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Right man won 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Posted: Friday, August 08, 2008 11:52 AM by Paige Newman
Filed Under: ,

After a thrilling season of “So You Think You Can Dance,” the right person took home the prize. Joshua Allen, smile bigger than ever (especially without his braces), seemed more surprised than anyone that he actually won the $250,000 prize.


Fox
Joshua celebrates on "So You Think You Can Dance."

He shouldn’t have been. Joshua transcended his hip-hop roots and proved he could take on any dance, with any partner. His strength made every female partner he had (especially Katee) look weightless, and you never got the sense that he was trying to hog the spotlight. He exuded a humbleness and charm that made him the fans’ favorite.

Even Twitch, who came in second, seemed genuinely happy for his friend and rival. Twitch and Joshua both broke down preconceived notions of what hip-hop dancers can do. While other hip-hoppers, like this season’s Comfort, struggled with ballroom dances, these guys were able to make foxtrots, jives and even Viennese waltzes look professional.

As for the ladies, they have nothing to complain about. Katee, who said during the audition process that if she didn’t make it, she wasn’t going to try again next year, came in third place. And though she was in tears, hopefully, she’ll realize how talented she truly is – she never had a poor performance throughout the entire season.  And Courtney actually developed as a dancer; she got better and stronger – and she looked genuinely grateful to come in fourth.

If fans could vote for favorite judge of the season, mine would be director/choreographer Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”). His enthusiasm for dance never waivers and he even gave winner Joshua a part in one of his upcoming films -- "Step Up 3D." He gets as excited as Mary Murphy, without her, um, volume. And you get the sense that he’s always pulling not only for the dancers but also for the choreographers who design each dance.

Once again, “So You Think You Can Dance” proved it’s the most entertaining, sweet-natured reality show around. It’s the antidote to the nastiness of “Big Brother” and the fakeness of “The Bachelor.” These are real kids with real talent. And they can dance.

Do you agree with this season’s winner? What were your favorite moments of the season?

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Comments

I agree wholeheartedly. He has talent, grace, sensitivity & killer dimples. He always gave a
top notch performance.

Kristin Holbak Los Angeles CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:35 PM)

Did Katee really come in third or did the producers move the runnerups exits around so that the top female (and I think 2nd place finisher) could exit with a goodbye montage, speach, and awarding of check for $50000?

The "second" place finisher gets brushed aside in congratulating the winner.

Made much better TV to have Katee get her moment.

Mark from Calgary, Alberta (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:38 PM)

Joshua was my favorite from the very beginning -- I fell for both him and Katee during No Air.  It's wonderful that they just got better and better during this season.  I am extremely happy for him!!! GO JOSH!!!!

Cindy, Hackensack, NJ (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:38 PM)

The best Reality Show is American Best Dance Crew...

Kassy, San Juan Puerto Rico (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:38 PM)

I am so happy for Joshua, I was really rooting for Twitch, but I knew either one of them really deserved it. This season was amazing, I've followed along since season 2. The choreography has just been outstanding, and I love the new styles they brought to the show. I can't wait for next year! I'm so happy for Joshua, I love how sweet natured and humble he is. I wish this show was on more than just during the summer!

Mandie, Portland, Oregon (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:38 PM)

Joshua has been my favorite from the very beginning. He has such grace and looks to be a real gentleman. He is the perfect partner. I'll dance with him!!

Chris, Louisiana (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

It was a truly great season but if 3rd place gets money, then come on  -  2nd place should have gotten money to - $75,000.  That really wasn't right (and I do love Katee) that as 3rd place finisher she got more coverage and MORE MONEY than the runner up.  

Marian Douglas (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:47 PM)

I'm disappointed that Katee didn't win..best all around dancer, made every partner (even Courtney) look better...and is a better performer.
Shame..I like Joshua and Twitch, but I'd pay to see Katee dance, not the others.  America got it wrong.

jtbwriter (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:52 PM)

I loved the show this year, and Joshua really deserved to win.  I think the final four were all great, but he can do it all.  Congrats to all the contestants!

Maureen, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:56 PM)

Pay Attention "American Idol" It's OKAY to have true talent and no contraversy. It's even OKAY to have only the good talent, no "Stooges" or "Drama", and to let the best performer win. Take notes from "So you think you can dance" before you completely get blown away by good TV.

