ETA: Russell Ferguson wins. I’m happy with that, although an Ellenore, Jakob or Kathryn (in that order) would have been alright with me. Whatever one might say about the pimping, or the fudging of his training for dramatic effect (no way a street dancer could even get past the audition choreography round without some training), I think Russell had some of the most exciting performances of the season.
His peeps back in his Roxbury neighborhood are celebrating for sure.
According to a tweet for SYTYCDism, there may not be a tour this year, due to the season’s low ratings. I really hope the show is moved back to summer. I think Nigel would like that. But FOX suits have said in interviews that the show’s presence on the schedule helped the network’s overall ratings. Season 7 auditions begin in January, in plenty of time for a summer season *fingers crossed*.
Russell Ferguson is America’s Favorite Dancer! – VIDEO
- 6th Place: Ryan DiLello – VIDEO
- 5th Place: Ashleigh DiLello – VIDEO
- 4th Place: Ellenore Scott – VIDEO
- 3rd Place: Kathryn – VIDEO
- 2nd Place: Jakob Karr
- 1st Place: Russell Ferguson
2nd Update: Lyndsey Parker is reporting that Russell is walking around, “In happier news, Russell is up and walking! He just came into the press room and everyone cheered.”
UPDATE: Russell is HURT. He’s limping, and wincing in pain. His leg is messed up. Will he make it til the end of the show?
Live Blog and Videos after the JUMP…
Tonight’s special guests: Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Leona Lewis and Adam Lambert.
Group Dance begins with the Top 20, dressed in black patent leather and the girls in fishnet stockings. It finishes with the Top 6 with the Top 20, featuring the Top 6 dressed in black and gold taking the stage. Really good stuff from a new choreographer. – “Scared of Me (radio edit)” by Fedde le Grand feat. Mitch Crown – Choreography by Kelley Abbey from SYTYCD Australia! – VIDEO
Six judges on the panel tonight: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman, Tyce Diorio, Lil C, Debbie Allen. Each picks a favorite routine to be reprised on the show.
Lil C picks: Kevin, Legacy and Russell Nappy/Tabs Hip Hop number from the “Meet the Top 20” show. “Beggin (District 78 Remix) by Madcon.
Adam Shankman chooses another favorite: Jakob and Evelyn perform a Sonya Tayeh Jazz number. “Tore My Heart” by Oona and Dave Tweedie
Nigel Lythgoe name checks Sarah from Season1! Finally, he admits to having tappers on the show prior to Season 6. His favorite routine is the Tap routine from the “Meet the Top 20” show. Go, Bianca, Peter and Phillip! Who could forget the 2 minutes you spent on the show? “Take the A Train” by Ella Fitzgerald
Mary has been dying to see married couple Ashleigh and Ryan dance in their own style, they perform a Jive they choreographed themselves! And it’s pretty kickin. “Straight to…#1″ (Duck’s Radio Mix)” by Touch and Go.
Leaona Lewis performs “I See You” the theme of the new movie “Avatar”. Oh, I get it now. Nifty Fox cross-promotion! WHOA PITCHY. And, what kind of crappy tuneless song is this? Yuck. – VIDEO
After the break, the Groovaloos perform some funky dance steps! – VIDEO
Nigel Lythgoe picks Desmond and Dwight’s contemporary routine for Kathryn and Jacob, set to “At This Moment” by Michael Buble.
Tyce Diorio picks a Nukul Bollywood for Nathan and Mollee. “Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah” Jodhaa Akbar (soundtrack)
Technical Difficulties! Cat’s mic cuts out…and now…OH NO. She calls out all six dancers, but only the girls come out. There’s some confusion, then the boys help Russell on to the stage. He’s hurt and in much pain. Ryan is eliminated. – VIDEO
Adam Lambert takes the stage to perform “Whataya Want From Me”. He’s dressed in a sharp grey suit, Elvis hair and what looks like…I dunno.. a boa? on his shoulder. Wow, he just did a cool vocal trill on “it’s me” that could have gone terribly wrong, but it was perfect. A stunning vocal, absolutely! Leona this is how you do it!
Now a little video retrospective of the entire season.
Back to the eliminations. Russell is sitting on a stool. Another is eliminated and it is…Ashleigh. She follows her husband out. – VIDEO
Adam Shankman picks another routine: Ellenore and Legacy dance a Travis Wall contemporary routine “Machine Gun” by Portishead.
Debbie Allen picks a routine: Noelle and Russell’s African Jazz (frog dance) by Sean Cheesman. Unfortunately, Russell is injured and can’t perform, so we’re watching the tape of the original performance instead.
More results: Ellenore is in 4th place. Boo. – VIDEO
Lil C chooses another routine: – The contemporary routine by Tyce Diorio from “Meet the Top 20” featuring Arianna, Channing, Jakob and Nathan. It got a standing ovation! “Crying” by K.D. Lange.
Mary chooses: The very recent (last night!) Kathryn and Russell Hip Hop by Napoleon and Tabitha. “I Can Transform Ya” by Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne and Swizz Beat.
Mary J. Blige sings “I Am” – VIDEO
Nigel chooses: Wade Robson group dance from the “Meet the Top 20” show. This is the original routine with the original Top 20. Look, there’s Billy Bell! Hope he’s feeling better… “Comanche” by The Revels
More eliminations: Kathryn leaves the competition in 3rd place. She gives a very touching tear-filled speech.
Jennifer Lopez is next. She’s got a brand-new routine for her hit “Loubitans” Hopefully, she won’t fall on her ass this time. OMG that was so cheesy! She’s “talking” to Santa on the phone. Plus, she’s not really singing. Plus: She’s got some her fav SYTYCD contestants performing with her. – VIDEO
The final elimination! Nigel says the winners are this program, dance and America! He calls Russell an unpolished diamond, Jakob a polished diamond.
A final look at Jakob and Russel’s best moments. Now the results…and
