Finalists Ariana Debose and Brandon Dumlao Were Eliminated by the Judges
Top 18 Finalists Compete as Couples on Next Performance Show.
Finalists Ariana Debose and Brandon Dumlao were eliminated by the judges tonight on the hit series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. Debose, 18, is a Contemporary dancer from Newbern, NC, and Dumlao, 21, is a Hip Hop dancer from Concord, CA. After their first performances, the judges asked four finalists – Ariana Debose, Brandon Dumlao, Russell Ferguson and Pauline Mata – to perform a solo routine and then eliminated Dubose and Dumlao.
It was also announced that Noelle Marsh was unable to perform due to an injury but is expected to return next week.
The competition continues on television’s most original dance show Tuesday, Nov. 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX when the remaining 18 finalists (Phillip Attmore, Channing Cooke, Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Mollee Gray, Karen Hauer, Kevin Hunte, Jakob Karr, Noelle Marsh, Pauline Mata, Kathryn McCormick, Legacy Perez, Bianca Revels, Peter Sabasino, Ellenore Scott, Victor Smalley and Nathan Trasoras) compete as couples once again on a two-hour performance show. At the end of the show, judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman will send two more dancers – one male and one female – home.
The following week, on Tuesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 16 will take the stage in another two-hour performance show. Beginning this week, after each Tuesday performance show, the phone lines will open and the fate of the finalists – one of whom will be named America’s Favorite Dancer – will be left up to the voting fans. Tune in the following night, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) when two finalists are sent home on the first live results show.
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107 Responses to “Finalists Ariana Debose and Brandon Dumlao Were Eliminated by the Judges”
I was really disapointed when i heard that thejudges were going to select the two preformers who would dance for their lives and then the judges send home 1 guy and 1 girl. I feel america should have been voting as soon as they gave us the top 20. I do not know why they changed it this season. But i love the show.
i feel like the stage is too big, it’s not that intimate anymore. in the other seasons i felt i was on stage with the dancers, now i feel like i’m in the last seat.
My TV provider “Brighthouse” stopped the show I was copying while I was at work and I couldn’t see the ending to 10/27/09 show. You should have easy access to the show on this website so people who follow can see it if it’s missed.
I was very disappointed with who the judges put in the bottom 2 for guys. The 2 with the most adversity but still managed to do good jobs the tap dance guy who did hip hop should of gone home!!!!
Nobody else thinks that Ariadna was awesome last night? Why was eliminated? I really think we have lost all with these new rules. I thing it was more fare last year. Also, I think current contestants (not all but many) are worst than edition 5 ones. I don’t really like tap ones and molle and her best friend for example. In fact I just like Jacob, Nathan, Russell, Ariadna (eliminated) and Billy (gone, he was my favorite ). I don’t think they can dance.
It is just my personal opinion.
I wish you could post the shows/full episodes online!!!!! I’m in rehearsal or teaching dance classes and don’t get the opportunity to watch. I think you would have even more online responses from people if they could watch the show via fox’s website. Instead of fishing through youtube.com, fans could go to the source. Personally, I would be a very loyal online viewer!
It appears that the producers and the judges had it in for Ariana. They did not highlight her at all and her solo was clearly the best out of the four dancing for their life. It is clearly not about the dancing but who Nigel thinks will rate. Too bad, Ariana brought diversity and beauty!!!
I agree. I also feel the stage is too big this year. It seems like politics was a factor in the judges decision to put Russell and Ariana in the bottom four this week. A little too early to tell, but Ariana was a front runner amongst the girls in my opinion.
Ditto! The stage is awful!! It makes viewing from home so much more difficult. The lighting makes it so you can’t see the dancers’ faces and everyone knows dance is supossed to be filmed in the round! Come on producers! This fall season is such a disappointment so far!
Ok, stage aside…
I thought both Brandon and Arianna did a great job with their partners. I don’t want to come across mean at all, but I think Philip and Channing didn’t perform to their potential. I think Molly acts too much like a little girl, personally, but she is a wonderful dancer.
I agree with the jidges’ choices this week.
It is quite interesting that they are letting Brandon possibly come back next season, even though he has been in the Top 20, because of Billy’s drop-out.
Once the Top 16 is chosen, if the viewers are going to have the final say when deciding who is eliminated, maybe there should be a “save,” where no one is eliminated, but only one time in a season.
Maybe next season, we will get to vote on the Top 20 and Top 18 weeks, like before. For this season, we’ll see how the Top 18 elimination goes.
Hopefully, Noelle will feel better next week, but it is expected she will be back. Voters, remember to vote for her should she make the Top 16.
Until then, I’ll be there next week!
I really enjoyed Ariana’s performance, which was my favorite with the other hip hop dance on the show. Ariana is very talented, does have charisma, and did connect with her partner! She should not have been sent home last night. I bet if the public had voted, the result would have been different.
I’m a little disgruntled with Nigel’s brash comment to talk with the producers about allowing Brandon back on next season. If he wasn’t ready this season and Billy Bell was, why is Billy Bell not being asked back? It’s not as if he got ill on purpose. Not knocking Brandon (his performance with Pauline was one of the ones I really liked!) but I just don’t think it’s right to have the rules bent for him instead of Billy, who actually earned his spot in the Top 20 in the first place.
I think it would only be fair to ask Billy back first. If he can’t do it, see if Brandon has grown enough and then ask him.
I also agree with the comment about the stage. That setup is cool for the season opener and the season finale. I miss the old SYTYCD, when things were more intimate and I felt like I was part of this special program. There is such a thing as “too mainstream” and I feel like the show I once loved is rapidly approaching that marker. I’ll continue to watch because I love dance and whatever has changed, that much continues. But I hope they stop all the changes when the summer season starts.
I don’t think Russel should have been in the bottom two guys but I loved the show! I am not a huge fan of the disco routines but last night’s disco with Nathan and Mollee was AWESOME!!!! Those two were fantastic and I’m hoping they go all the way in this season. I love the new set but I have to agree that sometimes it feels like the camera is too far away and not getting the angles it was in seasons past on the old set. Cat is an amazing host for this show, she always seems to be so motherly and I love that about her! I also think Adam Shankman is a great judge and can’t wait to see how this season works out!!! Way to go top 20!!!!!!!
I miss the old stage and I agree, I was much more excited by the season 5 group. I think this group has a lot of potential. I also hate the fact there isn’t going to be guest judges. I liked the variety of opinions from the different judges.
I love this show - been an avid watcher since Season 1. However, I am really disgusted with the judges and the show after last night. I can not believe that when Russel’s partner was injured, they put a professional stand in to dance with him; and, during the judging, everyone was so gentle and understanding with him. Yet, when Pauline’s partner had to leave, they had Brandon come in with only 1 1/2 days to learn a piece that everyone else gets 1 week to learn? Plus, during the judging, not a peep of sympathy or understanding about only having 1 1/2 days to do what he did! Why the double standard? Then, to cut him — really feel like they used poor Brandon when they did not have to. I’m sure the show realized it, and that’s why the comment about bending the rules for Brandon to come back next year, but why put him through all of this just to cut him and be so unsympathetic to him on national t.v.?
I’m not saying Brandon is the best dancer on the show, but I just felt like the show used him just to spit him out when they didn’t have to. I didn’t care for the double standard at all.
