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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

Oops, forgot to post comment, lol!!
I loved the final 4 this season and was very impressed with all of them.  Josh had the height on his jumps over Twitch.  American got it right for a change.  Way to go Josh and I look forward to next season.

Karen McNeill, New Orleans, Louisiana (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:33 PM)

For the past few weeks I couldn't decide between Joshua and Twitch, but I'm pleased with the outcome.  I'd like to see a follow up in a few months or early in next season's show telling us where this year's competitors are and what they're doing.  So many of them deserved to be offered jobs based on their performances.

Peg, Albany, NY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:35 PM)

I knew Josh was going to win from the very first show when he got his ticket to Vegas!!

Tish, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:37 PM)

Hard to say who deserved to win this year as they were ALL so good--but you have to be happy for Josh.  It's so great to have a television show that leaves you entertained, smiling, and feeling good!  I also love that so many types of dance are included--it helps the young watchers to experience culture they may not have other opportunities for (and makes it cool).  Thanks SYTYCD!

Amy, Idaho (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:44 PM)

This show puts the "real" in reality. I've been hooked since Season 2 and look forward to it all year. These guys are truly talented and deserve all the praise and recognition they get. I hoped Katee would win, but so glad that Joshua won. Big kuddos to the judges for picking such an amazing and diverse cast!

Amanda, Dallas, TX (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:52 PM)

The top four were so strong and such a joy to watch I could have been happy for any one of them. They were all committed to working & learning. But pretty much the whole Top Twenty seemed to also want the best for each other.

As for the final show I could have used less Jonas Brothers and more time for Joshua and Twitch at the end. Overall, the contestants, choreographers, and judges were incredible. Can't wait for another season.

I'm very happy for Joshua and look forward to seeing the tour in October. It's going to be nuts here in the DFW area.

P. Mason, Allen, TX (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 5:54 PM)

I did not Josh at all and American did GET IT WRONG! I did not like his personality and Twitch was by far my "favorite" dancer. Twitch was much better all around and had the facial expressions to be the best performer of this season. Katee was great and technically wonderful and I would have been happy if either Katee or Twitch would have won. Josh was my third place finisher and Courtney fourth. Twitch is unbelievable in hip-hop and so much stronger than Josh and more entertaining. Josh has always said that he has had training in every genre' of dance where Twitch has not. Will is technically the best trained dancer this year but had no personality. Chelesa was my favorite female dancer and should have been in Courtney's place. I was in shock about that. America got it WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

Pat, Lexington, KY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:00 PM)

Where was Sabre last year's winner during the interviews of past contestants or in fact during the whole season.  I remember Benji showing up during season 3.

phil, st louis, mo (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:01 PM)

No, it's not only teeny bop girls voting.  I stayed up way past my bedtime voting for Joshua, and I'm over 50 yrs. old.  I am usually not into reality shows, but I truly love SYTYCD. God Blessed you Joshua.  Keep up the good work.

Nisey (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:04 PM)

I wish that Twitch would have gotten some $$...But then you think about it,the top 10 dancers will all get something out of being on this show. This is the second season I have watched and by the far the best season of all. Not only are the dancers real people with real stories and not in it for the "fame" but for the love of dance and they put their heart and soul into every dance. And that is what makes this show AWESOME! Can't wait for next season!!

Melissa (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:24 PM)

This was my most favorite season of SYTYCD!!!  I had so many favorite moments, dances and dancers like never before.  I recorded most of the shows and even got my bestfriend hooked on it now!
I agree w/ some of the comments of having a male & female winners - "America's Favorite Dancers!"  instead of just one person.  And, the couples actually really make each other look good!  I love that they had the other dancers from previous shows come back to choreograph and from other countries.  This season was the best by far.  And, Josh, is definitely the right man to win.  I was looking forward for Katee to win but I guess America favored Josh more...and that's ok too.  I believe that they will all have great careers ahead of them.
BTW, why wasn't Sabra featured last night?  I haven't heard anything about her after last season.  Does anybody remember who won the first season?  I thought Benji was the first winner - but when he was talking last night the caption on him was "Season 2"???

Tina, Honolulu, HI (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:34 PM)

I have to agree. I refused to vote because I thought each and every one belonged up there and was pleased that Joshua won.  He was simply amazing considering the fact that he had never had any classical dance training.  

This is by far my favorite show on TV. It makes summer TV worthwhile. Cat is not an annoying host like most reality hosts are and I love the judges. The only thing that I didn't like about the ending of this season is that I don't get to watch these four every week anymore.

