest with his emotions, especially where his mom is concerned. It would mean everything to him to win. Oh yeah, he has that bullet in his arm! “I”m alive and I’m not ever going to quit.” “The Fear You Won’t Fall” – Joshua Radin – 1-888-836-7602 Text 2 to 83676 Aw, Marko’s dad is here for the 1st time!

Sasha & Tadd – Cha cha – Mark Ballas – Sassy fun and hardhitting, this cha cha will be, says Mark. Whoa. Slap that butt Tadd! Unfortunately, not so much. Both are out of their styles, and struggling, although I like Sasha’s hip action. Katie says, “You’re such strong dancers…you look terrific.” Mary feels the same way, but…this did not work tonight, she says, “the connections, the body positions, the leg action, the chemistry. Sasha fared better, Tadd struggled.” Nigel feels the same way. “Tadd you just couldn’t cope with this style. Sasha, this wasn’t good for you either.” The duo says it was really hard, but they had fun. Kenny says, “I think all of America knows what you can do. It was too ambitious for tonight. You have 4 routines. Walk it off and let it go.” Mark Ballas? EPIC FAIL.

Marko & AS Lauren – Contemporary – Tessandra Chavez – “Shirk” by Me’Shell Ndegeocell0 – Two people in love with each other, but can’t make it work. It will be emotionally and physically challenging. Wow. No kidding this choreography is stunning, and Marko and Lauren are KILLING IT. Best routine of the night so far. Moving. The choreo has been mostly disappointing tonight. Marko, like Melinda is a very expressive, fearless dancer. Mary says, “You just thrust greatness upon yourself. It was just so beautiful, honest, communication in the dance. We can feel it over here.” Marko is crying.Nigel says, “Ive been a little disappointed this evening. You’ve joined in the finale tonight. That was a fabulous performance. Congratulations.” Kenny says “What a gift to Marko and to the audience and the show. They were made for each other, their connection and spirits were alive. Wherever you are stay there, it’s working.” Katie says “Marko that was amazing. I loved all the little moments. It’s so special. You’re magical.”

Tadd’s Solo: Tadd tells Cat he thinks his solos helped him. He was really nervous about “Meet the Top 20″. There’s a “Keep off your shirt” website. Winning would change his family’s lives. “Mama Knows Best” by Jesse J His solos are really entertaining. So likable. 1-888-836-7603 Text 3 to 83676

Tadd and Melanie – Ray Leeper – “Show Me What Your Working With” – Clothes will be coming off,” says Ray. The shoes come off first. Oh. Now Tadd’s shirt. A really, fun, athletic routine. To finish, Melanie pulls off his pants to reveal heart covered boxers. Hilarious. Both played their roles perfectly. Nigel says, “That just brought my evening to life. I know people wear their hearts on their sleeves, but not on their underpants.” Nigel says, “Melanie, You had a character well before you started dancing. Tadd you totally redeemed yourself on that routine.” Kenny says, “Before Melanie started she had me gripped to the stage. You’re in that moment, in the zone. That has a lot to do with your power. The chemistry was exceptional.” Katie loved it, “So much fun, a breath of fresh air. Wonderful acting.” Mary says, “Tadd you brought sexy back for sure. Redemption is the best medicine, brother! Melanie was that a strut across the stage or what!”

Sasha’s Solo:  Sasha tells Cat she  was glad to have auditioned with her sister. Her favorite moment was when Lady Gaga threw her shoe–and she caught it! She loved the number with Twitch. “I’ll dance with him again,” she says. The “wall” piece hit “something” in me, Sahsa says. She put her journey into the dance. – “Be Be Your Love” 1-888-836-7604 Text 4 to 83676

Sasha and Melanie – Stacey Tookey – “Heart Asks Pleasure First.” – A pair of suppressed 50′s housewives come together to give each other the courage to break free (They don’t). These two are a joy to watch. A powerful and poignant piece. Kenny says, “Two actresses that can dance. The picket fences were like jail bars. Really powerful. Beautiful piece, beautifully executed.” Katie says, “I love seeing the exploration of friendship. You did an excellent job.” Mary says, “It’s so beautiful to watch the two of you together. You’re so well loved, no matter what happens.” Nigel says, “The two girls held each other in their arms before the routine started. It doesn’t matter who wins. You both can grace any dance company in this country.”

Marko & Tadd – Wellington Slap – Stepping – Chuck Moldonado – This particular style began in the mines of Africa. The routine is done in miners gear, with wheelbarrows as props. Not sure this particular style is translating well here. Shouldn’t we be able to hear some slapping? These weird styles always fall flat. Tadd is harder hitting than Marko, but both had better routines tonight. Katie says, “You guys are great..I love everything you’ve done in this competition. You gave it your all.” Mary says, “You didn’t look exhausted. That was absolute solid gold for me.” Mary calls it cute. Miners in Africa cute? “I love you guys to pieces.” Nigel says, “It was a little difficult, you weren’t together tonight. I thought a girl would win, and I have not changed my mind. I’m pleased you’re here in the finale, but I still think a girl will win.” Kenny says, “Guys you did your job. Congratulations to you all.”

