SYTYCD BOTTOM COUPLES DRAW TOUGH CRITICISM -- PAULINE AND PETER HEAD HOME!

There were not many happy dancers at the So You Think You Can Dance eliminations this week. Of course, elimination night is never happy for those chosen to leave, but this week was brutal for every dancer placed in the bottom three couples. Nigel Lythgoe scolded all "bottom three" dancers, saying that none of them had performed solos well enough to expect to stay on the show! Scanning the dancer's faces, they appeared almost in shock at the harsh remarks.

The show began with host Cat Deeley hugging the couples and announcing which were safe and which were in danger of being sent home.

In the first set of three couples, Channing Cooke and Victor Smalley, who had performed a contemporary routine, and Kathryn McCormick and Legacy Perez, who performed the Broadway style, were announced as safe -- and Ellenore Scott and Ryan Di Lello, who did a lively hip-hop, were the first couple placed on the in-danger list.

The second set of dancers found Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr, who performed a Mandy Moore choreographed number, and Noelle Marsh and Russell Ferguson, who did an impressive African jazz, safe -- while Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino, who had entertained with a quick step, became the second couple with a possibility of being sent home.

The results of voting for the third set of dancers drew shock from the audience. Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte, who had garnered high praise from the judges for their hustle number, were placed in danger. And Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras, who the judges felt had not performed their salsa well, had been voted safe.

But Lythgoe spared no words in telling Nathan that while the young girls might vote for him because he is cute, his dancing was not impressing -- so he had better get serious if he expected to stay on So You Think You Can Dance. Nathan's parner, Mollee, looked paralyzed with fear as Lythgoe spoke to Nathan, but it seemed that Lythgoe hardly noticed her -- and, in the end, she was likely very happy to have been left unchided.

As is typically the case, all six dancers in the bottom three couples performed their solos -- some quick-cutting hip-hop moves, jumps and twirls. And then it was time for the judges to once again decide which boy and which girl must be sent home.

Usually Lythgoe returns and reminds the dancers that, no matter what happens, they are very talented to have made it so far in the competition. But this week the judge returned with no smile -- and sternly announced that it was the opinion of the judges that none of the dancers had danced up to expectations and that the judges were absolutely disappointed.

Still, it would be two dancers who would be sent home, not the entire group. And it really did not seem to surprise many fans that the judges chose Pauline Mata, an 18-year old from West Covina, CA and her partner, tapper Peter Sabasino, 21, of Philadelphia, PA to depart. Neither were strangers to the "bottom three, but, still, clearly disappointed that their competition time had come to an end.

But it had to be a disappointment to So You Think You Can Dance tap dancing fans to have Peter leave because he was actually the third tapper in two weeks to be eliminated from the show -- meaning, too, that there are no tap dancers remaining in the competition.

It was definitely a rough week, but the harsh remarks will likely compel the dancers to work even harder this week. So perhaps next week's dancing will actually be the best of the season! The talent is obviously there -- the dancers simply need to step up to the plate, or in this case, step perfectly on the dance floor!

"IT HURTS" SAID JUDGE NIGEL LYTHGOE IN ELIMINATING BIANCA REVELS AND PHILLIP ATTMORE FROM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

"Two tappers are gone tonight, and it breaks my heart" said judge Nigel Lythgoe as he announced that dancers Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore had been chosen by the show's judging panel to leave the show.

Following an evening capped with expertly performed dances -- including Argentine tango, hip-hop, contemporary and jazz routines -- SYTYCD judges lowered the number of remaining contestants from 18 to 16 when they eliminated 20-year-old Revels who hails from Detroit, MI and 25-year-old Attmore from Pasadena, CA.




After being eliminated Revels said that performing on So You Think You Can Dance made her both a better person and a better dancer. Attmore, whose father passed away recently, thanked the judges for opening doors for him -- and said that he knew that he father was looking down and smiling at him.

It was pointed out that this is the first season with tappers among the contestants, and Lythgoe said that he personally was sad to see the pair voted from the show.

Among standout performances praised by SYTYCD judges were Karen Hauer, 27, from Fort Lee, NJ and Kevin Hunte, 23, from Brooklyn, NY whose hip-hop routine brought screams and the reward of tickets on judge Mary Murphy's fictitious Hot Tamale Train!

The youngest contestants, 18-year-old Californians, Mollee Gray from Upland and Nathan Trasoras from Downey, drew praises for a Bollywood routine. Judge Adam Shankman opined that Mollee was "coming into (her) own". Murphy rewarded the couple with two loud and lengthy screams. And Lythgoe opined that they were terrific.