Natalie, AZ (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:34 PM)

I'd have to say that although Joshua was definately impressing with little training, I think Katee should have won. Just about every performance that wowed me and stuck in my mind had her dancing it. I was really happy to see she didn't leave empty handed considering guys have such an advantage when it comes to talent shows. Everybody loves to hear men sing and/or dance. I think next time around there should be a top male and female dancer.

ps. Some great dancers went out too early, dancers way more talented and entertaining than Twitch.

Justin, Bismarck ND (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:50 PM)

I loved the show.  However, Cat Deeley needs to GO!  She seems to think that the audience doesn't know when to applaud and has to say, 'let's hear it for the dancers, everybody!' twenty times per show.  Pahlease.  We know when to applaud.  I found myself fast forwarding through her pretentious dialogs on my DVR just to get her over with quickly.

marilyn (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 6:52 PM)

Well I am from the fort worth area so that made me watch Joshua from the start but even without that he won my heart he could dance like nothing else and was so sweet.  I am thrilled to see him make it..

Renee,Crowley Texas (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 7:06 PM)

I fell asleep before I could see who won, but I was convinced from the night before that the right person would win.  He did.  And the 4,3,2,1 was exactly in the order I predicted, and correct, of course.  I agree with those who say the show was great and the contest should end with a top female and a top male dancers.  The ladies were great, but seeing them along side what the guys could do, the guys constantly had the "wow" factors.  The ladies had the "that's nice" factor.  A happy show with a happy ending.  Great job, Fox.  

Evelyn Presley (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 7:29 PM)

Twitch was my favorite on the show: the swagger, the "happy go lucky" vibe, the smile... the brother was smooth.

I'm happy that Joshua won because that win stands for things much greater: not classically trained, L.O.V.E.S. dancing, his mind, heart and soul were all out 500% everytime.

Joshua and Twitch, way to go, you've made a lot of us proud!

Fénicia, Montreal, Quebec (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 7:52 PM)

Joshua exuded professionalism throughout the entire competition. Nice to see the underdog end up on top, he deserved it 100%. He was a thrill to watch every week, as well as his partnership with Katee.....what a great couple!

Hank, Chicago (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 8:15 PM)

With the exception of Will (His elimination was a major mistake!), Joshua was my favorite of the males from the beginning.  His chemistry with Katee was SPELLBINDING!  These kids kicked butt this season!  And Kat deserves an Emmy nod next year.  Not only is she hotter than hot, but her interaction with the dancers this season made me fall in love with her.  Great season!

Franklin J, Dayton, Ohio (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 8:43 PM)

SYTYCD is by far the best show on TV. May it live on forever! That being said, I had no favorite until the past week or two. Even last night, I had not made my mind up as to who I wanted to win. All four finalists were excellent and deserve equal praise. Only one of two of the dancers in the Top 20 were not up to the task.

Joanna, Naples, FL (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 8:53 PM)

America got it right, although Twitch was just as deserving. Both of them turned in spectacular performances nearly every week. My favorite dances of the season (any contestant):

10. "No Air", Katee and Joshua
 9. "The Garden" - Courtney and Mark
8. Russian Trepak - Twitch and Joshua
7. "2 Buck 4 TV" - Kherington and Twitch
6. "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" - Kherington and Twitch
5. "Lost" - Courtney and Gev
4. "Baila, Baila" - Katee and Joshua
3.  "Silence" - Jessica and Will
2. "Control" - Chelsie and Twitch
1. "A New Day Has Come" - Kherington and Twitch

"A New Day Has Come" brought me and half the world to tears. What a beautiful dance, and a truly great moment in a wonderful season. Best of luck to all the contestants in their future endeavors.

Ross, Granite City, IL (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 3:28 PM)

My favorite two from the beginning were Twitch and Josh-- So it was great to see them standing there together at the end... Though, at least in my local listings, Josh was always listed as one of the stars of the show (with Nigel and Mary)... So I wonder how much America's vote actually counted... Not that it matters, it was an excellent season with some awesome dances... And that's what it's all about.

Mel (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 2:01 PM)

Yes Will was technically an amazing dancer but the feeling was never there for me. The top 4 showed the emotion that allowed me to miss or forget their mistakes. I thought it was great that Nigel and Mary showed that not only can they judge dancers but can do so due to personal expierence and skill. I loved all the top 4 and wasn't able to pick a favorite.

Pam B, Wisconsin Rapids, WI (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:24 PM)



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