Interviews and Solos

 
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  • lovemyidol

    anybody have a link to a live feed? my tv’s broke :(

  • gangreen29

    Blah what an uninspiring top 4. I would have liked a top 4 of Rickey, Jess, Clarice, and Caitlyn.

  • HermeticallySealed

    What is this? This is just awful.

  • brie200

    That disco was awful. Let’s see if they criticize the dancers. I’m guessing not, though I’m not sure anybody could have made that dance good, though I don’t think either Marko or Melanie really got into the style in the first place.

    Wow, that might be the first time the judges haven’t gushed over Melanie.

  • sororsalsa

    Is it just me…or did one of those lifts not happen like it was supposed to? I’m surprised that they dared to critique Melanie and Marko, but I noticed that the critique was mostly aimed at Marko.

  • HermeticallySealed

    Wow, Nigel actually called them out. I am amazed.

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    Yikes. Not a good start. While Melanie and Marko were clearly struggling, I’m not sure the music/choreography were doing them any favors either.

    Sasha + Mark next? HELL YES.

  • nadski

    wow way to go to ruin mone of my fav donna summer songs. im not sure if the song and choreography matched at all, so i kinda feel bad to have to dance tht..

  • nadski

    this finale will be between sasha ormelanie to lose, they are fairly evenly matched. it will purely just boil down to who gets the best song/choreography on the nite

  • brie200

    I know there is like zero percent chance of Melanie losing, but if I have to have one of the chosen ones win, I’d rather it be Sasha. She struggles in ballroom a bit, but she seems far more adaptable than Melanie. I have yet to see Melanie be good in anything that is not contemp or faux-contemp.

  • gangreen29

    That was not very good, and the disco was just awful..

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    That was as brilliant as expected. One of my favorites of the season.

  • HermeticallySealed

    Mmmmm, Mark.

    Liked the routine. Both Sasha and Mark seemed to fit together pretty well. Hope the other All Star performances are choreographed this well.

  • nadski

    i doubt any of the top 4 would have done justice to tht disco num…including sasha and esp tadd…not sure why they would put tht in finale anyways

  • HermeticallySealed

    Yeah, the final is when the big gun routines should be presented, not the soft serve.

  • HermeticallySealed

    Of course the weather map on my local channel is placed right over where Tadd is positioned most the the performance. >.<

  • brie200

    I didn’t even see Tadd in that routine. I was too busy watching Joshua, who was kind of amazing in that.

    So Katie isn’t going to criticize anybody, is she?

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    Joshua was amazing on that, and Tadd was mostly up to the task of competing with him. While I enjoyed it, the choreography was too much “two guys doing the same thing at the same time” without enough interaction for my taste.

  • nadski

    did not enjoy the tadd+joshua routine….did nothing to me…was expecting big things. maybe im just not into hustling and tht kinda of choreography, was waiting for something to kick off

  • sororsalsa

    i doubt any of the top 4 would have done justice to tht disco num…including sasha and esp tadd…not sure why they would put tht in finale anyways

    The same reason they gave Sasha & Ricky waacking last week.

  • gangreen29

    Katie Holmes is weird

  • nadski

    Katie Holmes is weird

    yeh i have hit the mute button every time she comments now… awkward

  • clearone

    God Mark is amazing and gorgeous. He and Sasha were absolutely perfect together. So intense. So awesome.

  • HermeticallySealed

    Still don’t care for Melanie, but that was so much better than that disco. Definitely playing up to the contestants strengths.

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    That was pleasant. Rather beautiful, yes, but did it wow me? Not quite.

  • HermeticallySealed

    I thought it was good, but seriously? A bit over board.

  • clearone

    It was way overboard……..and the pimping her for the part of Baby in the Dirty Dancing remake? Not appropriate. Not tonight with so much on the line for all the dancers.

  • brie200

    I just started muting the tv before they critiqued Melanie. Can’t take it anymore.

  • nadski

    not feeling much chemistry between sasha and mark…hm

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    Now that was good. Definitely one of the best Broadway routines I’ve ever seen on the show. Fun choreography and terrific dancing.

  • HermeticallySealed

    Very fun. Liked it quite a bit. Guess Nigel had to make sure to leave something bad to prevent Melanie from being overshadowed.

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    Melanie’s solo last week was miles better.

  • Grammie Kari

    I love Disco – probably my favorite dance! Unfortunately, the pairing of Melanie and Marko was wrong. The steps were there, but it lacked energy. She was so much better with the second dance! Robert is awesome!

    I do like Melanie and her solo was beautiful.