Surviving the "dance for your life" portion of the show were Noelle Marsh, 18, from Sanford, NC and Victor Smalley, 20, from Miami, FL.

Meanwhile, the So You Think You Can Dance set has an empty chair at the judges table with the name "Paula Abdul" printed on the back. Is there a chance that sometime, perhaps next week, Abdul will actually show up to sit in the chair and become the STYCD fourth judge? Let's hope!

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE BIDS ADIEU TO ARIANA AND BRANDON

It was quite a night -- a whole new season with 20 talented competitors on So You Think You Can Dance! And just as home viewers were getting used to new names and new faces -- and the dancers were getting used to their new partners, two of the dancers were to be sent home!

With the season just getting underway, already the show has suffered two casualties -- 19-year-old Billy Bell from West Palm Beach, considered a strong contender, left the group due to illness. And 18-year-old Noelle Marsh from Sanford, NC suffered an injury that prevented her from performing, although she still was expected to dance next week.

The couples whirled, twirled, jumped and twisted in various dance styles. Ashleigh and Jakob performed a Broadway routine, Ariana and Peter drew a hip hop, Russell and choreographer Melanie, a substiture for Nicole, performed a fox trot and Bianca and Victor really impressed with a Travis Wall choreographed routine.

Karen and Kevin did a sexy cha cha -- which garnered Karen a ride on the hot tamale train. Ellenore and Ryan did a commendable contemporary jazz. Brandon and Pauline, with only a day and a-half of dancing together, did a waltz that seemed good considering their brief preparation. Channing and Philip performed a jive; Kathryn and Legacy hit a home run with their hip hop and youngsters Mollee and Nathan impressed with a super energetic disco that had even Adam Shankman, who admits that he is not a disco fan, saying that he loved the number!

It almost felt too soon for an elimination -- as if everyone deserved a bit more time to strengthen their fundamentals and a bit more time to adjust. But rules are rules and a boy and girl were to be sent home by judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Shankman.

Chosen to dance for their lives were Brandon Dumlao, 21, from Concord, CA; Pauline Mata, 18, from West Covina, CA; Ariana Debose, 18, from Raleigh, NY and Russell Ferguson, 20, from Boston, MA.

The decision of the judges was unanimous, said Lythgoe -- first eliminated was Ariana, and second was Brandon. And Lythgoe reminded the dancers and viewers that all four dancers were incredibly talented to make it all the way to the top 20.

So the remaining dancers will need to work hard to keep improving, stepping up their acts. Lythgoe said that all of the dancers must really excel to remain in the competition to the end because the level of talent is so high this season.

Without Ariana, Brandon and Billy -- the remaining dancers will return for another round as they try to become America's favorite dancer!

VIVA LAS VEGAS -- OR SAYONARA TO MANY DANCERS

This week in Vegas promised to be fun. The further along in the "So You Think You Can Dance" season, the better the dancing and the more heated the competition!

Over and over dancers practiced, lined the stage to perform routines -- and then a few were praised while others were told that their SYTYCD dreams had reached the end of the road.

By 4 p.m. on the initial Vegas day, 41 dancers had been told that they would be heading home. Another 111 competitors had made it through -- but were counting their lucky stars and holding their breath that they would stay.

And by 9:30 p.m., the judges had eliminated another 21 dancers.

For many, the heartbreaking elimination was Ryan Kasprzak -- whose brother, Evan, was a finalist last season. During Ryan's initial audition, he had wowed the judges with a tap dance routine that judge Nigel Lythgoe had called one of the strongest auditions in the history of the show.

But in Vegas, Ryan faltered. After an initial audition, he was told that his hip hop performance was not strong. But since hip hop was not his favored dance style, he felt confidant that his remaining routines would be better. "It's only up from here," he told Evan during a phone conversation.

However, his next routine was not an improvement -- and Lythgoe said that while it hurt them to cut him from the competition, they indeed were cutting him. So Ryan was left to call Evan to report that it was over for him. He told Evan, "I was cut." And he said that he "didn't deliver" -- disappointing because, "I know I can do better."

By the end of episode, hopefuls had been pushed to the limit -- and only 77 dancers remained.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE -- NIGEL LYTHGOE, MARY MURPHY AND SOME THOUGHTS

So You Think You Can Dance auditions can be fun, but the real deal is getting past them -- and finally moving on to Las Vegas and watching the selected dancers improve and take their shot at moving on to the Top 20 dancers.

Judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, along with host Cat Deeley, have opined that the competition should be stiff this year -- that there will be many dancers simply loaded with talent. And the trio has gone so far as to predict that this might even be the best season ever of SYTYCD.

Lythgoe has used social network Twitter to keep in touch with fans -- writing both about his personal life and his thoughts about SYTYCD. After taking a needed break from Twitter, earlier this month he wrote: "It's been a wonderful break. My son, Kris got married to the beautiful Annalise in Italy and we finally sold SYTYCD to the BBC in the UK."

As for the talent in Boston, he posted, "Boston this Wednesday. Just doing the 1 hour show doesn't really give us enough time to show the extensive talent in this wonderful city."

And Lythgoe posted several messages about Dizzy Feet Foundation. First, he wrote, "The Dizzy Feet Foundation donated $20,000 for 2 scholarships to the Alvin Ailey school yesterday. I am proud to be part of this organization." And then he enthused, "We are producing a big show at the Kodak Theater on the 28th Nov. For the Dizzy Feet Foundation. Incredible stars have agreed to participate." And finally, "The show will not be televised. Tickets will be onsale Info nearer the date on dizzyfeetfoundation.org All proceeds will fund scholarships."

But perhaps the Lythgoe's most exciting Tweet of all was regarding entertainer and former American Idol judge Paula Abdul. He revealed, "I saw Paula @ the "Power of Women" event yesterday. I asked her to come on SYTYCD again and she said she would. I hope she means it ?"

Of course, there were many SYTYCD fans who hoped that Abdul would gain a permanent seat at the So You Think You Can Dance judges table, but with the recent addition of Adam Shankman as a third judge, there does not appear to be a spot for Abdul.

But, still, SYTYCD and Abdul fans will take what we can get -- and would enjoy seeing her take the largest role on the show possible. So it remains to be seen, but perhaps Paula will at least do a bit of choreography or perhaps sit in as a guest judge on occasion. However it all works out, SYTYCD and Paula do seem a perfect pairing -- so we'll keep our fingers crossed!

SIMON COWELL SAYS NO -- HE HAS NO PLANS FOR A DANCE COMPETITION SHOW

So many rumors flying .... And it turns out that Simon Cowell is not planning on a new dance competition program as was being rumored.

"There's absolutely no truth to this," Cowell's rep said, according to RadarOnline. "Simon hasn't spoken to Ian Burton in 20 years and they aren't in talks to go into business."

Of course, you never know what will happen -- and perhaps this will give him the idea that a dance show might be a welcome addition to his already long list of projects.

NIGEL LYTHGOE'S FINGERS WALK ON THE KEYS TO TWITTER

So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe has been actively keeping in touch with fans via Twitter.

On Sept 18th, Lythgoe wrote: "I needed to take some time out but I'm now back with renewed energy. I promise to TWEET the TWEET, the whole TWEET and nothing but the TWEET"

Then:

"It's been a wonderful break. My son, Kris got married to the beautiful Annalise in Italy and we finally sold SYTYCD to the BBC in the UK."

On Sept 22, he wrote: "I saw Stephen Fry at dinner in Cecconi's last night. If you enjoy intelligent humor and great warmth check out his Tweets @ stephenfry"

Then: "Boston this Wednesday. Just doing the 1 hour show doesn't really give us enough time to show the extensive talent in this wonderful city."

Followed by: "I forgot to say that I had dinner with Idol judge, Kara and her husband Mike after the Emmy's. What a lovely lady, what a lovely couple!"

And: "Just had a training session with ex-Brit Gladiator Rhino. I think my old body is held together by rubber bands, string and glue. No muscles!"

And finally: "I tried to tell him running up hills wasn't good for heart attack victims like me but I found I couldn't talk during or for an hour after!!?"

Lythgoe must have gotten tired -- because thus far there have been no Tweets today!

AMERICAN IDOL'S SIMON COWELL MIGHT BE PLANNING TO GIVE 'SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE' SOME COMPETITION!

Rumor has it that American Idol Simon Cowell is busily planning a dance competition show!

Cowell is reportedly chatting with his British friend, Ian Burton, about starting the dance contest show. Burton has record label experience and has also managed dancers.

"It's his own SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance) show," a source told The Insider. "He is always trying to do his own thing to compete with the Idol team. Now he is trying to steal the SYTYCD thunder.”

Of course, American Idol is not the only thing currently on Cowell's plate. He produces America's Got Talent, and judges both The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent.

Doesn't Simon ever run out of time?

THIRD JUDGE FOR SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE IS ....

After weeks of thinking that former American Idol judge Paula Abdul might slide over into a judging chair at So You Think You Can Dance, it was announced that the third judge for Season 6 will be ... Adam Shankman.