Sorry Nigel, but I had to get my feelings out on the matter. Last night aside though — I still love the show! Oh yes, and I hope Sonja finally gets an award this year — she is awesome!!!
i don’t like Phillip the tapper. It’s not that I don’t like tappers; it’s that i don’t like THIS tapper. He is arrogant and fake and he’s not even that good looking. I’m tired of seeing his fake smiling face! I could watch Bianca all day! She is talented, humble, and a beautiful dancer!
Ariana should not have been sent home and I am baffled by the judges decision. It appears that they did not like her. Her dancing far surpassed many other dancers in the competition. Also Nigel and FOX, if you are going to break the rules for one you better do it for Billy and anyone else under similar circumstances or be prepared to be sued. This season is off to a real crappy start. Where is Mia? We need Paula?
Well, I guess that goes to show you how much I know about dancing. I TiVo’ed SYTYCD and just go around to watching it. I have to say I thought Brandon and Pauline’s performance was beauiful. He had a day and a half to learn a waltz that was so outside of his specialty it was ridiculous. That perofrmance gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. Secondly, I’m not so crazy about the caveman bits. Feels like the choreographers are reaching this season… Just my opinion. Still love the show though!!
I watch the show because I like to think that this show is for real. But, last night changed my mind completely. “Russell” was put in the bottom four? I couldn’t believe it, I just could not believe! That kid has show improved since he’s been on the show. His partner dance was great; you can tell he dances from the heart–thats where that kid talent comes from. For as the girls “Arianna” should not have went home, she danced way better than the girl who stayed… it was her partner who was “weak!” C’mon dont “flake out” like all the rest of the reality TV mess! Please give those with talent a chance–dont exploit them!
[...] Last night was the first competitive show for the Top 20 of season six’s “So You Think You Can Dance”, and while many of the dancers got remarkable praise for their talent, sadly it was probably the shortest competition ever for Brandon Dumlao, who along with Ariana DeBose, were the first to be eliminated. [...]
This season is just SOOO wrong! The stage is horrible, camera work is horrible, and the blinding lighting is horrible. I love tap, but the way they are portraying these tappers is horrible. What they did to Brandon was horrible. The 3 permanent judges idea is horrible, and I swear, if Paula Abdul comes on the show I’m going to boycott that episode. I hate that woman. The dancers this season don’t seem very likeable, and I’m failing to see much talent, even though they keep saying that this season is the best of all of them. I don’t believe that for one second. They’re making it too much like American Idol or Dancing With the Stars with all of the glitz and not as much of the art. If I don’t start seeing some better dancing and some better routines then I’m going to lose attention. This used to be one of my FAVORITE shows that I looked forward to, but it’s like I’m watching a completely different show now. I should have realized that when they held last season’s finale in that huge place. Listen to the fan’s fox!
Ariana should not have gone home. If America would have voted, I’m sure it would have turned out way different. She was given a terrible partner and the choreography was lacking. She carried herself with poise and grace. The Noelle girl should not have been given a pass. If you cannot perform then you should go home.
I agree — I do not like the new stage — it feels really fake… and whoever they have hired to focus the lights, clearly is not doing their job. There were TONS of dark spots last night - which, in my mind, is not okay for a show of this standing. I have not seen the talent and potential the judges are droaning on about — but each season I feel this way until I get to know the dancers more. I wasn’t sure about Jeanine last season and now I just want her to come back. I hope this season gets better as it goes. I also heard there are no guest judges?! I think that it’s too bad — I loved having guest judges - it always brought a new way to look and feel about a piece. Also, what is the deal with Mia Michaels not being on the show this year?! Her pieces are always my favorite — she is brilliant!
If Russell was sent home, I would have given up on SYTYCD this season completely. I’m shocked that he was in the bottom 4. He symbolizes what this show is about and has the raw talent and personality to back it up. His partner was injured, he had to dance with the choreographer (which had to be nerve wracking) and he still did an amazing job with no formal training. What on earth were the judges thinking???
off topic……they need to add fatima robinson to the choreographer list!!! please if anyones else feels the same request her!!!
Kathryn worked it… totally impressed
I really think the judges are badly mistaken. Ariana Debose is a beautiful dancer and person. Nigel said she shows no love or charisma in her eyes…..can he see. Her eyes and facial expressions are so full of love and charisma. I have known Ariana since birth and I know that this show is just a stepping stone for what she will become…..a broadway performer. So here’s to you Ari!
Not so sure how much I’ll be watching this season. Firstly Ariana and her partner did a great routine. Alan started with the awful reviews of them and Nigel and Mary followed. It would appear to me that those two danced it the way it was choreographed. On top of that, you’d have to be blind to not see that Ariana’s solo was better than that other girl’s solo. Last night seemed really unfair, especially to the two dancers that went home. If you can’t stick to the rules you set, what is the point of rules to begin with. America should have been allowed to vote.
Well I’m freaking out too. My DVR didn’t recognize the show or something last night because it didn’t tape and I didn’t know until it was over. Now I see that I cannot even watch the full episode (or any of it that I know of) online. This is the digital age FOX. You are owned by a multi-billionaire media mogul. The net is also media. I didn’t see the stage last night so I cannot comment but if it is so bad that several have commented, then something is wrong. If Billy Bell was cut from the show for being ill, then YES he SHOULD be invited back. The auditions were grueling and I’ve never see any solo like his last week. He was the reason I was so excited by this season. 19 and so talented and teaching others already. FOX please listen to your fans. We are not happy already. If you need ratings and controversy get Tom Delay on your show. We want art, creativity, and beauty and all that dance can be.
I have loved SYTYCD since season one, but if last night is any indication to how this season is going to continue I may have to eliminate it from my DVR schedule. Despite what others are saying on this blog, I think the dancers, individually, are great, but the stage is HORRIBLE! In the past the stage was set for watching amazing dancing and dancers! Now, it just looks like a lounge in Las Vegas! Thoses obnoxious lights and background “movie” scenery is so distracting it really takes away from the skill and remarkable talent of the dancers!
P-L-E-A-S-E DO NOT LET PUALA BE A JUDGE ON THE SHOW!!!!!!! Don’t get me wrong, I loved her in the 80’s and I loved her on American Idol, but this show was always so much more classy and serious! LEAVE THAT SEAT EMPTY!!!!!! Maybe if would be cool to see if she could still choreograph, BUT NOT AS A JUDGE!!!!
Fox - why don’t you post the complete shows online for those of us who love the show but have other engagements that cause us to miss it?? If I had to pick one show to watch it would be So You Think You Can Dance, I have been so loyal since Season 1. Please at least give us an explanation why it is not posted to watch complete shows. Thanks
It’s time for the Judge’s to establish a standard.
Ashleigh…re-roll the tape. The only thing she did was strut. No dancing. The choreographers aim for the dancer’s strengths, so are they admitting all she can do is strut and show legs? Make her do the dances like everyone else.
Don’t baby the tappers, either.
Cat needs to seek advice. Her hair and costumes were a disaster last season, and last night was one of the worst. It aged her 10 yrs.
The stage needs to be fillmed in a more intimate manner, and the added flash, etc. is distracting. It must be for the dancers, also.