Buddy Guilbeau (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:57 PM)

America TOTALLY got this one right!!  It was a fantastic season and frankly, most of the top 5 or 6 were worthy of winning.  But Josh and Katee stood out more than anyone else.  And the fact that Joshua was untrained, he deserved the money based on the fact that part of the show is about growth and he demonstrated that from start to finish!

Scotty, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:02 PM)

I have loved Josh since the auditions. He is so humble & the most talented guy I have ever seen on the show. The way he made each dance look effortless still amazes me. America picked the right person & I am so HAPPY for him. Katee was an amazing partner to have. BOTH of them blew the competition out the park. CONGRATULATIONS JOSH!!! AMERICA LOVES YOU!!!

Felicia, Louisiana (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:02 PM)

  Joshua was my favorite from the beginning, he was so cute and did have a sweet nature about him.  I do think it kinda weird that third place should get a cash prize and not second place.  IT WAS A GREAT SEASON!!!!

CINDY TATE (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:02 PM)

I have mixed feelings about this season.  I am truly happy for Josh, Katee could have won just as well and I wouldn't have been shocked.  I think,for me, being a choreographer/dancer for over 15 yrs,I love that this show has been able to showcase the talents of young aspiring dancers and the brilliant minds of the choreographers.  My concern lies with the integrity of the show's format for deciding who wins.  My example: why go through the process of choosing the dancers based on talent & ability in the beginning, then to only let the best dancers get "voted" off by people who are voting for them because of their looks, or their hair. . there's soo many other ridiculous reasons I've heard.  Point being, change the format to let the judges make the decisions till the final 4 or 2.  In my opinion, Will was the best "dancer", he was certainly way better than Mark and Twitch.  So during the auditions, don't even dance anymore.  Just give them a "head-shot", get interviewed, let us hear them talk and where theyr'e from and interview their friends, show us their family- everything not pertaining to dance..because that is obviously what it comes down to.

Maybe (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:04 PM)

I was one that enjoyed watching Joshua from the beginning as well; the man was consistent in his routines and had "UUMPH" in all that he did, along with wearing the pants he had to wear well. They definitely picked the right man to be the winner; though I did think they would pick Twitch I still felt Josh deserved it. THE MAN IS BAD!!!

Yvonne, Granada Hills, CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:04 PM)

If I were a judge, it would be impossible for me to select only one of the top four as the "winner".  Courtney, Katee, Joshua and Twitch were equally outstanding.  What has impressed me about each of them is their humility and genuine joy at being a part of the show, regardless of who won.  No one had a prima dona attitude.  There appeared to be no jealousy among the dancers.  I hope that they retain these qualities throughout their lives.  

Joshua is fantastic.  He was fantastic in everything that he did, especially considering that he had no professional training.  It's mind boggling that he (and the other three) could adjust to the changes in dance styles so effortlessly.  That is the mark of one who has an innate talent in his or her chosen field.  

It was touching to see that Twitch seemed as happy at Joshua's winnning the contest as if he had himself won.  The girls seemed equally supportive of each other.  It takes a great deal of maturity to recognize and appreciate the fact that others may be as talented or better than oneself in a given pursuit.

Teresa Roberts, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:07 PM)

I actually went to a taping of SYTYCD last week ( final 6).  All the families of the dancers were so cool, but Joshua's mom and dad were awesome. I actually think this year's dancers exceeded the choreography ~ that Mia Michaels tartan number was a hot mess!  And Katee and Courtney were totally under-utilized... It is great that Josh won but ... I do have to say that the Jonas Bros segment was stupid and we only ended up with 2 minutes of Josh winning.  The last 10 min or so should be for the winner.

EBee San Diego CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:10 PM)

This is the BEST show on tv!!  I was originally hoping Will would win because he is the best dancer, but I was soooooo happy to see Joshua win.  He totally deserves it.  The final four were absolutely amazing and this is only the beginning for them.  And Will should definitely be a part of the Alvin Ailey dance group!!! WOW

Lisa, Houston, Texas (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:12 PM)

America sure did get it right this time.  The four finalists are unbelievable talent and will all have no trouble finding work but we even eliminated the last four in the correct order.  Good job, contestants and America for voting.