  • Grammie Kari

    Sasha is a winner. She has a dancer’s body and the strength to pull off some amazing material.

    Please refresh my memory. Wasn’t there just one black couple in “Dirty Dancing?” On the tour, there were two. Sasha should be in the remake. Although, there shouldn’t be a remake!

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    Loved tadd

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    Loved Marko’s solo dancing… but I thought he could’ve chosen music that better fit that particular bit of choreography.

    ETA: Could Katie Holmes be any more worthless as a judge?

    That chacha was seriously uninspiring. Geez, what is up with the choreography tonight?

  • heidijoy

    Melanie is still my favorite. Her dance with Robert and her solo were beautiful. The Disco was not choreographed well. Too many lifts. Poor Marko. Still thought Melanie did well but more dancing and less lifts would have helped.

    Liked Sasha’s warrior number.

    Didn’t care for the Broadway number. Poor Marko. He did the best he could. Sasha was ok.

  • nadski

    sasha + tadd = awkward

    what is going on with this FINALE – where are the amazing choreography pieces??? aren’t they suppose to pull out the big guns for it??

  • HermeticallySealed

    Here comes the bus.

  • gangreen29

    That was pretty bad.

    Melanie and Sasha have 0 grace when they dance.

    It pisses me off that he is pushing them to win when there have been fantastic female dancers in prior seasons like Ellenore, Kathryn, Katee, Donyelle, Allison and others who would dance circles around these girls and never got that kind of push.

  • HermeticallySealed

    Melanie and Sasha have 0 grace when they dance.

    Completely disagree. I don’t even care for Melanie, but when she does contemporary, she is pretty darn smooth.

  • sororsalsa

    That chacha was seriously uninspiring. Geez, what is up with the choreography tonight?

    Mark Ballas is the ballroom version of Doriana Sanchez.

  • Grammie Kari

    BTW, the black couple was featured in the Finale dance in “Dirty Dancing.” Sasha is beautiful and talented and should be in the movie,too.

    What’s up with Nigel tonight? Strange…

    I am not pleased with the male finalists. They were never my favorites.

    Remember I mentioned that Nigel wanted Ryan to be featured in a film and that’s why he wanted her in the TOP 10? Now, I have a better idea of where he was headed with her.

  • lovemyidol

    I thought Marko was adorable in the broadway routine. I think it lacked pizazz because of Sasha. She doesn’t do sexy/sultry very well. Her toes weren’t pointed in some of it and I found it distracting.

    And I agree, this finale is lackluster. I am missing the great choreographers at this point, Mia, Wade, Mandy and Travis. Make me laugh, make me cry, make me swoon, but don’t bore me. ugh.

    Also, I can’t stand Katie Holmes. She adds nothing to the commentary and she’s not a good dancer.

  • heidijoy

    Sasha and Tadd’s cha cha was bad but they survived the feedback and said they had fun.

    I feel Melanie has grace and a beautiful spirit.

    Tadd and Marko are having a rough night so far.

    Miss Jess.

  • Dera

    Honestly, so far Marko was better than all them!

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    Now that’s more like it.

    Brilliant. And such interesting choreography.

  • brie200

    I hate Mark Ballas as much as the next person, but I think the real problem is a lot of these dancers have been coddled this season. It’s one thing for some of these folks to pull off a ballroom number when paired with Pasha or an all-star who can help them, but not when paired with each other. The fact that Mel/Marko had the first disco this season speaks volumes. It’s like most of them can’t manage to do anything outside of their specialty and they finally decided to showcase that on the finale? Whatever is going on it’s weird.

  • heidijoy

    That was much better Marko and Lauren. Beautiful number.

  • sunchick

    The disco was a disappointment.

    I love Mark and Robert. My faves have never won this show (as much as they deserved it, LOL) but damn if don’t they come back and pwn as All Stars. I kinda wish they had given Sasha the Stacey piece and Mel the Sonya piece to push them out of their comfort zone, but both were entertaining, with the edge to Sasha and Mark.

    Nigel, Nigel, Nigel. Marko brought the character way way more than Sasha in the Broadway. Still sad that Jess never got a Spencer piece- he was the best actor this season. He would have added a spark to this finale. Sniff. Nigel Nigel Nigel, the lack of Jess is all on you.

    Wow, that ballroom was BAD. I’ve said all along when a dance is too far out of Sasha’s wheelhouse she just gives up, which I find very off putting. Tadd bless his heart tried but in the end looked overwhelmed.

    So far I think Marko won the night. Plus his family is too adorable.

    I will be so happy if we never see another

    a) guy cheating on his girl and gets caught dance
    b) couple tries but just can’t make it work dance

    That said, Mel and Tadd were adorkable. Could Ray be any tanner?

  • soccerboi

    Marko is stepping up for sure. Beautiful

  • HermeticallySealed

    Seriously? Okay, then.