Director, producer and choreographer Adam Shankman will join longtime judges Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe at the judges' podium. He'll be there throughout the season, opining on dancers, choreography and specific performances.

Shankman, has actually been around SYTYCD for quite some time. He has been a guest judge and choreographer on the show since 2007. And he has been widely acclaimed for his work on films "17 Again" and "Hairspray." He also was choreographer on films such as "Boogie Nights," hit tv show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- and numerous music videos.

BRITISH VERSION OF SYTYCD WITH NIGEL LYTHGOE

US's So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe is returning to British shores to find the nation's hottest dancing talent on BBC One, it has been announced.

After five seasons with the popular dance competition show US, Lythgoe will sit on the judges panel that will select finalists to compete for the title of Britain's Favourite Dancer this January. Auditions of performers representing all dancing disciplines will be held in October.

Finalists will travel to London where they will compete for a dancing spot in the weekly shows at BBC Television Centre.

Similar to the U.S. version of SYTYCD, each week contestants will perform different dance styles -- as hip hop, jazz, Broadway, lyrical and contemporary. While judges will offer their analysis of the performances, viewers will vote for their favorite dancer at the end of each live show.

In discussing his own experience, Lythgoe, said, "I began my career as a dancer on the BBC in the Sixties. Now, I'm back as a judge of dancers. I believe I've made a full circle back to television's home of dance here at the BBC. I couldn't have imagined that dance would become a global phenomenon that would ultimately be responsible for this, my very special homecoming. It's good to be home."

Nigel will be joined by award-winning choreographer Arlene Phillips on the judging panel. She was a regular panellist for six seasons of Strictly Come Dancing. She said, "I've always supported dance talent and look forward to seeing the most promising developing before our eyes each week."

So You Think You Can Dance was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe, and originally produced by 19 Entertainment Ltd and Dick Clark Productions, inc.

So You Think You Can Dance in the UK will be a co-production between BBC in-house entertainment and 19 Productions.

NIGEL LYTHGOE WANTS TO SEE PAULA GUEST JUDGING ON SYTYCD

Idol creator Simon Fuller, associated with both American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, “started sniffing around and asked, ‘Are you interested?’ explained Paula Abdul's replacement on Idol, comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. "I said, ‘Yes, of course. I love that show and I’d love to do it,’”

So You Think You Can Dance executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is happy enough with the outcome because he hopes to have Abdul make appearances as a guest judge on his dance competition show. And he told EW, "I'd prefer Paula. "I think it is a great idea to put her on."

And now that DeGeneres is taking Abdul's seat on the American Idol judging panel, Abdul is free to make other plans for her career.

Some fans have expressed that Abdul on SYTYCD makes a lot of sense because of her dancing and choreography background -- but that they cannot understand why Idol would choose a judge from outside the music industry.

"I would really love to see Paula on So You Think You Can Dance," opined Melissa Parker from Los Angeles. "But I really don't know whether I will like American Idol with Ellen as a judge. She's fine on her talk show, but I think that is her strength."

Lythgoe thinks that DeGeneres will do well on Idol. “What it does is give the public, who are the people who decide in the end who is crowned the victor, a voice on the judges panel," Lythgoe told EW. "And they have never had that before."

In an interview with People, DeGeneres explained that it was her guest judging on an episode of So You Think You Can Dance that drew the attention of Idol judges to her.

DeGeneres said that on American Idol, she intends to be a compassionate judge, but that she will also be honest in assessing the contestant's performances. “I think it’s going to be hard, but as my career has grown," she told People. "I’ve learned how to be tougher and learned how to say no. I think I can do it and I think I can do it in a respectful way.”

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUDITION SEEMED A LITTLE LIKE A REUNION WITH RYAN

So You Think You Can Dance fans will remember last season's popular finalist, Evan Kasprzak -- and his brother who nearly made it into the finals, Ryan.

Well, Ryan was back to try out for the upcoming SYTYCD season, and he performed a tap routine that completely wowed all three judges -- Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman!

Following his own audition, Ryan clicked his feet in a tapping battle with Bianca Revels -- who did a pretty decent job of keeping up. And Ryan's friend, Phillip Attmore, arrived and tapped well enough to garner a ticket to Vegas.

Together with some other talented dancers who earned their way to the next round, these three tappers will likely show that the era of tap is not over. In fact, Lythgoe opined that this might actually be the year of the tappers!

