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SYTYCD Crowns Champ, ON THE TOWN Welcomes Dancer; FULL RESULTS & PICS!
By: Matt Tamanini Sep. 03, 2014
Whoooooooa, this is it! All of the voters have voted, the competitive dances have been danced, the, "Shut your face"s have been shut your faced; tonight was SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE's 11th season finale. And though, as in the last two years, we had four dancers still standing at the beginning of the night, for the first time since 2011, there was only one winner announced. Gone are the days of not having to choose between our favorite male and female dancers; this time, only one gets to take home the title of "America's Favorite Dancer."
Still vying for that price were jazz dancer Jessica Richens, tappers Valerie Rockey and Zack Everhart, and contemporary dance Ricky Ubeda. In addition to the title, this season's champion will receive $250,000, a shoot for the the cover of Dance Spirit Magazine, and (most importantly for us theatre-lovers) will be offered a role in the currently rehearsing Broadway revival of ON THE TOWN, when SYTYCD's tour wraps in February.
As I said in last week's recap, coming into the finale, Ricky was clearly the best technical dancer in the bunch, however, my gut told me that his perceived dominance all season might result in a lack of voter support. I mean, it's no tlike it would be the first (or fifth) time in the show's history that the "best dancer" was not America's "favorite dancer." Often on this show charm and personality go a long way, and Ricky simply didn't dominant in those categories as much as he did in technique.
Joining the regular judges (Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy) tonight to celebrate the final four, and the season as a whole, was Jenna Dewan Tatum, Debbie Allen, Tara Lipinski, and Adam Shankman. I, for one, have missed Shankman this season. I know that he has been busy with HAIR at the Hollywood Bowl and all of his movie projects, but he so loves dance and this show, that his passion, energy, and honesty are what makes SYTYCD so special. I wouldn't mind if he and Jesse Tyler Ferguson were full-time judges if the show returns for another season.
Also on the show, for some reason, were Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul. They "performed" their "hit" single, "Bailando," from Iglesias' latest album, "Sex and Love."
We will also got to see the final dance crew that Justin Bieber helped introduce this season, and if all of the other ridiculousness that he has unleashed on the world wasn't enough, tonight's crew performance just might confirm the Biebs as the Spawn of Satan.
Other than finding out who won, before tonight's show, I was most excited to see the Top-20 performing together again, especially Tanisha Belnap, who deserved to be in the finals. And to be honest, that fact that she isn't still makes me a little upset, but I will get over it... maybe.
Ok, so, now on to the performances, and the results. Let me know what you think of what I thought in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt. I will be back with pictures of each performance when Fox makes them available. However, I imagine that that will be pretty late, as Fox will want to stem the tide of spoilers.
As is SYTYCD tradition, all six judges will pick their favorite performances of the year (with each finalist getting to perform at least once, coincidently). I will do a short review for each repeat performance, but I'm not going to give a second full recap. If you want to see my thoughts on the originals, check out my article archives here.
Top-20 Performance
Choreographer: AFTER MIDNIGHT Tony-Winner Warren Carlyle
Genre: Broadway
Song: "Doctor Jazz" from JELLY'S LAST JAM (1992 Original Broadway Cast)
Three-Word Review: Sweet Broadway Greatness
There is nothing more joyous and inspiring than a well-danced Broadway number... don't give me your kittens playing with yarn, or babies laughing at paper ripping, Warren Carlyle's opening number did a great job of highlighting the four finalists, but also having the entire Top-20 dancing as a cohesive group. It was classic, it was quirky, it was a great opening for the Season 11 finale.
Mary's Favorite Performance
(Fox photo currently unavailable)
Dancers: Jessica Ritchens and Casey Askew
Choreographer: Broadway's Travis Wall
Genre: Contemporary
Song: "Like Real People Do" by Hozier
Three-Word Review: Perfectly Gorgeous Pair
Debbie's Favorite Performance
Dancers: Valerie Rockey and Ricky Ubeda
Choreographer: Christopher "Pharside" Jennings and Krystal "Phoenix" Meraz
Genre: Hip Hop
Song: "Turn Down for What" by DJ Snake & Lil Jon
Three-Word Review: Val Found Funk
Zack's Favorite Performance
Partner: All-Star Amy Yakima
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Genre: Contemporary
Song: "Europe, After The Rain" by Max Richter
Three-Word Review: I'm Still Underwhelmed
Nigel's Favorite Performance
Dancers: Rudy Abreu and DANCING WITH THE STARS' Allison Holker
Choreographer: Ray Leeper
Genre: Jazz
Song: "Dirty Diana" by Michael Jackson
Three-Word Review: Luck, Lucky tWitch
Awkward Babbling Alert: After taking a deep swig from her spiked Coke cup left over her AMERICAN IDOL days, Paula Abdul stumbled over her telepromptered intro of the Australian SO YOU THINK YOU DANCE champion. I'm sorry Australia. But she's our retribution for Paul Hogan.
SYTYCD Australia Champ Michael Dameski Solo
Song: "Unstoppable" by E.S. Posthumus
Three-Word Review: Screw the Three-Word Review that was the best solo we've seen all season. Sorry Ricky, Zack, Jessica, and Valerie I might think I might have found the best dancer of the year.