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    Wait, what style was that again? It played well to some of Tadd’s and Melanie’s strengths, but it didn’t seem… that danced.

    I do agree with the judges that Melanie captured the character very well.

  • Lucy1234

    I agree that Melanie just grabs you when she dances. I see her future on Broadway and in movies.

  • Lucy1234

    Wait, what style was that again?

    That was Ray Leeper style. His work is a little quirky but I love it. I would consider it jazz.

  • Grammie Kari

    I don’t know what is going on tonight. If people remember Sasha’s previous performances shown in her interview, it’s obvious how fantastic she is. But this isn’t America’s best dancer – it is America’s FAVORITE dancer.

    They want Melanie to win. I want Melanie to be runner-up. But the dance numbers aren’t outstanding tonight. Very disappointing.

  • brie200

    Melanie is on her third contemp/jazz of the evening. Of course they want her to win. Though I suppose Sasha is too.

  • soccerboi

    In my book Melanie is deserving of America’s favorite dancer. She certainly is my favorite dancer this year. I have never picked a girl to win this show…the males always outperform the girls IMO but not this season. It is Melanie’s year…

  • Grammie Kari

    Thanks, brie although the Disco wasn’t as successful.

  • desiree_chick

    Blah what an uninspiring top 4. I would have liked a top 4 of Rickey, Jess, Clarice, and Caitlyn.

    I think this is the best top 4 I have seen since the beginning of this series, but yeah, I wish Jess or Clarice made it to the top 4.

    Melanie and Sasha have 0 grace when they dance.

    It pisses me off that he is pushing them to win when there have been fantastic female dancers in prior seasons like Ellenore, Kathryn, Katee, Donyelle, Allison and others who would dance circles around these girls and never got that kind of push.

    Totally disagree, Sasha and Melanie have perfect grace when they dance their genres. I say they are up there with those girls. But yeah, I wish the chicks on this show get the respect they should have deserve. I’m especially pissed about Ellenore, because I think she should have won season 6, but that’s a different story.

    I’m glad Nigel pointed out how extraordinarily dull this finale has been. Man, these past seasons just have not been that amazing to me. I don’t see myself looking back at this season with great fondness, especially based on that bullshit elimination from the beginning (I still miss you, Nick).

    That said, I think this is a deserving top 4.

  • anovich

    I have never picked a girl to win this show…the males always outperform the girls IMO but not this season.

    I agree, but for me it’s Sasha’s year…:)

  • smeggingnuts

    wow way to throw the guys under the bus with whatever shit this is…especially at this point :(

  • sunchick

    I swear I think Sasha connects with Melanie better than any of her other partners this season outside of Twitch. Something cool happens when you juxtapose the hard with the soft or something.

    WTF was that? How are they supposed to dance in those clodhopper work boots? I can hardly walk in boots like that much less dance.

    I think this is the best top 4 I have seen since the beginning of this series

    Nah. Travis/Benji/Donyelle/Heidi and Neil/Danny/Lacey/Sabra have them beat.

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    What the heck.

  • desiree_chick

    That “hip hop” routine Tadd and Marko did was royally bad. I swear I saw some parts of the routine was out of sync. Especially at the end. Yikes! I still respect this top 4 more than other seasons, but this night sucks. I can blame the dancers, but the choreo tonight was just so subpar.

  • Lucy1234

    I would say that American’s favorite AND best dancer will win and that is Melanie. Sasha is good but not great and does not do well in other styles – her broadway and ballroom were not very good. That guys number was bad.

  • anovich

    Travis/Benji/Donyelle/Heidi

    My favorite Top 4 ever!! But I do love this foursome.

  • http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=561466&st=0 Preston

    My favorite routines on the night came from Marko/Lauren, Sasha/Mark, and Sasha/Marko, but based on the whole season, I’m pulling for Melanie. Even when she’s not at her best, I find her captivating.

  • sweetmm

    This year it’s all about Mel & Marko for me; it had been a great season. However its been quite a dull finale in comparison to how the season been. I’ll just hope it ends in a high note for me tomorrow with either Mel or Marko winning it; though Mel deserves the win more IMO.

  • desiree_chick

    wow way to throw the guys under the bus with whatever shit this is…especially at this point

    LOL, that turd of a choreography, plus Nigel pimping the girls so hard, might get the little girls at home to pick up the phone and vote for them diligently to win. It was so awful.

  • bentley1530

    This was not the best finale. The night really dragged. I can not believe these routines were assigned at random. And then the order of dancing the routines was suspect. I really felt sorry for the guys with that step routine. It was really horrible. And do not get me started on the judges. The one thing I do like is that the show has finally figured out how to give the women solid choreography when the dance together. Some years the female-only dances have been terrible and it put them at a disadvantage in the final.

  • desiree_chick

    Travis/Benji/Donyelle/Heidi

    Aw man, these four were entertainers. They would leave everything on the floor. Made great television.