My choice for eliminations: go with the gift you received, Billy and Noelle, then allow them to try out again next season. If I had to pick others, Ashleigh, for sure, since she didn’t dance (but blame is with the choreographer for not requiring her to), then add one of the many who can’t keep time to the music.
Compare Russell’s ballroom with Ashleigh’s strut. Russell learned a new dance. What did Ashleigh learn?
What is happening this season?? The stage is large and ugly. Why did they have to change the old one–nothing was wrong with it.
But more importantly–why did they send Ariana home?? I thought her dance was wonderful and her solo was clearly better than Pauline’s. The judges never even gave her a chance. They never feautured her on the show at all, she’s thrown into a bad routine with a brand new partner since Billy left, and then is just sent home. Look at the montage at the end–brilliant dancing!! Not fair at all.
Oh and why are we not voting?? Isn’t the show about finding AMERICA’S favorite dancer, not who Nigel thinks is the most marketable??
I’ve watched the show since season 1, but I don’t think I’ll be watching it this season. It’s going downhill fast.
I know what you are trying to do with the show, but I think you are headed in the wrong direction. What works on American Idol does not work on your show. Ariana was great and the way you treated her was all wrong. I will write every one of your sponsors and request that they pull their sponsorships from your show. I will also write Fox and see what kind of complaints I can file with the FCC as well. As a former broadcaster, I know that you are supposed to be broadcasting in the public interest, but I see no evidence of that in your show. You are supposed to have literary, artistic, political or scientific merit in broadcasting. Any artistic merit you have is countered by your less than literary approach.
We had a blackout in LA just before the show began. Unlike most of the channels, Fox doesn’t show the episode online, though I can see many of their other shows (/?/???). If you aren’t showing it online, can you show the episode again on Friday?
Ok yeah the stage might be worse than past seasons and the camera work isn’t its best. What really has me upset after last night is the fact the Judges put Russell in the bottom 4…….. R U SERIOUS???? I have watched SYTYCD since season 2 and Russell has got to be one of the best dancers I have seen on this show! But I am glad I got to see his solo, SICK!!!!!!!!
I must say I started on Monday Night really excite to see the preview show and I thought it was good. Then comes Tuesday, and what the…it’s like a completely different show. First there the big flashing stage which during the disco routine I actually felt concern for Mollee safety during the spin. I also wonder if any viewers were experiencing seizures. I’m not epileptic but that almost did it. Second you put Russell (and Brandon) in the bottom 2 guys. I think there were way worst male performances then theirs. At that point I would have stopped watching the rest of the season for the first time since season two. Third, feel like a spectator and not a participate in this show. Its not really America’s Top 20, it’s America’s Top 18. Let’s keep it real. The people you chose would not have been the people viewers would have chose. I was excited to have another season this Fall but you guys should have considered baseball season. If you knew you show which is based on viewer participation would be affected I would rather wait til next summer. I’m giving next week the benefit of the doubt.
I think that out of all the dancers, Kathryne did the best. She seems to dance with alot of energy and soul and I feel like she completely puts herself into her dance. I don’t really agree with the judges decisions, and I think America’s choice REALLY will be shown when viewer voting starts next week.
1. The stage is way too big and it makes all of the dancers look worse than they are.
2. The crazy backgrounds are really distracting and i can’t watch the dance as a whole.
3. Why cant we vote the first 2 weeks? It is not truly America’s Favorite Dancer anymore.
4. The judges did not consider personality when choosing the bottom 4 (which should have been 6 or 8 dancers instead of 4).
5. ARIANA SHOULD STILL BE THERE. If the people had voted, she would still be in the competition.
post the full episodes online!!
Extremely disappointing season starting last night for all the reasons stated above.
The new stage is awful! The lighting hides untalented people, but the rest of the dancers deserved to have their talents and artistry on display
Arianna would NEVER have been cut by the audience;whereas, across most blogs Ashleigh seems to be seen as the least talented and least favorite of the girls, and Russel seems to be a favorite.
SYTYCD should just admit that not allowing the public to vote was WRONG (capital letters for a big mistake!) and then should bring ALL 20 back (minus Billy who is sick) and allow THE PUBLIC TO PICK THEIR FAVORITE DANCER.
Russel wouldn’t have been in the bottom, nor Arianna, nor Pauline or Brandon.
These dancers have had a really crappy leadership and guidance throughout the auditions and this first show. Cussing at them. Telling them they’re crap. Frankly, I noticed the tone change from this year to the past and I think this desire to rachett up the negative tone and the strobe lights and having poorer dancers (like Asheigh particularly) is just a sign that this show has turned into some sort of giant mistake!
Change back! Old stage. REAL TALENT. Who cares about a husband wife story or best friends story? We want the dancing! We want to be able to pick our favorite and not have the judge send our favorites home without our input! And we want a better stage. And we want better than what you’re giving, which also, if you noticed is what people are saying about the way you treated your dancers. They deserve better than how you treated them too!!!
America wants Ariana back!
America want Brandon back!
America wants the old stage back!
Tuesday’s show was a horrible mistake and the producers should admit to it, go back to a ‘redo’ .
I can tell you from comments I’ve read across the many SYTYCD sites that SYTYCD will lose many, many viewers if their mistakes are not corrected immediately!
This translates into advertising money being lost.
This translates into people leaving this show and not going to their live tour. (65 bucks a person or more!)
This translates to major money losses when America feels that the producers have taken a wonderful desert and given them a burnt offering instead.
(Burnt offering…appropriate. SYTYCD burned Ariana and Brandon both because no way would America have voted those two off the show!!)
The new set is terrible - the lighting glares in my eyes out of the TV. The set is less intimate.
I agree give us access to the episodes our electricity went out in a storm and cut off the last 40 minutes.
Bummer about Ariana. I liked her piece.
WHAT WERE THE JUDGES THINKING!
ariana did AMAZING! and im sure everyone agrees she did much better than pauline….why was she even put in the bottom two! this season is off to an awfully rocky start…BRING ARIANA BACK!
Noelle should have been automatically cut just like Jessie in Season 3.
The auditions this season were the worst. They showed the some of the most meaningless dancers for more than half of each audition episode when what they should have done, is at least feature all the top 20 dancer’s auditions. From what little of what we’ve seen, Ellenore looked like the most serious and talented contender in her audition.
This was a good show. I thought this season might be able to be on par with season 3, and it’s not too late to prove me wrong, but with the way things are going, it looks like this show is going to the dogs.
I want to fervently agree with those calling for SYTYCD to be online. I would be a multiple time watcher! Think of all the commercials you could get me to willingly watch!!!!
And why cant I see SYTYCD Canada [and all the other SYTYCD shows] inline just cause I live in the USA? I would watch!!!! Or sell me the shows an Amazon at the very least! You guys are missing out on some sure bets here!
I [and others like me who love dance] would be such a loyal consumer. Really think about this you guys- I’m not alone in wanting so a lot more SYTYCD.
Oh and I’d like very very much more Mia Michaels on my TV- so either get her her own choreography show [If you are not who is considering it- shame on you! BAD network!] or GET HER BACK!!!!!!!
Season 5 sucked major butt! The way season 6 is going it looks like it will suck more butt. The routines are boring as hell and the stage is just UGLY. WE MISS THE OLD SYTYCD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Season 3 and 4 were the BEST. If things keep on going on like this, I’m going to stop watching the show.