Valerie's Favorite Performance
Partner: Zack Everhart
Choreographer: Anthony Morigerato
Genre: Tap
Song: "Sing" by Ed Sheeran
Three-Word Review: Both More Confident
Les Twins
Song: "Fading Flower" by Yuna
Three-Word Review: I Want More!!!!
I understand that all of the random musical acts help subsidize SYTYCD as the ratings continue to fall, but I would far prefer to see acts like this on a dance show than random songs by Lucy Hale and Christina Perri. These two guys perfectly encapsulated
Ricky's Favorite Performance
Partner: Jessica Richens
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Genre: Contemporary
Song: "The Vow" by Meredith Monk
Three-Word Review: Better than Original!!!
Back by Popular Demand Performance
#SYTYCDskeleton by Carly Blaney and Serge Onik
Choreographer: Luther Brown
Genre: Hip Hop
Song: "Senile: by Young Money featuring Tyga, Nicki Minaj, & Lil Wayne
Three-Word Review: Twitter Picker That?
Yet Another Degree Deodorant Infomercial: Again, I have resigned myself to the fact that as long as SYTYCD is on the air (is tonight the end?) we are going to be subjected to this ridiculous product placements. And while I always love seeing Jasmine Harper on TV, would it be too much to ask for Degree to make more than one commercial? We saw the same one so many times it made me cringe every time I heard the word "antiperspirant."
Jenna's Favorite Performance
Dancers: Rudy Abreu and Tanisha Belnap
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Genre: Jazz
Song: "You Need" by Bengsons
Three-Word Review: Yep, I'm Angry!
I mean seriously, how is Tanisha not a finalist? She is so insanely strong technically, she is a great performer, and damn is she sexy. As far as I'm concerned, Tanisha was the most well-rounded performer of the year. Ricky might be the best technical dancer, but Tanisha is close, and she performs circles around him. I am comforted by the fact that I am positive she will work, I just wish she would have had the extra weeks of exposure, because, man, does she deserve it.
Enrique Iglesias featuring Sean Paul Performance
Song: "Bailando"Three-Word Review: To quote Bill Maher, "New Rule," I don't review artists who come on shows that require contestants to perform live, unless they are willing to do the same. You are freaking Enrique Iglesias, Julio Iglesias is you dad, sing live for gosh sake.
Line of the Night Alert: As Adam introed his performance selection which centered on two hip-hopping playing cards, he said, "I just want to these two kings that this queen is a huge fan!"
Adam's Favorite Performance
Dancers: Ricky Ubeda and Zack Everhart
Choreographer: Christopher "Pharside" Jennings and Krystal "Phoenix" Meraz
Genre: Hip Hop
Song: "The Antidote" by District 78
Three-Word Review: Still Crazy Good
First Elimination
In Fourth Place: Zack Everhart
Tara's Favorite Performance
Dancers: Emilio Dosal and All-Star Jasmine Harper
Choreographer: Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo
Genre: Hip Hop
Song: "Get Low" by Dillon Francis & DJ Snake
Three-Word Review: Bite Me, Asp!
Top-10 and All-Star Performance
Choreographers: Christopher Scott and Sonya Tayeh
Genre: Contemporary and Hip Hop Fusion
Song: "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap
Three-Word Review: Favorite All Year!
Hey Per Blankens, I know that you took over as AMERICAN IDOL's Executive Producer when Uncle Nigel was run out of town on a rail, but take a lesson from his ability to integrate SYTYCD's alumni into the show. IDOL has lost touch with its roots; roots that no other competition show can compete with. From superstars to artists still playing small venues across the country, IDOL has such an incredible stable of talent that would not only benefit from the show's exposure, but would also remind the viewers of the show's enduring power. So bring us some IDOL alums... or else!
Top-Twitter Dance Crew Performance
Wanted Ashiq
Song: "Dhoom Again" by Dhoom 2 (Soundtrack)
Three-Word Review: Waste of Time
Seriously? I was shocked when they won their initial battle, but the fact that this National Cheerleading Championship reject routine had a spot on the SYTYCD finale makes me sad. I would have much rather seen a repeat of the Top-7 Girls routine than this Michael Jackson line dance wannabe.
Jessica's Favorite Performance
Partner: All-Star Robert Roldan
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Genre: Contemporary
Song: "When I Go" by Over The Rhine
Three-Word Review: Human Race's Hope
Second Elimination
In Third Place: Jessica Richens
Cat's Favorite Performance
Dancers: Ricky Ubeda and Valerie Rockey
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Genre: Contemporary
Song: "Oh Darling" by Gossling
Three-Word Review: Deserving Final Two
Final Elimination
In Second Place: Valerie Rockey
Which means.....
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE's Season 11 Champion:
Ricky Ubeda
Ok, I admit it, I was wrong, and when I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong. Yes, I thought Ricky deserved to win, but I thought that one of the girls would pull off the upset. It is not a given that the season's best dancer will end up being America's favorite dancer. So, it is reassuring that Ricky, deservingly, took home the title tonight.
What was not reassuring was the fact that neither Nigel, nor Cat, mentioned anything about a Season 12 renewal.
So, are you pleased with this season's champion? How do you think Ricky will do in ON THE TOWN? Let me know what you think in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt.
Photo Credit: Adam Rose | Fox
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