  • Tera

    This finale performance show was overall terrible! So much for the so-called 4 best of the best season thus far?! Um no. Lame choreography is partly to blame, but these 4 dancers are just NOT exciting at all to watch and none of them can dance well outside their style. Bring back Caitlyn and Jordan! They had spunk and sass and could dance most ANYTHING that was thrown at them!

    Nice going judges…your incessant pimping of Melanie and Sasha has led to this disaster of a night!

    The All Star dancers like Robert and Lauren were the only ones making anything worth watching tonight. Otherwise, it was a total suckfest! And Katie Holmes has apparently been reading the Paula Abdul Judging Handbook because she was totally useless on the panel.

  • clearone

    Well Nigel……….once an ass always an ass. Telling Marko and Tadd right to their faces that a girl was going to win was totally classless. Even if the routine wasn’t the best, at least give them kudos for having gotten so far. Man you just made want to pick up the phone and vote for the guys. I think I will throw a few votes their way in between my voting for Sasha.

  • Grammie Kari

    I’m glad Nigel pointed out how extraordinarily dull this finale has been. Man, these past seasons just have not been that amazing to me. I don’t see myself looking back at this season with great fondness, especially based on that bullshit elimination from the beginning (I still miss you, Nick).

    desiree_chick , I actually selected Nick to win at the beginning. I don’t think Nigel support him. We saw the growth and beauty of dance in Robert, and I thought Nick had the potential. Alexander and Jesse were also hopefuls. I sincerely believe that if Jesse was taller – he might have been in the Finale.

    Travis/Benji/Donyelle/Heidi

    This was my favorite season of all! The dancing was exciting, outstanding, and left you wanting more!

  • argie

    I think this is the first time that the Top 4 I wanted actually came true (although Sasha/Caitlynn would’ve been interchangeable for me). With that being said, that was probably the dullest finale I’ve ever seen in all 8 seasons. I hate to say it, but my two pinoy boys really disappointed in most of their numbers and in being there for their partners. At least they had one good number each?

    I was sad that the Top 4 didn’t dance a group number together like they usually do.

    So the Glee cast is gonna be in the audience tomorrow? How crazy is that gonna be for Heather Morris who got rejected by this very show. Good for her!!

  • cassie87

    Personally, I think Sasha is the best dancer. In the first dance she did with Melanie a few weeks ago I thought Sasha was stronger. Melanie is good too, but I’d really like Sasha to win. But I’d also like Marko to win and prove Nigel wrong:) I kind of wish they could do like they do on AI and recreate their favorite routine of the season.

  • desiree_chick

    Telling Marko and Tadd right to their faces that a girl was going to win was totally classless.

    It was so out of line it wasn’t even funny. Almost hope Tadd ends up winning out of spite, just so Nigel can stick his foot right back in his mouth. He continues to lack such class. Has he not learn that all that pimping only backfires? Ya know what? I changed my mind, this top 4 let me down real bad tonight. And what Nigel said to the boys just pissed me off.

  • smeggingnuts

    Well I think Tadd will go out at 4th place. Marko even though I think he was the best guy will probably go out 3rd. Especially since Nigel keeps telling everyone they wont win and add to it that last routine that looked like the love children of oompa loopma’s and Smurfs dancing.

    Sasha and Melanie is a tough call. It really depends on your taste between the 2. In their styles they are both technically good. But for me outside of their styles Sasha is stronger of the two though its really hard to judge Melanie since she wasn’t pushed very hard this season. Alot of her none contemporary dances ended up being mostly comteporary choreography. Also for me Sasha brings so much more emotion to her routines for me than Melanie. But Melanie has Nigel’s consistant pimping going for her.

    So personally I think Sasha should win but I think Melanie is going to get it because she wasn’t really pushed (she was the only one that never got a WTF was that dance all season) outside her comfort zone like the other of the top 4 and she never got a truely negative critic even when she deserved it unlike the others.

    Oh well…I got to see Sasha and Mark dance a Sonya routine and it was AWESOME!!!

  • sunchick

    Aw man, these four were entertainers. They would leave everything on the floor. Made great television.

    You mean like this? Or this?

    You also have to give props to N/D/S/L because they even made Tyce broadway look damn good.

  • May

    Not sure what’s going on with the choreography tonight. So far Marko has had the best performances of the night (wait…scratch that thought…I just finished watching the wheelbarrow dance…WTF???) Sasha has been OK but not as terrific as she usually is. However, she didn’t have great choreographies to work with. Melanie’s disco was terrible and I wish they were as tough on her as they’ve been with Sasha. I also didn’t get what was so special about Melanie’s other dances other than the fact that she was dancing with a really hot guy in one of them. Tadd really shouldn’t be in the finale.

    Despite the lackluster finale, I still think that Sasha has been the most inspiring and most versatile dancer of the season. She also has a very powerful stage presence which was very evident with her dance with Melanie.