We want Iveta back on this show instead poorer “dancer” Asheigh!!!
First - I don’t think Ariana was the worst that night or on the whole audition weeks.
Second - I really don’t like the NEW stage, It’s lag of communication between the audience - the judges and the dancers, and the lighting is so contrast + dim, for god sake.
And last - I feel terrible to know that Mia Michaels left! oh my
The judges got it all wrong:
1) Noelle gets a free week and someone who dances has to go home? why not get injured continuously and float right on into the finals?
2) Bend the rules for Brandon? I thought he did a great job and if the fans voted, i’m sure that he and Pauline would have been safe simply because they would admire his story, his courage for joining the show with less than 48 hrs notice, etc… But why bend the rules for Brandon, but not for others? The judges are just sending an unclear message.
3) Ariana is fabulous- she should not have been sent home
4) The judges were loving Russell after he danced- yet they put him in the bottom?? I don’t get it! What message are they sending Russell and America by telling him that “he continues to impress, continues to improve,” and then with no explanation, putting him in the bottom? BTW, fans LOVE him.
They should have just cut Noelle immediately, and then put Phillip and the other tap dancer that danced with Ariana (don’t know his name so he is clearly unremarkable to me) in the bottom 2 for the guys.
AMERICA *NEVER* WOULD HAVE VOTED ARIANA OR BRANDON OFF THE SHOW.
The treatment of them last night was despicable. Ironically, Ariana was one of the ONLY female dancers who DOES have Charisma and Heart, by the bucketload–and to hear Nigel say that, and just toss off that BS comment to her as if it were nothing, was heartbreaking to watch. Did he watch her DANCE? She was ALL Charisma and Heart! She has TALENT, which is what the show is supposed to be about. I have a feeling it was all about politics and “look.” What a raw deal. She deserves to still be there, and they should have sent the injured “y’all” girl home. Can’t dance, can’t play. America would have sent her home way before Ariana, anyway. From what I have read all over the net, Ariana was an early favorite of America’s. We loved her. Big MISTAKE, SYTYCD! Not letting us decide, when it’s supposed to be “our” favorite–is total BS. It was very upsetting–and shocking–to see her sent home. Wrong.
And to do that to Brandon (axe him, fly him all the way out there, then axe him again after 1.5 days–after he was WAY better than Ariana’s partner, and much more enjoyable to watch), and give him no mercy for accomplishing the feat of learning and performing that waltz (very well for out of his style) in such short time…but coddle Russell? Terrible. He couldn’t have possibly done better than that, considering the circumstances. Why did they even fly him out there? And give him the consolation prize of possibly coming back? What about Billy?
I’m telling you, there is a Season 6 curse. Everything is out of whack.
Why not have put Russell and Pauline together–or have had Pauline dance with the choreographer like Russell did–and have Billy and Noelle be the first of the top 20 to be out? Why go through all that drama? Noelle should not have gotten a free pass. If she did, then Billy should have. The whole thing is ridiculous.
My opinion: Noelle and Peter (boooooring, no spark) should have been sent home.
THE STAGE: VISUAL POLLUTION. Over-kill. Too much, too much. Terrible camera work and the lights and screens are Atrocious and distracting (and perhaps even dangerous). SYTYCD has become over indulgent and lost its way…and it’s showing. Thus: the Season 6 Curse. That’s what happens when you’re out of balance.
Are you listening, FOX/SYTYCD? You’re losing us. We want our intimate show back and we want to vote for “our” dancers.
And please treat the artists with more respect. They’re working their butts off and pouring their hearts out. We would just watch Idol if we wanted to see artists slaughtered. Here, we just want to watch them perform and celebrate them.
arianna and pauline are the bootom 2 girls WHAT?!?! arianna did great and pauline had to switch parters right in the middle of the week! pauline wasnt given enough time and arianna wasnt given enough publicity. nigel had no sypothy for the girls. brandon and noelle should have gone home. period. cant wait to see pauline peform next week! shes my favorite!
mia michaels left?
I agree with kpanda…where is Fatima???
The weakest performers were easily identified and eliminated. Brandon came in late as an understudy and was doomed, and he knew that. Ariana apparently had gained weight and dropped confidence at the same time… a bad combination.
When being chased by a bear, you don’t have to be faster than the bear, just faster than the other runners. Ariana wasn’t.
I don’t believe Brandon should have been sent home. I think Philip was much weaker. Considering Brandon only had a day and a half to prepare, I think he did amazing.
I don’t understand why all the dancers couldn’t have been allowed to dance this week and next week and each time the public could have voted and then there could have been a double elimination with the combined votes.
By the way, the stage and the camera work suck big time. And all the distracting flashing lights and weird colors behind the dancers are just distracting and make it difficult to watch.
Also, DON’T HAVE PAULA ON THE SHOW. EWWWWWW!
Don’t know if anyone said this yet, but I don’t believe having the judges eliminate in the first two weeks are new “rules.” It’s because the World Series is on Fox exclusively this year, so this week and next are kind of taken up with TV time.
I was shocked that Russell and Pauline were in the bottom four. I agree with the judges choices, based on who the four were, but if Phillip and Channing had been in the bottom four instead of Russell and Pauline, I would have voted for them to go.
i really agree with Lela. They just used Brandon to fill-in the spot of Billy Bell on the very last minute. They did not give Brandon a fair chance. He may not be 1 of the greatest dancer but with just a day and a half rehearsal, he really did a decent job! Way better that the other contestants who has more time to practice & built their chemistry. I’m not an educated dancer I just love dance, but i appreciated Brandon & Pauline’s dance. You can see the chemistry & I was moved! I may not know the correct posture or the feet position but who really cares! I was entertained & they put a smile on my face! Imagine if Brandon stayed, their partnership will be one to watch out for.
Brandon is such a gracious person and gentleman. He was only thankful in spite the obvious desperate solution you guys had to make for the show.
And Russel nominated?! Come on! The judges are contradicting their selves! They kept on saying that the show is all about helping dancers grow, especially street dancers who has no formal training. Of course, Jacob should be great, Philip should be great! They are trained dancers! Duh?!
I can appreciate Jacob’s talent but really, I was not moved or enjoyed their performance! There was no chemistry at all! All I saw was 1 talented boy dancing & 1 average girl dancing!
I say, give both Billy Bell & Brandon Dumlao an automatic ticket to top 20 on the next season. The America did not had the chance to choose & vote.
Mia Michaels left the show for a couple of reasons, according to a Los Angeles Times interview. She wasn’t getting enough choreography assignments and artistic differences with Nigel, capped by Adam Shankman becoming the third judge for the season. The flair-up with Mary Murphy about Brandon’s (Season 5) dancing ability didn’t help.
Mia was seriously injured in Canada Tuesday evening, Oct. 27 during choreography practice at So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Let’s all pray for a speedy recovery.
SYTYCD 6 is really cursed. Something was missing, the dances are seemed a little off, the stage is weird, so many injuries and unfortunate events..
And eliminate Ariana? She is so so talented and everything that Nigel said that she didn’t have, she had!
And Russel in the bottom 2?? What?
And yes, why can’t Russell just be paired with Pauline?