EVAN KASPRZAK'S BROTHER, RYAN, RETURNED FOR SYTYCD 6TH SEASON AUDITIONS

Season 5 finalist Evan Kasprzak has a brother, Ryan, who auditioned for the show's upcoming sixth season, according to So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley.

And while Deeley would not reveal any secrets, she did say that Ryan Kasprzak "did very, very well."

Evan Kasprzak, by the way, was a fan favorite who made it all the way into the SYTYCD finals.

"His (Ryan's) audition just blew everybody away," said Deeley. "So when you have that moment where they have to dance for their lives, he did the audition again, and it literally makes the hairs on your arm stand on end and you get chills. He was amazing during Vegas Week, but you're going to have to watch to find out [if he makes it]."

Last season Evan and Ryan, close-knit brothers, both made it all the way to the point where SYTYCD was selecting the Top 20 -- but since the pair have similar dance styles, the judges only wanted to move one of the brothers on in the competition and chose Evan. But they also hailed Ryan's dancing and told him that they hoped that he would attend try-outs for this next season of the show.

"I think Ryan is definitely a stronger dancer than his brother Evan," said Mia Michaels of last season's competition. "We all fell in love with both of them. We had a hard time deciding actually which one to put in the Top 20 this year."

"I think it's this everyman touch," Nigel said in describing the appeal of the brothers. "[Ryan] is such a lovely lad. He is loved. I think he's one of those kids that every mom would like him for a son, every sister would like him for a brother because she could probably beat him up."

"Ryan and his brother -- people fall in love with them; because they are real people," explained Michaels of the Kasprzak brothers' popularity."

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE PROVIDED SPECTACULAR REVIEW OF FIRST FIVE SEASONS

Last night’s review of the best dances of five seasons of So You Think You Can Dance was a glorious moment in several weeks of primarily tv show re-runs.

After a recounting of performances of the first five seasons, the highlight of the evening came when Executive Producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe selected his favorite all-time dance.

Lythgoe’s choice was likely no surprise to SYTYCD fans who during the past season watched Lythgoe and the show’s other judges marvel over a contemporary routine performed by Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi to Kate Bush’s, “This Woman’s Work.”

Choreographer of the dance Tyce Diorio explained on the evening that the dance was originally performed, “I just felt compelled to talk about breast cancer and a friend who was faced with it.”

The dancers exhibited every emotion of battling the disease – and on that evening the performance had brought both judges and the audience to tears.

The evening of So You Think You Can Dance’s top performances not only was an enjoyable journey through five seasons of incredible dances, including several Emmy-nominated routines – but it served as a gentle reminder to watch the coming new season of SYTYCD which begins at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AIRS A SPECIAL TONIGHT

So You Think You Can Dance fans who can hardly wait for the next season to begin -- are in for a special treat tonight! The dance competition show will air a special featuring the 15 Best Routines Ever!

Watch to see which routines made it onto the show -- and which dancers are there!

The 15 Best Routines Ever airs tonight at 8:00 p.m. on FOX. The season premiere is Wednesday, September 9 at 8:00 p.m. (7:00 central).

FORMER SYTYCD CHOREOGRAPHER DA SILVA IS EXPECTED TO NEXT APPEAR IN COURT ON SEPT 30

A former SYTYCD choreographer Alex Da Silva, 41, who last Tuesday pleaded not guilty to charges that he sexually assaulted four women, is scheduled to next appear in Van Nuys Superior Court on Sept. 30, according to dailybreeze.com.

"An arrest warrant filed Aug. 17 charges Da Silva with eight felonies: four counts of forcible rape and two counts each of assault with intent to commit rape and sexual penetration by a foreign object. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison, according to the District Attorney's Office," reported dailybreeze.

The alleged assaults occurred between August 2002 and March 2009 and involved four women, dancers or aspiring dancers, who met Da Silva through his dance instruction classes, said Deputy District Attorney Rosa Alarcon.

"Da Silva's attorney, Harland Braun, has maintained that his client's interaction with the women 'was consensual,'" reports dailybreeze which also reports that a request to have his client's bail, set at $6.2 million, lowered was denied without prejudice.

TATIANA AND TAYLOR WERE FIRST DANCERS ELIMINATED ON SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA

It is always difficult to send dancers home from So You Think You Can Dance Canada -- and, somehow, maybe the hardest thing of all is to select dancers to leave on the very first week. But those are the rules of the dance competition show -- and this week Tatiana and Taylor were eliminated.

The results were revealed by host Leah Miller after the three couples with the lowest votes participated in a dance-for-your-life dance-off. Miller also said that nearly a million votes were cast on this first episode of the dance contest show.