  • Chris Tine

    The girls are the better dancers. No question. At this point I am glad they dance together because it comes down to who my eyes follow the most. For me – Sasha wins. I enjoyed the whole season. Only television I watched regularly all summer.

  • clearone

    I love Tadd and Marko but realistically I think Nick or Jess should have been in the Finale. The top girls were in in the Finale. I sure hope that Sasha can pull this out. She wasn’t 100 percent tonight (as Kenny pointed out) but she gave it her all and the routine with Mark was stellar……..best routine of the night. Unfortunately they stuck it at the beginning of the show. Sasha is so inspiring. No matter what happens tomorrow night, she will have a fabulous future in dance.

  • Truthiness

    Worst. finale. ever.

    Okay, just the worst of this series.

    Too many dances and bad or uninspired choreography.

    Oh and Nigel? Please get bent. And this show just proves why this season’s ratings suck. As part of that…the blantant bussing (really, Stepping w/out sound? and in the finale?) and the pimping. Oy to the vey.

    I am completely uninvested in any of these dancers positively. I only don’t want Melanie to win, just to mess w/Nigel’s machinations, but beyond that? Meh.

    Nigel better go back to the drawing board for next season.

  • desiree_chick

    @sunchick, how could you do that to me?! Ugh, memories, such great memories. You’ve made me realize how awesome and even magical this show can be, and why I have been its biggest supporter, even not living in the USA. These past three seasons just haven’t shown that kind of magic. I really hope next season finally picks up the pace.

  • clearone

    Memo to Nigel……..if Travis isn’t available, Blake McGrath has done some awesome work on SYTYCD Canada this season.

  • HermeticallySealed

    To me, the choreography was what ruined the finale. there were a few thet were good, but over all (the Disco, the slap, etc.) they were a bit underwhelming routines.

  • desiree_chick

    Worst. finale. ever.

    Okay, just the worst of this series.

    Too many dances and bad or uninspired choreography.

    Oh and Nigel? Please get bent. And this show just proves why this season’s ratings suck.

    No kidding! Plus, too much damn contemporary. For those who have been watching from season 1, has there been this much contemporary? Anyway, I love Sasha/Mark and Marko/Lauren the best, but Lauren out-danced Marko by a mile. I have never seen her that involved in a dance ever. She was incredible. I watched her the whole time.

  • Grammie Kari

    Nah. Travis/Benji/Donyelle/Heidi and Neil/Danny/Lacey/Sabra have them beat.

    Thank you Sunchick for the memories! Yes, we must include both season Finales as the very best ever presented on SYTYCD. I also liked Season 1 even though they were just breaking in the show.

    It was way overboard……..and the pimping her for the part of Baby in the Dirty Dancing remake? Not appropriate. Not tonight with so much on the line for all the dancers.

    The remake is all over the news and TV entertainment stations. OK, Kenny Ortega can mention it, but to promote Melanie was not right. It was a put down to the other three dancers. Oh, and several of the Glee girls have been also been mentioned for the sequel to Dirty Dancing.

  • heidijoy

    Still think Melanie was the best all season. Think Sasha has done well too. I was happy to see Robert tonight. He did well with Melanie. He was my favorite last year.
    I still think Jess is a better dancer than Tadd although Tadd is cute and did well with Melanie.
    I agree that Jess’ height may have been a factor because he had difficulty with lifts.

  • weelassie

    wow, such suckatude with the choreography tonight. was hoping for some awesome dancing. Loved Sasha with Mark.
    Katie Holmes has a two word vocabulary………amazing and magical.
    Do they ever re run the past seasons? I started watching Season 4 and would love to see 1-3. wonder if they are available anywhere? does anyone know?

  • Grammie Kari

    weelassie, I haven’t seen any replay but Nigel should consider a SYTYCD Rewind. The first three seasons were very strong and very entertaining.

    I agree, Katie Holmes didn’t do anything for the show. She was a fan, not a judge.

  • Jhoy2theworld

    Wow! Mark shirtless!! Robert with shirt open!!! I think that’s what I remember from this finale :)

  • desiree_chick

    Just finished watching Lauren and Marko again. Good Lord, that girl is so good, could not keep my eyes off her. Is there an international phone line to vote for Lauren again? I think she should win a second time. LOL

  • Renee in CA

    Worst. finale. ever.

    Okay, just the worst of this series.

    Too many dances and bad or uninspired choreography.

    ita. Disco for the finale? come on, that was going to be bad no matter who danced it. And the “slapping” was stupid. Travis gone to the movie was a disaster – and dare I say that I missed Tice (I can’t believe I just said that). And the choreo-ho of Mark Ballas was bound to back-fire – the guy can’t do his own numbers all that well, let alone for amateurs.

    I think the vibe in the country/world this week also made a difference – we didn’t need dark – that’s what the world is feeling – we needed more light and joy – there was precious little in those numbers.