I think the stage is all wrong. they need to go back to the old stage. Plus Ariana should not had been voted off especially when Noelle did not even perform. Since when do you get a bye week. I have never seen this happen before on this show if you could not dance then you must leave I have been watching since season 1. In deciding the way you did it makes you wonder if there is an hidden agenda because on Monday night show Mary made a comment regarding Ariana that she did not feel she was a strong enough dancer and I was in shock but now it makes me wonder if they had planned pre planned to vote her off. And why didnt Ariana partner end up in the bottom 4 I confused since when do they split up a team to determine who is in the bottom?? Hope someone can explain this to me…
Buzzy said: “The weakest performers were easily identified and eliminated”
My response. Weakest identified. NO WAY. The weakest link is Ashleigh which is why she has a powerhouse as a partner to keep her safe until she can get into a higher slot.
They booted off two people who American never would have booted.
By the way…hmmm weight gain? Despite the powerful, technically strong, artistically skilled, and beautiful fluidity? Not connecting? Um…yeh…right…
Sounds a little bit like discrimination if they boot someone for weight gain.
Besides, Asheigh’s skinny. Her technique is lacking. Her body lacks fluidity, sharpness, lines, and she basically just pulls and poses–much like Romulus who they turned down last year. She doesn’t connect to the audience except through her husband’s antics. And now they put her with a strong dancer to keep her safe.
American would have been accepting of Ariana’s loss or Brandon’s had the producers found a legitimate way to have America vote. But the way they did it, America would not do. And many will not accept.
I predict SYTYCD will be losing many viewers!
I agree with what everyone has said.
1. The stage sucks
2. They voted off the wrong people
3. They should have let US vote!
4. Do not let Paula Abdule step foot on that show!
5. Mollie is SO annoying!
6. Put full episodes online
This season SUCKS!!!!
get rid of sonja tayen Choreography
she is really bad.
Injustice to let her put these kids in a bad dance and position to be kicked off
last year one of her dance got two people kicked off .
they were good and should have stayed.
I have loved and followed this show since the start, and am worried about this season and the future of this show. This season they have tried to overdose us on their brand new appearance. My first issue like others said is the stage. Besides all the other issues with the stage I am upset about the extinction of the stairs. Some of my favorite pieces on the show have craftily used the stairs to make it more special, like Wade Robson’s Rama Lama performance in season 2 and his piece this summer with Brandon and Janette. Although not the biggest deal, it will be missed.
I think they are also trying to push this whole new appearence by putting in three tappers for the first time ever. I love tap but i think this was a bit two much when they never have even had one in the top 20 before.
I am very upset with the judging decision this year. I loved the fact of getting a variety of the judges every episode, and having a permanent trio will not be as fun. I dont know what will happen to Lil C because there are permanent judges and he doesnt choreograph. If Paula gets to be a judge it would put SYTYCD on a path they do not want to go on.
Now to the contestants, I really enjoy the guys this year, and I think this is the best top 10 yet (the one with Billy). I honestly hope that they let Billy, Brandon, and Noelle (if she doesn’t recover) a second chance to compete, because they are all great dancers and what happened to all three of them was unfortunate and unfair. The fact that Russell was in the bottom two stuns me. The judges all love him, as do I, and he is truly amazing at everything he does while he has had no formal training. Why do they put him in the bottom two after a very good foxtrot, one of the most critically viewed styles by the judges, while Phillip Chbeeb, who I also love, lasted a while when he struggled with everything besides hip hop. Something is messed up there, I think Russell is amazing. Lastly I have concern for Ryan, I think he is a good dancer but I hope he doesn’t turn into Dmitry 2.0 and try to show off his body throughout this dance.
Come on SYTYCD, dont let me down!!!!!!
I felt horrible for Brandon. For him to get invited to come back , then learned a dance routine for 1 and 1/2 day. Only to get sent home after 1 and 1/2 days. Compare to everyone else that had a week to learn the routine—I think Brandon did a good job. The judging was unfair. It should’ve been America that voted, not the judges. I feel like this season….isn’t all it’s meant to be.
It looks like Nigel’s ego may be getting in the way of continued success.
Russell in the bottom two guys???? Even Nigel couldn’t keep a straight face when he said it. What a joke.
We agree with pretty much everything everyone has said so far.
1. The judging has been completely unfair so far. We think the decisions they’ve made were ridiculously incorrect. This is AMERICA’S favorite dancer, not the judges favorite dancer.
2. What’s with all the tappers? It’s not enjoyable and if they can’t even perform their style other then a solo, what’s the point?
3. The old stage was better.
4. Having 3 permanent judges is dumb. Having a different person’s opinion each week is much better then the same 3 every time
5. Paula Abdul?? what are you thinking
6. Mollie or however you spell it is way to young looking and not a mature enough dancer. The Top 20 is a bit disappointing this season
7. It seems like the only reason Ashleigh is on the top 20 is because of her husband. Why was she picked?? Her technique is not good and Karen out shines her all the time. It doesn’t seem fair that her husband was also a free ticket for her to be on the top 20. She’s awkward to watch and makes me uncomfortable…same with Bianca.
8. On a lighter note, RUSSEL is amazing. Take more dancers like him next time. And also KEVIN, KAREN, JAKOB, LEGACY, PAULINE AND VICTOR are amazing. All of the top 20 should be as good as them.
Thanks bye. (we’re mad)
Interesting comments (67 as of now). Nigel and company I am hopeful that you will listen. Yes, we get it. Marketing, positioning, blah, blah. You DON’T need to do this stuff. You’ve got a gem of a show already. Not sure what could be done about the distaste with the new stage (we are all probably stuck with it). Maybe something can be done with the lighting….
While we are not professional judges…you have taught us well. Well enough, that is, to recognize the strategizing and positioning that was going on here the other night by the judges. Dangerous stuff (as seen by all these comments).
For example, Mollie’s disco could never compare to Brandon & Jeanette’s technique! Not that I expected it to…these 2 are still young. However, praising them to the extent that was done (I’m assuming for the fan base) was a turn off. Didn’t work for me and I’m betting a lot of others. Stay true and real and we will all continue to watch and love….
what have you done to one my favorite shows?! you had your vote when you chose the top 20 the rest is up to us. if not then I don’t want to play anymore. and purposely playing up crap performances for ratings is obvious and we the fans resent it. your ratings are slipping maybe you should recognize that a slick stage isn’t why.
I love the show, but I am personally disgusted by the judge’s decision to send Ariana home. She is by far one of the strongest and talented female dancers this season. I feel the producers and judges are biased. They didn’t give her any airtime during the auditions or when they selected the top 20, but yet they gave lots of airtime to those who had “charisma” and some just down right annoying (like Mollee and Ashleigh). This show shouldn’t be about charisma, it should be about the art of dance. I can’t believe that the show would stoop so low as to eliminate one of the most talented dancers simply because she didn’t have charisma (which I personally thought she possessed). This just shows Fox only cares about ratings! This used to be one of my favorite shows, what a shame. I used to watch this show to be inspired, now I’m just disgusted!
I agree with offering the show online. I have been a loyal fan since season 1 and have been reporting recaps and such for the past couple of seasons, but I cannot watch or report this season since I have obligated to another show. You are up against another dance show and the ratings are going to suffer terribly since many fans are unable to see the show.