Mary, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:13 PM)

I loved Joshua too but I think it's a shame that no girl will ever win one of these shows because the only people who vote are teeny-bopper girls.  Katee is a beautiful dancer.  She deserved to win - not that Joshua didn't

CY, DC (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:14 PM)

kUHKUHKUHkatee was my favorite. She is fantastic and glowingly beautiful. Joshua, is also great and deserves all the accolades(and money). Both exude great charm and grace. Hope they have fantastic careers

warren gherman. hollywood, florida (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:14 PM)

I think the top three were awesome...  I think Katee should have been 1, Josh 2 & Twitch 3... can't believe Will was out before Mark.  Love Mark, especially in the tryout w/ Queen, but he make it a little too deep wonder how many 808 calls came in for him.

2 left feet (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:14 PM)

I also agree with "Maybe".  When it gets down to the top 10, it goes from a dance contest to a popularity contest and for some reason a boy and a girl HAVE to go.  Once it gets to top 10..let's have 10 more weeks and have only one dancer leave.  I feel that with the extreme talent in the choreographers and all the dance styles available that gender can actually be bypassed now. The Russian dance and a same gender bollywood as well as jazz, modern, hip hop, etc does not have to be "traditional" boy/girl partners.

EBee San Diego CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:14 PM)

Cy, season 3... Sabra..

B (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:17 PM)

Josh is AMAZING, there is no other way of putting it. He excelled at every dance that was thrown at him, never taking the spotlight away from Katee. He's one of the most humble well-rounded guy I've seen in a long time. No doubt about it, Katee was amazing as well, but for someone that hasn't had as much training, Josh turned the competition up-side-down. I am so glad America saw what true talent really is & actually liked it. Josh, I wish you success in everything you do & I know you will go far. WE LOVE YOU DOWN HERE IN LOUISIANA, SO KEEP IT UP & ALWAYS PUT GOD FIRST!!!

April (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:18 PM)

Surely this was the best season to date; awesome dancers, great routines.  I had not heard anything one way or the other regarding no monies for the 2nd place winner.  Where is the info coming from?

Brenda Bryant Elkhart (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:18 PM)

Kassy said:

"The best Reality Show is American Best Dance Crew..."

Umm, no. Not even close.

William, Lexington, KY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:20 PM)

The $50,000 prize was not awarded to the person who placed third.  It was awarded to the top female dancer.  If Katee had won the competition and Joshua had placed second, he would have received the $50,000 award as the top male performer.  Go back and check the recording of the show.

Actually, in my opinion, there should be a top male and a top female dancer rather than one top dancer.  Male and female dancers have different strengths and capabilities due to differences in physical structure.  Comparing male and female dancers is akin to comparing apples and oranges.  Regardless, Joshua deserves his win.

Gail in Michigan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:23 PM)

YEAHHHH! Joshua deserved it. Not only was he humble but he danced his butt of.  I think this has been the best year yet for SYTYCD!

Alexandra, North Miami Beach FL (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:24 PM)

Congrats! to all, especially Joshua.  Great season!  And this show is more innocent and honest.  There were no elaborate fainting spells, no prosthesis to watch for, no sidebets on who was going to fall...just good clean talent by kids with heart!

Ric from Omaha, Omaha, NE (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:24 PM)

This is the first reality show I continued to watch and I loved it!!!!  I'm so happy Josh won.  I loved all of them in the final four but do believe that Josh was the best.  I was also so impressed by Twitch's genuine happiness for Josh.  What a man of character.  I wish all four of them could have won!!!  I just loved them.  Also, my favorite judge is Adam Shankman.  I'm surprised I watched a reality show and I wish this one was on year round.  I noramlly don't watch them because I don't like the drama but this show is all about talent!!!!!!

Ricci (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:24 PM)

I too am glad that Joshua won and would have been just as happy to see Katee win.  But I was disappointed that Courtney beat out Chelsea for a spot in the top four. I felt that Chelsea deserved that honor.  All of the dancers were amazingly talented and I will keep watching next season!!