The first of the three bottom couples were announced -- Amy Gardner, 21, and Vincent Desjardins, 20 who performed a rather sexy samba. Tatiana Parker, 21, and Austin Di Iulio, 19, put their efforts into a capoeira routine. And Melanie Buttarazzi, 22, and Taylor James, 22, livened things up with a tango.

Each of the six bottom ranked dancers performed solo routines -- following which the show's judges announced that hip-hop dancer Tatiana and contemporary dancer Taylor would head home.

Remaining on SYTYCD Canada are:

Girls: Amy Gardner, 21, Calgary, Alta.; Corynne Barron, 18, Edmonton, Alta.; Jayme Rae Dailey, 21, Montreal, Que.; Jenna Lynn Higgins, 18, Toronto, Ont.; Kim Gingras, 23, Montreal, Que.; Melanie Buttarazzi, 22, Woodbridge, Ont.; Melanie Mah, 19, Richmond Hill, Ont.; Natalie Lyons, 23, Halifax, N.S. andTara-Jean Popowich, 20, Lethbridge, Alta.

Guys: Anthony Grafton, 24, Calgary, Alta.; Austin Di Iulio, 19, Mississauga, Ont.; Cody Bonnell, 19, Unionville, Ont.; Daniel Dory, 23, Montreal, Que.; Danny Lawn, 21, Brockville, Ont.; Emanuel Sandhu, 28, Vancouver, B.C.; Everett Smith, 25, Glen Morris, Ont.; Nicolas Bégin, 24, Quebec City, Que. and Vincent Desjardins, 20, Trois-Rivières, Que.

DANCING WITH THE STARS PAIR MAKES A REALLY FUN VIDEO

Former Congressman Tom DeLay, who will be dancing on the upcoming Dancing With the Stars, has revealed that he and his partner Cheryl Burke are rehearsing and and doing well. And judging by this video, they are dancing up a storm!

Delay posted a few messages on Twitter: "Headed to the studio for my first rehearsal and to meet my partner. Hoping it's not Nancy Pelosi :)" And, "I've got the best dance partner in the bunch. I'm very excited." Also, "After two dance sessions I can tell you Cheryl Burke is the most patient person I have ever met." And finally, "In LA for rehearsals and title shoots. Also learning two dances. Cheryl says I am progressing very well."

SYTYCD's Will Wingfield Joins "In The Heights"

Will Wingfield, a contestant on Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance, is joining the cast and making his Broadway debut in the Tony-winning musical In the Heights. He takes over the role of break-dancing street artist Graffiti Pete.

Wingfield replaces original cast member Seth Stewart beginning on August 25 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Joining Wingfield is returning original cast member Andrea Burns who returns to the role of salon owner Daniela after a summer break.

Wingfield is a protege of dance and Broadway veteran Debbie Allen,, and he has performed as a dancer and singer with Celine Dion.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

"So You Think You Can Dance Canada" will offer a tribute to Michael Jackson with a special group number involving the new Top 20 contestants, reports The Canadian Press. It will air on Wednesday during the show's first results episode of the season.

CTV says dancer Gil Duldulao, a longtime collaborator of Janet Jackson, has choreographed a special routine in honour of the pop legend. Duldulao has choreographed and danced on Janet Jackson's world tours and videos for more than a dozen years. His choreography appears in her videos for Rock Wit U and Feedback.

Duldulao has also toured with Britney Spears, Prince and Tina Turner.

TOP 20 REVEALED FOR SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA

Top 10 Girls:
Amy Gardner, 21, Calgary, Alta.
Corynne Barron, 18, Edmonton, Alta.
Jayme Rae Dailey, 21, Montreal, Que.
Jenna Lynn Higgins, 18, Toronto, Ont.
Kim Gingras, 23, Montreal, Que.
Melanie Buttarazzi, 22, Woodbridge, Ont.
Melanie Mah, 19, Richmond Hill, Ont.
Natalie Lyons, 23, Halifax, N.S.
Tara-Jean Popowich, 20, Lethbridge, Alta.
Tatiana Parker, 21, Toronto, Ont.


Top 10 Guys:
Anthony Grafton, 24, Calgary, Alta.
Austin Di Iulio, 19, Mississauga, Ont.
Cody Bonnell, 19, Unionville, Ont.
Daniel Dory, 23, Montreal, Que.
Danny Lawn, 21, Brockville, Ont.
Emanuel Sandhu, 28, Vancouver, B.C.
Everett Smith, 25, Glen Morris, Ont.
Nicolas Bégin, 24, Quebec City, Que.
Taylor James, 22, Vancouver, B.C.
Vincent Desjardins, 20, Trois-Rivières, Que.