I have to agree about the stage…it is really bad…there is absolutely no intimacy, and the lighting and back screen on it are horrable. I really hope they go back to the old one. And what was up with Russell and Pauline in the bottom??? My favorites are Russell Nathan Jakob Ealenor Pauline (Billy
and I really liked Paula too)
For those of you who want to watch the show in full try blinkx.com or hulu.com,
Responding to KENSIEandELISE…
The point about the tappers…The judges pointed out quite clearly that the tappers would have to learn and do well in other styles but nobody would be able to pick up tap in one week. So basically everyone who is paired with a tapper is automatically handicapped.
Which leads to point two…the Infamous-but-not-for-good-reasons Ashleigh… Take note that Ashleigh because she is the worst dancer in the top twenty this season was being coddled with the best dancer to help prop her up and hide her flaws. The choreographers don’t even give her anything harder than introductory to intermediate dance moves.
By putting her with one of the strongest male partners, they have tried to boast her chances, but why?
They cut one of the best and most personable woman and kept one that is an absolute embarrassment to ballroom dance clubs across this country!
While most of us understand the Ashleigh curse started with Paula complicity holding out for the top twenty after she signed the contract. But SYTYCD was foolish if they never had a clause to prevent that in their contract for Vegas week. Then they compounded it by going with Ashleigh and that silly drama instead of saying, “We’ve had a person drop, we’ll call back these 5 woman for a dance off for the last top 20 spot.”
So here…at the last minute they decided to keep her basically because she finally got one dance right!
So the first night of the show when they danced as a group, Ashleigh stood out like a sore thumb. All the other dancers are fluid, graceful, elegant, sharp, great body positioning and lines… And then there’s Ashleigh. Ashleigh was noted by her stiffness in the choreography, her lack of flow, her lack of beautiful lines and distinctly artistic arms and hands. The only thing she does well is let others dance for her.
So in the ballroom category, Karen and the guy danced circles around Ashley while she did lots of easy ballroom steps and posing and face pulls. And then Ashliegh got to have her husband throw Ashleigh between his legs at the end for effect.
Not good SYTYCD.
You really let one person throw off your whole top 20. Then rather than admitting the messup and getting rid of Ashleigh on the first show when you could ostentasibly be ‘fair’ and do so, you propped her up!
This is an embarrassment to your show, to dance schools who actually teach artistry, and to all those people who auditioned and were so much better than Ashleigh who got turned down.
Now you’re stuck with a horrible stage, a horrible dancer, a angry public that two favorites got KICKED off the show instead of finding a way to allow the public to vote people off.
It really does look like you have a reason you want Ashleigh there even though she really represents the beginner dancer!
While I’m having fun reading all the comments who agree with me, and I’m coming to the website, let me remind SYTYCD that website hits does not translate into ticket sales and advertising dollars. I am hoping that STYCD will find a way to fix this horrible mess they created. In the meantime, I agree with Debbie (way up top)…contact the advertisers and tell them you’re leaving the show due to this complicit setup of taking away our votes and then voting off 2 of people who would NEVER have been voted off so early!
another response for KENSIEandELISE
Bianca and Mollee both have huge potential for growth and are still very good dancers. While Mollee’s skill level is higher than Bianca’s both are still very good and very personable people.
Mollee has a young demeanor but her dancing is excellent and the point of SYTYCD is to help people grow. Mollee will definitely be a gift to SYTYCD and will receive a gift from them too.
Bianca too is an excellent tapper and she does have a good start in other styles. She’s a little weaker but she’s one who has potential.
We all know…Ashleigh is just a beginner and has no business being on the Top 20 of SYTYCCD even though she stands to benefit from their lessons greatly. (She also NEEDS a lot more lessons!) However, whereas Molly and Bianca both are talented enough to the show and will give as good as they get, Ashleigh is not a gift, not a talent, and generally is so undeserving of being on that stage. *Unless SYTYCD decides to represent the new/intermediate class instead of the advanced classs.*
formerly MagicDancer. Just don’t like the name I first picked. So I’m being above board by saying so.
It is time to hold the choreographers responsible.
Routines should be equally balanced, each dancer required to do the same difficult moves.
Tyce, Tyce…you should be ashamed. To tell the group, loosely, “You have to be on, you have to bring it every time, otherwise you need to go home!” and then choreograph a strut and pose for Ashleigh? Well, as I said, you should be ashamed.
It is time to hold the judges responsible.
Judges, you should be ashamed :
Adam: “…you are gorgeous! You are amazing!” You also told Tyce, “That was very smart choreography.” Smart how? Giving Jacob allllllll of the work?
Mary: “Ashleigh is more than just fine, that was phenomenal! Sexy, sultry, oh my god, I didn’t think you had it in you. I didn’t think you were capable of that right now…” Really?? Capable of strutting and posing? Did you see the dance? Please look at the tape.
Nigel: Waxing poetic because Ashleigh had to take 6 years off dancing, but say to Brandon “[he] was only going to judge him on what he did tonight and his performances leading up to tonight” with no consideration for the way the show was actually uuusing Brandon??
The whole thing in a nutshell, “[Ashleigh] you are dancing with one of the most gifted dancers in Jacob that we have ever had on the show…and if Ashleigh keeps on dancing like that with you, you will take her there into the finals with you.” (from Nigel)
What were these three judges watching? Please, all of you, go look at the tape!
5 turns
a few assisted turns
1 1/2 off center pirouette ( 2 feet on floor for last half of 2 planned)
2 leg kicks
2 dips
1 fall and stand
You should all be ashamed.
I feel that fox and the judges are full of crap. i think nigel made a huge mistake sending ariana home and saying he wanted to see more love in her eyes. you dont get more love then she had. the judges are stupid for sending someone home. she was more talented then all the other dancers and if fox and the judges cant see that then whats the purpose of having a show like this.
obviously america would have chosen right. and this show has turned into a crappy one. ive loved this show from the start. but its clear and obvious that fox had it in for her because they barely showed her and barely gave her attention she deserves. its ok fox. she will go on to do bigger and better things without your help.
as far as asking brandon to come back because billy had to leave? whats wrong with you. you should be asking billy to come back when he is capable since he earned his spot int he 20. i feel like fox and the producers are doing these things on purpose to cause drama and create more attention for the public. thats ridiculous. this is supposed to be about dancing. the art of dancing and the love for dancing.
leave the stupid drama out.
In the Canadian version there was a tapper on and he made it to the top four. Mind you he was really good in other styles as well, even before being on the show. Also, his tapping wasn’t what you would have called traditional.
Of interest, I believe, is the fact that the Canadian version used a copy of the original SYTYCD stage and I think that it made his tapping easier to see and appreciate (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
I personally think that the producers don’t give a hoot how we rant and rave on. They don’t care. The level of disgruntled viewers will only be revealed by what happens to the ratings. Only then will we be able to penetrate the thick skulls of the talentless and money-blinded individuals that manipulate the masses.
By the way, I’m sure that Russell was put in the bottom four to showcase his talent and create sympathy and buzz for him. It was obvious all along that they were going to eliminate Brandon.
I agree with most of the posts on this site even if they sound harsh or critical of the season so far and critical of a certain dancer on this show.
I suspect that the producers are probably just saying “KISS OFF” to all of us posting here, but I think they are forgetting that the criticism is from their base, not just the random viewers!