    No foursome dance? Yikes. There could have been a truly awesome dance-off of those four. What a missed opportunity.

  • Ratna12

    There is nobody this season that I can root for the way I rooted for Lauren Froderman last season. That girl was just amazing. Melanie is good, but I don’t think that she can dance anything but contemporary dances. That disco was just bad and I don’t think it was just because of the choreo.

    Anyway, the best thing in the whole 2 hours was Sinead O’Connor singing Sacrifice. I did not know that she sang that. I tried to go to ITunes, but it is not listed at all. Does anybody know if it is in any album ? If not, then I have to take it from YT.

  • http://www.fatladysings.us TFLS

    Two words: Mark Kanemura

    That is all.

    PS – Sasha’s going to win. I love Melanie too (very much)….but Sasha got the extra-killer choreography tonight (Sonya Tayeh’s a goddess!!). That’s usually the topper.

  • stelladallas

    sunchick says:
    08/10/2011 at 10:25 pm
    “Aw man, these four were entertainers. They would leave everything on the floor. Made great television.

    You mean like this? Or this?

    You also have to give props to N/D/S/L because they even made Tyce broadway look damn good.”

    Thanks for reminding us what joy this show used to be! (Did Wade choreograph the “Sexyback” number that you linked?) Anyway, the choreo this season has been either too much of the same (angsty, overwrought, sometimes violent) or really weird styles that no one has ever seen or wants to see again. How about some entertaining jazz (like past routines with Jakob), or anything that brings more joy and excitement to this show? What a drag this season has been (for the most part).

    And note to Nigel: It’s not always about YOU and what You like!

  • Dlynne

    I don’t blame the dancers for a lackluster finale. I blame the B-list choreographers who unfortunately were responsible for at least half of the dances tonight. I really missed Wade, Mia, Travis and even Tyce. The good choreographers get snatched away to do other projects, which is good for them and bad for the show, and it was really apparent tonight.

    I don’t really care who wins tomorrow because I really love all four of them. I just love the show. Mostly. And tonight that mostly does not include Nigel. What the hell was he thinking? I hope his twitter feed blew up with complaints about what a douchebag he is for saying that one of the girls would win. Maybe he was disappointed in the finale as well and took his frustration out on the boys but I really think his constant pimping, negativity and his inappropriate comments have turned a lot of viewers off. He really needs to learn when to STFU.

  • Grammie Kari

    Lauren Froderman was my favorite with Robert my second. They both stood out THIS season. There was Lauren and the 5 guys. I am so happy she won!

  • jpfan

    Can I vote for Lauren Froderman! She was amazing.

    Very dull choreography. I think Sasha will win as sbe is more versatile than Melanie. Don’t count Marco out though as his back story is very compelling.

    Overall a bit of a lackluster season with too many contemporary dancers.

  • chrislongisland

    You can vote for Lauren F, if you rewind yourself 1 year, though she already won :)

  • chrislongisland

    I think Sasha wins, Melanie second, Marko third, Tadd a distant fourth.

  • St.Lucia

    Watched this late last night off the DVR. For a finale it was lackluster.

    After a season of what I thought was pretty awesome, moving dancing we get disco, some kind of stepping, and loads of Stacey routines(whose routines I don’t normally love). What a let down!

    My two favorite routines of the night belonged to Sasha and Marko. I adored Sasha’s fierce Sonya number and I would love to see her win. Marko is a beautiful, moving dancer. I would love to see him win as well.

    It was if tonight was meant to bring all the contestants down a notch. After a season of praise heaped on them, especially Melanie to hear them get some constructive criticism on the finale was almost pointless.

    I really don’t care who wins(except I can honestly say I’d be a little disappointed if it was Tadd).

    And Katie Holmes please never return. I don’t know why Nigel is up her ass. After a season of what I thought were pretty great guest judges, we end with that? What a let down. They should have saved someone with more star power for the finale.

    ETA: While I’ve always loved Melanie and I think she’s a beautiful dancer, and even though I just said I wouldn’t care who won, I’d love to see Sasha win. Melanie didn’t have as many “wows” for me as Sasha did. While Melanie has been great and strong all season, Sasha just some of the most amazing routines that blew me away.

    I’d still be happy if Melanie won though, but maybe I do care…just a little. :)

  • Tess

    Katie Holmes…if it wasn’t for the fact she married Tom Cruise and mothered Suri….she wouldn’t have any cred in Hollywood. Stupid and being one dimensional only gets a person so far. And as far as Tom and Suri…one is just obnoxious beyond belief, and the other I feel very sorry for…who raises their child as though she were a princess in a freaking tower.

  • Ladyhelix

    Well Nigel……….once an ass always an ass. Telling Marko and Tadd right to their faces that a girl was going to win was totally classless.