DANCING WITH THE STARS PAIRINGS FOR CELEBRITY AND PROFESSIONAL DANCERS HAS BEEN LEAKED

Dancing With the Stars, the "other" dancing competition reality show, will reveal the pairings of professional and celebrity dancers on the Good Morning America show on Monday.

But the entire list has been leaked -- although it will take the official announcement to confirm that the rumored list is acturally correct.

The expected parings are:

Snowboarder Louis Vito and Chelsie Hightower
Singer Macy Gray with Ronathan Roberts
Actress Melissa Joan Hart with Mark Ballas and
Model Kathy Ireland with Tony Dovolani
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay an Cheryl Burke

Singer Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff
Entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson
The Osbournes star Kelly Osbourne and Louis van Amstel
Actor Ashley Hamilton and Edyta Sliwinska
Retired Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin and new professional dancer Anna Demidova

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alex Mazo
Singer Mya and Dritry Chaplin
Actress Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Actress Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough
Food network host Mark DaCascos and Lacy Schwimmer
Mixed martial arts fighter Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE GET FIT

So You Think You Can Dance this month released two new fitness DVDs that are aimed at getting folks onto the dance floor.

"Dancers from past seasons attempt to get you into shape with two new fitness DVDs: So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Tone and Grove and So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Cardio Funk," reports nbcsandiego. "You can learn hip-hop with Twitch and Lauren, get jazzy with Katee, Cha-Cha with Dmitry, get groovy with Courtney and bop contemporary style with Travis."

In discussing the making of the DVD, Season 4th Katee Shean told buddytv, "Mine is definitely more for like your legs and toning up. There's a little bit of everything, which is cool. ... We'd count everyone like '5, 6, 7, 8' and to a dancer that's normal. You know, after 8, that's when you start. So we had like fitness trainers and people who had done DVDs before come in and help coach us on how to instruct and how to break it down without slowing it down to the point where you'd stop the cardi pace or change your heart rate. To the point you'd still be dancing, and still learning."

The dancers are said to use easy routines that speed up as the DVD progresses along.

FORMER SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER WILL BE ARRAIGNED ON TUESDAY IN CONNECTION WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES

Former So You Think You Can Dance choreographer and salsa dancing champion Alex Da Silva, accused of four counts of rape, did not enter a plea on Wednesday, but did agree to postpone his arraignment, according to cabc.

Click here to view related news report video

"Four women who claim that they had sex with him involuntarily and they are all involved in the salsa community -- the dancing community. His position is that it was consensual," Silva's attorney Harland Braun expressed.

Silva was initially arrested in April on charges of sexually assaulting four women between May 2003 and March of 2009, reports cabc. It is reported that he was released, but the District Attorney asked detectives to investigate further.

Braun expressed that he does not know what new evidence has led to Da Silva's arrest.

The judge ordered Da Silva to stay away from the alleged victims.

"You are not to harass, strike, threaten, assault including sexually assault, follow, stalk, molest, destroy or damage personal or real property, disturb the peace, keep under surveillance or block the movements of any of these four protected persons," said Judge Thomas Rubinson of Los Angeles Superior Court, according to cabc.

Da Silva's bail is set at $6.2 million, and the arraignment will be on Tuesday, according to cabc -- which also reports that Eyewitness News was told that Da Silva will enter a not guilty plea.

FORMER SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT

Former So You Think You Can Dance salsa dance instructor and choreographer Alex Da Silva “was arrested again for allegedly sexually assaulting four women – but this time he’s actually being charged with a crime … or eight, to be exact,” reported foxnews.com

Alex Da Silva, 41, was arrested at his home after the District Attorney filed an arrest warrant that charges him with eight felony counts of assault, according to police and Foxnews. There are four counts of forcible rape, two counts of assault with intent to commit rape and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object, cites Fox.

The alleged assaults, according to the D.A., occurred between August 2002 and March 2009 – and the four alleged victims were described as dancers or aspiring dancers, aged 20 to 26, who claim to have met Da Silva through his dance instruction classes, police report.

Da Silva was earlier arrested in April as he taught at a performing arts center, but after being jailed briefly was released after the D.A.’s office decided not to file charges and asked police to resubmit the case with additional evidence, reports the latimes.

“Los Angeles police investigators alleged that Da Silva raped four female students using various ruses to get them into his bedroom, such as wanting to show them new clothes or asking for help fixing his computer.”