K. Richardson, Savannah, GA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:39 PM)

Josh was a wonderful and personable dancer. All congratulations to him for winning; I think he deserved it. I'd just throw a shout out to Mark. He consistently brought character to his dance roles (even when it was a "dark" character—remember "Bleeding"!!), and I also felt he showed the steadiest improvement of any of the men.

But, really, once you got down to the final eight dancers, they were all worthy. What a great show

Doug, Colorado Springs (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:40 PM)

The DialIdol site stats predicted Joshua & Twitch pretty close at #1 and #2 respectively, with Katee a distant third and Courtney nowhere near.  It might have been good TV but it was also accurate (if you believe in their methodology).

I like that the show officially paints itself as a popularity contest among talented dancers--if they didn't, I'd be mad that the best dancer didn't win.  Will was the most skilled, but not "America's favorite", in part for that exact reason (much like Danny last season).

But I also wish that they would allow the top dancers (when the judges are voting) or the top vote-getters (when it's down to the audience votes) to remain, regardless of gender.

It would be really interesting if Idol had the singers work with different coaches in different styles each week rather than having theme weeks.  It would provide more variety, less head-to-head comparison when one singer is stronger in a particular style, and a more fun show in general.  But I know I'm dreaming....

Johanna (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:42 PM)

Katee didn't win money for getting 3rd place, she won the money for being the top girl. Kat stated that they changed so that the top girl and top guy would win money, since Josh won the $250,000 she got the $50,000.  And yes, Joshua did deserve to win, he is a great dancer with charm and charimsa - the whole package. I used to dance myself and this is what they look for not just technique unless you are in like a "chorus line".

Cat, Ancient City, FL (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:43 PM)

Truly an amazing season. The lay person such as my self even grew with the competition. It was a very enjoyable season. I agree though the judges should choose the last 4 persons. It turns into a popularity contest not a talent contest at the end . Congrats Josh . I truly liked the Little one though.Courtney was abeautiful dancer. The second place procedure needs to be workred on also.Thanks for a great experence.

Toni Queen Creek Arizona (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:45 PM)

I am glad Joshua won. I was routing for him from the very beginning. This was the best season yet and the final 10 seemed really close and that related on screen. I was glad to see Will dance again last night and in front of his mentor Debbie Allen. I'm not a dancer but they make me wish I was one!  

John (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:50 PM)

First, this was the best season ever. I have not watched American Idol since season 2 because there are usually only two who can REALLY sing, but this show really has 5-6 or more every season.

I really thought that Joshua was better than Twitch, but I expected Twitch's winning personality to sway the vote between these two close rivals, but in the end, America really got it right, which surprised me a little.

I am so happy for all the contestants, especially Joshua, but I really thought that the way Twitch handled defeat showed great character and he is a true gentleman. I love great sportsmanship and I was also very impressed by Twitch's.

As far as Will being a better dancer, I think that in the technical areas he was clearly was, but he was not over the full range of dances he was required to perform, like hop hop. He got voted out for a reason, and I don't think America was wrong at that stage of the game.

Lastly, I can only imagine where Joshua is headed since he is sure to finally get the formal training he has lacked...WATCH OUT.

Kevin C, Nashua, NH (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 4:54 PM)

ive been following SYTYCD since the first season. This season was byfar the BEST of all of them. The competition was amazing, the dancers were fantastic..and the choreography was breathtaking. I cant wait for another season.

Joshua deserved to win..hes going to be Perfect for the movie!!!! The other 3 have nothing to cry about..they all did so well. I was very happy with the outcome. :)

Christie E., Superior, Wi (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:02 PM)

I just wanted to add that I was really delighted that Nigel and Mary each participated in a dance number. It really adds to their credibility as judges - plus, it was fun!

Gwen S., Seattle WA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:07 PM)

This was a great season for the show.  The top 4 should get a monetary prize.  They all worked their rear ends off and each deserves financial recognition.  I'm sure that each of them will get good dance work going forward; but to award only the first and third place winners with money, leaves me thinking that it needs to be changed.  Twitch did a supberb job thru-out the entire show, and walks away as #2, without any compensation.  This is not right.  They could have at least given him a nice car for his hard and dedicated work; such as a new Corvette.  Come on producers, make it right for Twitch, and change your rewards for future shows.  #4 place winner also did a SUPBERB job through-out the entire show and she should have gotten something as well.  