We took the time to come here and post because of some deep concerns. Most were listed above so I’ll just say I agree with all of them and not repeat it.
I just want to add that I had a sense when they had to keep bleeping out comments made to the dancers during the auditions that this was going to be a disrespectful season for the dancers. The disrespect culminated with their acceptance of Ashleigh despite her flaws and then the resulting need to buff up the comments towards her while allowing the choreographers to give her simplistic dance moves. That is disrespect because they put her in a situation where she is not up to par and thus she is getting lots of criticism, not just from fans of Ariana and Brandon but from professional dancers!. (I personally have not chosen a favorite yet.)
And more disrespect continued when they eliminated people who performed extremely well, especially Brandon given his 1.5 day practice session.
They made Brandon and Pauline dance for their lives while only having 1.5 days to learn and practice the routine. They learned complicated dance moves as well and did quite well. They usually have the couples who have to dance for their lives; but instead, they pulled Russel and Ariana out of nowhere to make them dance off while their partners were off the hook. (Noelle for obvious reasons.)
They showed Brandon, Ariana, Pauline, and Russel so much disrespect while they did not hold EVERY DANCER to the same quality of dance movement.
I agree with Darian from above even though I won’t go watch the replay! I used to replay the show and watch the commercials almost every day. Now, I will not do that, but I’m waiting to see if SYTYCD heard us and will make amends. If not, then I’m gone!
SHAME ON YOU SYTYCD. This whole thread is an indictment of your behavior towards all the dancers and your viewers, yet I doubt you have the courage to right the wrongs you have done.
I think Brandon and Ariana handled this horrible situation with tremendous class!
I hope they will find many opportunities in the future.
I think Brandon did not have a fair chance with only 1 1/2 days to learn his routine. This was NOT FAIR to him. With such little time to learn his routine and rehearse, it is no wonder he was in the bottom. Nigel should give him an automatic ticket to Vegas next season. He deserves a FAIR chance for so kindly filling in at the last minute. Nigel should have thought about the rules BEFORE asking Brandon to fill in. I was really DISGUSTED by this turn of events.
The loss of Mia Michaels is also BIG. Her routines were some of the best I have ever seen. The show is losing interest to me now.
Dee said: “I don’t understand why all the dancers couldn’t have been allowed to dance this week and next week and each time the public could have voted and then there could have been a double elimination with the combined votes.”
I agree with that solution Dee. But something is just very wrong with SYTYCD this season. It seems cursed with lots of bad decisions on the judges and producer’s part.
Are they really trying to make it more like Idol or Dancing with the Stars?
I never watched Idol or Dancing with the Stars or any of those other ‘fad’ shows. I watched SYTYCD because it was true talent with an intimate stage, an assortment of viewpoints and personalities in the judges/judging. If I wanted to see dancers like Ashleigh, I have plenty of opportunitie every December and June with the local dance recitals, or the local school talent shows!
So…I guess it’s easy to see why I will not miss SYTYCD since they’ve turned it into one of those shows that I have no interest in seeing–EVER!
We needed to see more of what the Tappers could do. This is the season of the Tappers (finally) and unfortunately, the choreography was weak and did not provide the tappers the opportunity to showcase their true abilities. They need to show more of the tappers!
As a former professional dancer, I think the caliber of dance is improving every season and I can’t stand not to watch it! I love the fact that it is bringing dance to so many more people who previously have had NO CLUE (and probably still mainly don’t) how demanding and intense the pursuit of excellence in dance is. It takes serious work and dedication, anyone who makes it even close to the top 20 deserves kudos for their work! Dance is an incredible, life changing experience and every time I see the contestants it makes me want to make dance a part of my life again. People nitpick about the judging decisions, but most of the viewers have no dance experience and don’t know what they’re talking about. When I was actively working as a dancer, the chance to be critiqued by a professional choreographer was a godsend that I was always grateful for. Although I know they were chosen to be regulars on the show because of their “appeal,” the judges are all professionals who have dedicated their lives to dance and know their stuff! Don’t boo them, the dancers are trying to implement their suggestions so that they can improve! I LOVE this show and am so thankful it’s lasting!!
Response to Shelley Walker
1. Agree the quality and caliber of dance is improving each season. However, the top twenty this season has a few who rock their field, but not so much others. So that should be interesting. (ie the tappers) But Ashleigh as a ballroom dancer in no way shape or form rocks her field. In fact, her presence in the top twenty is an embarrassment to so many ballroom teachers and clubs across this country. She doesn’t even perform ballroom to an adequate level to be on the top twenty and it’s ridiculous how the judges and choreographers dance in circles to buff her up.
2. Ashleigh certainly deserves kudos for her work, but she never should have been in the top twenty, period.
3. You assume that the people here posting on this board have no experience in professional dancing. You don’t know. What the judges should have understood is that even those without dance skills can still see and understand which performers have musicality, artistic arms, legs, pointed toes, amazing lines, and high level skills. One doesn’t have to be a composer and a musician to understand when one hears a beginner vs when one hears a professional. (Of course some may chose the beginner over the professional but they at least know they just ‘like’ one over the other. (By the way, former dancer here, still have professional dance friends, and have a kid who dances though not on SYTYCD. So, please do not assume that I am one of those flakes who you’re referring to.)
4. Judging and hearing the comments are of course important to each dancer. However, these judges were cursing at the dancers during their auditions and time in Vegas. I think that’s disrespectful to them and to the audience to actually curse at the dancers in front of millions of viewers!
5. Darian addressed the specific judges comments in his postings above. He was right on the mark. The judges and choreographers have most definitely set a different standard for each dancer!
6. The judges/producers have decided for some reason to coddle someone who is basically a beginner/intermediate level person, while kicking off much more passionate and artistic people off the show. Did Ashleigh have more pizzazz than Ariana? Not in the dancing, that’s for sure! In the clips with her husband…yeh sure. She spoke to the camera and she told him, “You’re such a ham!” Ok…so that may make her personable in context with her husband, but does she have the personality to stand on her own via her own words and dance?
As far as Ariana…who knows if she’s personable not through dance. The show barely showed her. Maybe she didn’t seek out the camera enough? But Ariana’s dance was so passionate, emotional, and explosive and artistic…that she literally exploded through the screen!
So in all, one doesn’t have to work hard to see that for some reason the judges and producers have kicked the wrong girl off the show.
7. As far as Brandon is concerned, I feel sorry for the poor kid. He was used by this show. In fact Russel, Pauline, Noelle, and Brandon were all involved with injuries. Yet they didn’t even handle those cases the same way!
This show this year has been like playing a game with a 5 year old. They make up the rules as they go. Right is wrong. Wrong is right. Good is bad. Bad is good. That’s what the judges have done this year–made it up as they went and flipped the rules all around!
By the way, I am not referring to anyone as ‘flakes’ it’s simply how I interpret Shelley’s statement: “People nitpick about the judging decisions, but most of the viewers have no dance experience and don’t know what they’re talking about.”
So… SYTYCD posted their top 20 photographer shoot on FB. And it shows in the still frame: Ashleigh. And then it says, “Our first married couple…” And later it shows Ashleigh talking about being there competing against her husband.
The writing is/was on the wall and is clear right then and there.