    He may wish he hadn’t done this… because we’ve all seen how these little statements can mobilize a fan base.

  • chrislongisland

    I will say this. If any guy is going to overtake both Sasha and Melanie, it’s Marko.

  • lucy

    I don’t even care for Melanie, but when she does contemporary, she is pretty darn smooth.

    I agree. I think she’s got tons of grace in her own style. What she doesn’t have, for me, is range. That’s no crime, since she’s obviously very very very good at her specialty (both dance-movement-wise and emotion-character-wise0 — but I don’t want the winner to repeatedly disappoint me in pieces that *aren’t* in her specialty. Honestly, I think that at least five or six of the top 10 have shown more range than Melanie, and in past years? — well, no contest.

  • MayMirabella

    I think Katie was a judge because she is part of the Happy Feet Foundation along with Nigel. She was with Nigel at the National Dance Day. So I think it has more to do with her backing of and being part of Happy Feet. Imo.

  • MayMirabella

    I think the judges should vote on outstanding all stars this season and give awards to Lauren F, Robert, and Mark ..I know Mark only did one routine but it was absolutely amazing.

    They could have a winner tonight and so on but add special awards for certain all stars.

  • hayes

    This is what happens when you make them dance 4 freakin routines and a solo in one night, in addition to any other routines they have to rehearse for the finale.

  • Tess

    What is the prize for winning?

  • weese

    A gumboot dance with no sound is like tapping with no sound. The whole point of the dance is missed.

    Finale is often a let down. Too many dances, injuries, fatigue. But last night was the worst I remember. Very very poor choreography. Sasha, Melanie, Marko each have brought some remarkable dancing to this show. All three are my favorite and I will be sad for the two who don’t win.

  • TLKC

    Remember I mentioned that Nigel wanted Ryan to be featured in a film and that’s why he wanted her in the TOP 10? Now, I have a better idea of where he was headed with her.

    I don’t remember this but it would certainly help SYTYCD if this season’s winner went on to star in that movie. Might also explain Nigel’s strong support for Ryan and Melanie.

    IMHO, the choreographers have to carry the bucket for last night’s mess. The dancers are all talented but they need a framework. Some great stuff but not enough stuff for all of them to show off their massive abilities.

    Agree with Nigel on the girls being better than the boys but it was classless of him to say so on national TV (and stupid – he just annoyed a lot of invested fans and he has next year’s audience to think about.)

  • lucy

    I don’t remember this but it would certainly help SYTYCD if this season’s winner went on to star in that movie. Might also explain Nigel’s strong support for Ryan and Melanie.

    OMG. Ryan as an actress. If Nigel imagines that, he’s even more clueless than I often suspect him of being. Girl couldn’t connect with a single dance on the show, as far as I saw, so I can’t imagine how she’d ever connect with an acting part. Yikes.

    I suspect they’re going to want an actress with an acting resume who is a box-office draw to star in that movie. Regardless of anything Ortega says, I doubt that a desire to help out a tv show would ever be a factor in casting a film, which, you know, is supposed to earn money! Just sayin’. Dream on, Nigel, if this is your wish.

  • Tera

    No…the dancers are partly to blame for this horrible night. And no, they did NOT do the best they with what they were given…AT ALL! All it did was show their weaknesses. Yes, a lot of the choreo sucked, but a truly great dancer can take that and make it look better. Are we forgetting how terrible Sasha and Marko looked during their ballroom dance? Clearly, they can NOT dance that style worth a shit. Are we forgetting how terrible Melanie was earlier this season in hip hop and last night in disco? All these things show that these dancers are all overpraised and coddled and completely unexciting to watch. Caitlyn and Jordan could’ve thrown it down and have proven themselves versatile over the season. All the insane pimpage of the Queen Bees made us end up with a finale that only emphasized the fact that they have no ability to dance anything but contemporary. How sad. As for Tadd, all he can do as his solos show are handstands and nothing else.

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    Tera, you make some really valid points there, last night showed how weak they are in other areas but they are great in their own. I love Melanie but cringed at the way they fawned over her while the other dancer was standing right there, ok Nigel, we get it, we know who you want to win, you dont have to go on and on like that and then I am turned off. The top four are great dancers in their own genre

  • TwigLA

    I have absolutely no idea why Katie Holmes was a guest judge. Does she have any dance credentials at all? Was she just there as a seat filler?

    I thought most of the dances last night were plodding and lacked energy and finesse. With that said, my easy favorite performance of the night was Melanie and Sasha’s housewife dance. It was lovely and had a haunting pathos to it.

    Good luck to all four of them.

  • alycat

    You can’t blame Jordan on the judges. They championed her many times, but people just weren’t voting for her…even the week they said she should not be in the bottom, that was still where she landed. I still think it’s the right top 4 and it’s a shame the overpraise is keeping the dancers from getting their due. Nigel’s tainting the victory for whoever earns it.