This was a very uplifting program to watch and I congratulate the Executive Producer for his fine work [and not too shabby a dance last evening].  Mary is a scream and is really good; as are all the other judges that appeared in the shows.

Basil Yauger Washington, DC (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:07 PM)

Such a great show.  I am so glad I am hooked on it.  Everything from the judges, to the coreographers to the dancers and the host, Cat, it is so much fun to watch.  Katee was absolutely marvelous and between Twitch and Joshua (and Will who didn't make it into the final 4), it didn't matter to me which one won, especially once Katee came in 3rd place.  These three were the best male dancers as far as I was concerned and Katee made them look even better.  

emf (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:07 PM)

It's amazing to see something worthwhile coming from FOX although I do feel guilty about supporting the network by watching this show.  It's nice to come away from something on FOX without watching someone get insulted down to nothingness by a commentator or judge which is the norm nowadays.

JC, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:12 PM)

I am glad that Joshua won.  I know that many "trained" dancers rooted for Will...but to me dance is so much more than technical greatness.  To be a great dancer, you must be able to feel what you are doing and to impart that feeling to all audiences regardless of training.  Joshua ( and Twitch too) were able to do that consistently.  I felt the dance with them and with others as well.  With Will, I appreciated his training but felt nothing.  Joshua's attitude and his ablility to grow so much during this experience is a lesson to be learned.  Congratulations!

Linda, VA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:14 PM)

I loved this season and thought Joshua was a winner from the first time I saw him. Twitch was a great dancer as well as Will who left the contest too early I thought. Did anyone know that Twitch was in a movie already? Check him out in the dance assemble in the movie HAIRSPRAY! So don't feel bad for Twitch. He already has a good career ahead. I hope to hear more about Katee's future career who was the best female dancer I have seen since the beginning of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!

Georgia Spencer, Gretna, LA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:14 PM)

Opps forgot..... My only problem with this season was that they gave Katie $50,000.  I admit she was an amazing dancer and could have easily taken 1st.  I felt the judges all season pumped her up to make her win and when they found out she didn't they came up with the surprise last minute prize.  Seemed like a game changer to me and the explanation didn't make sense to say she decided to give a prize to the top "girl" and "boy" this year considering she came in third place.  Seems like they should have given Twitch $100,000 and Katie $50,000.  

JC, Phoenix AZ (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:18 PM)

I was pulling for Katee as I thought she was the best overall dancer!  Though I'm glad that Josh won!  He's a better dancer than Twitch.  The Russian Trepak dance with Twitch was like "WOW"!! This was the best season! I've been watching it from the beginning.  Anyone know what happened to Sabra who won it last season?

huge fan, San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:18 PM)

This show makes my summer! I am in awe of the talent, grace and humility these young people possess. Congratulations to Joshua - a very deserving winner! Loved to see what the previous seasons dancers have been up to - what a door opener SYTYCD is - sky's the limit. Can't wait until next season!!

Mrs. E. Weymouth, MA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:18 PM)

I was so happy that Joshua won!  I, too, wish they could have crowned him and Katee both as winners.  They are by far the most exceptional couple to ever get paired together on SYTYCD.  I can honestly say that each of their numbers just wowed me!  It all started with No Air and they just blew me away from then on!

Congrats to Joshua AND Katee!  I hope Katee never quits dancing because she is just too talented for words.  I was also happy to see how excited Twitch was for Joshua.  True sportsmanship...no drama.  This is the best talent-based reality show on TV.

I hope that they were serious when they eluded to having all the judges dance next year.  I thought it was great to see Mary and Nigel dance last night.  I'd die to see Adam, Mia, and Wade dance!

Nicole, St. Louis, MO (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:30 PM)

This is the first season I was an advid watcher of this show.  One show and I got hooked so I DVR'd all the shows when Fox Real channel did a marathon this week.

I quickly became a fan of the top three and I agree that Josh deserved to win, although I was torn between all of the top three.  Additionally, I am glad Josh won because he is not classically trained.  This win will be a big resume buster for him going forward.  Many of the others have classic training to list on their resumes.  So I think it is a win/win situation for all.

Diane (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:30 PM)



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