So this week when Cat announces which of the dancers are in the bottom and have to dance for their lives, she just as well say, ‘Which one of you great dancers will go home so that Ashleigh and Ryan can stay and compete…?”
They’re setting up a story line, a plot, rather than giving fair and trustworthy judging.
I have to say when I heard they were going to determine the bottom 4, I thought they could be trusted to do so. After all, it wasn’t their fault that Paula split. However, what I’m seeing written across the web indicates that the judges LOST TRUST with the American people when they chose THESE bottom 4 and when they dumped Brandon and Ariana instead of really just going with two other options:
1. Letting all of them dance for two additional weeks and then combine the vote scores and have a double elimination.
2. Since both a female and a male were unable to continue, perhaps they should have just given those to an ‘opt in’ to next year’s top twenty and eliminated them from this year due to injury.
Logical…fair! But I guess these judges–ALL THREE–since they were unanimous, prefer to have lost the viewers and dancr’s trust and instead go for silly plot lines.
Shame on them!
First I’m glad that so many people think the same way i do!
Brandon didn’t have a fair chance
and Ariana is such a great dancer
I’m still tring to understand why she left the show…
Does anyone know if Noelle is back?
If she can’t dance
Ariana can go back to the show?
(but i stil love noelle!)
Regarding to Ashliegh Di Lello.You are great!!! We are proud of you. You have overcome so much, you excel in all forms of dance. We love you!!!!!!!
This season is a bit messy — probably b/c/o scheduling problems and injuries. Like many others, I do not like the lights on the stage — they should ENHANCE the performance, not blind the viewers with glare, so they cannot see the dancers.
One idea I really like is the top 20 showcase, where they all perform in their own styles. It would be good to have a different format though. The way it was done this season puts certain people at a disadvantage — like the people in larger groups (contemporary) and the girls’ group. (To this date, all of the all-girl pieces have all been sub-standard in choreography to the mixed and guys’ pieces.)
It might work to put everyone in pairs in week one and, one day, the pairs would perform in the girls’ styles, the next day (instead of a results’ show) in the guys’ styles. This way we would see everyone in their comfort zone and out of it. Week 2 would start the random choices out of a hat and the voting. (This might not have worked with the three tappers but if there were just one, their partner can dance in a similar style without the tapping — just like Ade just supported Melissa in their “ballet” #.)
ok for taylor: Nigel was just telling brandon that he’s welcome to audition again since he was only in the top 20 due to curcumstances out of his control. I think that their letting billy come back to reaudition 2 because the press had interviewed his family and they said that he was planning on reauditioning. just wanted to clear things up.
TO Norman Jolley, Ashleigh, and her family,
I apologize if my comments are overly harsh to you.
I believe the producers of this show put Ashleigh in harms way when they knowingly placed her in this situation and then lied to make things ‘work’.
Hate to use the phrase ‘collateral damage’ but unfortunately that is what it is. I have a kid who is the same dance skill level as Ashleigh and I never would have put her on this show at this level!
The producers have set standards for this show for 5 seasons. This 6th one, they rocked the boat in too many ways.
Ashleigh would have benefited from another year, much like Brandon or Romulus, but the producers and judges and choreographers decided they could just try to brain wash the public instead. It didn’t work.
So I apologize for my harsh words. I was not expecting any of the dancers to read this blog. Frankly, I was hopeful that management would read this blog and realize they did a disservice to fans if they think they can lie to us the way they have and get away with this with impunity.
The producers lost our trust and need to earn it back. It’s that simple!
Maybe lying is too strong of a word. Perhaps the word is bamboozle. Same-different? You decide.
Since I’ve been posting a lot, and said many unpleasant things to some, even if truthfully, I want to add that I am not supporting any of the dancers yet. I’m completely undecided.
All I know is that I came to this site to express my feelings of betrayal!!! To express my concerns over the issues discussed above.
All I know is they’ve taken away the good viewing stage, they’ve taken away our vote for 4 out of the 20 people. And yet they still try to claim it’s “America’s top 18, 16, Favorite Dancer.”
It sure feels rigged. I feel like they’re trying to bamboozzle the audience. I feel betrayed.
And I’m not alone here. So even if my comments were centered upon Ashleigh and her flaws, it’s because the choreographers, judges, and producers’ actions showed that they were not understanding and respecting the trust that we had given them.
Ashleigh and Jacob tore it up out there last week. I really think the two of them compliment each other well. I can definitely see the pair of them in the top 10. I am looking forward to seeing them take on more styles together!
This message is for Ashleigh - it is really inspiring to see your success after recovering from a major illness and injury. Similar to you, I had a major illness where I almost did not make it. I eventually recuperated and became mentally and physically stronger than ever before in my life. Shortly afterwards, I suffered a major injury. Since then, I am reminded of the journey again and find hope in seeing your recovery. Thank you for representing! You rock! I am routing for you!
PLEASE PLEASE!!! BRING BACK THE OLD STAGE!! IT’S SO SO SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE NEW ONE!! I ACTUALLY HATE THE NEW STAGE THIS SEASON.
I can’t see the pair of them in the top 10 (Jacob and Ashleigh)
Jacob is definitely going to be but Ashleigh…
last show he did all the dance
she was just posing!
Just a couple of quick comments…
Ashleigh is probably a fine dancer, but her choreography last week didn’t give her the chance to prove it!
But as far as last week’s irregullar choreography and hapazard judging is concerned, a comparison could be made to a class. When students are in a class, the students must complete a certain level of difficulty to be considered above proficient, proficient, average, below average, or poor.
It would be very unfair to fellow students if there wasn’t a standard in grading for the level of difficulty of work completed and the resulting grade.
This is what this whole thread is about. It isn’t necessarily Ashliegh’s fault that the choreography didn’t showcase her dance moves! However, the judges shouldn’t have reacted as if she had performed super-dooper-grade-A-above-level-difficulty-major-dance-moves!
Consistency judges!
You blew it! You cheered as if strutting sexily was a difficult move, while people who learned complicated waltz steps, a routine, and created a loving romantic feel were placed in the bottom 4?
And you really went way off the scale when you placed those 4 people in the bottom four! All four of those people performed complicated dance moves and learned new things. They should have been rewarded for performing and learning new things!
This may be a competition and not a class, but the same rules should apply to all! Fair is fair. You weren’t!
Ashleigh and Jacob just danced. She was much much better tonight than last week! Congratulations, Ashleigh. You did great!
For what my opinion is worth, make sure your hands are involved in the dance too. Sometimes they are droopy and detached.
ashleigh is to be dragged by jakob into the top ten to create a soap opera drama of Ryan/Karen/Ashleigh/whoever
What is up with the stage? Where is MIA? The show is falling apart.
Love the show but hate the new stage… it makes viewing from home very difficult because there are less camera angles. It almost makes it seem more impersonal. I’m not getting the feeling from it that I got when I watched them dance on the old stage. I think it is because people at home now watching like the audience on the show watches- back to far to see expressions and small movements and only one angle.
I hate the new stage. It takes away from the dancers. The stage is too big and swallow up the performance. Not sure why we are so focused on Asheigh. Not to belittle anyone on the show but there are more dancers on the showwho are not getting the props they deserve.
I love how they just spent 10 minutes talking about the dizzyfeet foundation and the website they just promoted does not work. Check it out- it says “service unavailable.”