Da Silva's, born in Brazil, has been credited with contributing to the LA Style of salsa dancing. He was a choreographer for the So You Think You Can Dance show between 2005 and 2008.

Da Silva’s attorney Harland Braun, at the time of the original arrest, called the case a misunderstanding of “the difference between seduction and rape,” the Times reports.

Da Silva, reportedly scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, is being held on $6.2 million bail.

TALKS RESUME -- PERHAPS PAULA WILL GO BACK TO AMERICAN IDOL JUDGING PANEL

There was a special anticipation and excitement around the release of Dancing With the Stars’ celebrity line-up. And that excitement was less about the list in general than about whether Paula Abdul’s name would be there.

Alas, the list was revealed – and there was no Paula. But that only fueled speculation that perhaps Idol executives and Paula might be talking about her return to the show again.

“The people at the very top of ABC were really vocal about getting her (Paula) on board for ‘Dancing,” msnbc quoted a source familiar with talks between the network execs and the Idol former judge. “By not exactly keeping it secret, it made Paula’s value more apparent to Fox.”

The negotiations are called “talks” by msnbc – “since dubbing them ‘negotiations' suggests that one side is budging.

“Paula isn’t lowering her price in any meaningful way. She wants a Seacrest-level deal,” msnbc quotes the source. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest reportedly inked a three-year, $45 million deal.

“If there is a scenario that gets Abdul back on the show, it’s likely that her return would be limited to the live shows only, according to several people who are close to the talks. This will allow the original offer made by the show to stand, but Abdul would have a shorter time commitment,” offers the msnbc article.

ABC was extremely disappointed that they were unable to nap Paula. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant,” a source told msnbc.

Throughout the summer Abdul has always expressed that she wanted to return to the American Idol judging panel – and there has been chatter that her friend and fellow judge Simon Cowell has been supporting her behind the scenes. Judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi have apparently been supportive as well.

So with talks resumed and a real possibility that she might be back on Idol, it is no wonder that Paula sounds so happy in her Twitter messages.

One of Paula’s recent Tweets reads, “thx for all the support. Never give up on your dreams. Fight for what you believe in. And never stop believing in yourself. xxP”

Another reads, “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”

It seems that Paula may be thinking very positively these days!

DANCING WITH THE STARS CELEBRITY LINE-UP REVEALED -- INCLUDES HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER TOM DeLAY AND SINGER DONNY OSMOND

Dispelling rumors that former American Idol host Paula Abdul might be among celebrity performers on the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars, show host Tom Bergeron revealed the new celebrity line-up that did not include Abdul.

The list includes some surprises, however -- most notably Former House Majority leader Tom DeLay.

Singer Donny Osmond was on hand for the announcement -- and said that he hopes to perform at least half as well as his sister did on the show. But then he laughed and said that actually he hopes to do even better than his popular sisters. "Gotta beat her," he joked.

Those agreeing to compete on the dance competition program that pairs professional dancers with celebrities:

Model Kathy Ireland, Grammy winner Macy Gray, actress Melissa Joan Hart, R&B artist Mya, actor Ashley Hamilton, wide-receiver Michael Irvin, Iron Chef America host Mark DeCascos and entertainer Donny Osmond.
Also, Osbourne family member Kelly Osbourne, actress Debi Mazar, mixed martial artist Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, model Joanna Krupa, snowboarder Louis Vito, pop star Aaron Carter and, the big surprise, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

DANCING WITH THE STARS REVEALS CELEBRITY LINE-UP ON MONDAY -- WILL PAULA ABDUL BE AMONG COMPETITORS?

Will Dancing With The Stars be in Paula's future? Fans might find out on Monday morning when celebrity competitors' names are released.

Obviously, something has Paula Abdul expecting that she will be back to work shortly!

On Twitter, Paula wrote, "I feel like a normal girl getting some time off 2 take care of myself and 2 hang out w/family & friends, but it won't be for long!"

That sounds like Paula knows where she is headed -- and that it will happen soon!

She also wrote, "I've never retired. that's why I've lasted in this business for over 20 yrs. I've only scratched the surface. Hang tight! xoP"

Could hang tight mean that an announcement will come soon?

Paula wrote to a Twitter address with a Ryan Seacrest connection, "Hi honey! I hope your having fun on the road. I guess you're in Boston now. I'm doing great! I miss you all! Big Hug & kiss"

Not sure if this Twitter address was for "the" actual Ryan Seacrest, but Boston sounds like the address might be of someone connected with the show.

On Aug 14th that same address posted some Paula related Tweets: a retweet of Paula's quote, "'The best way out is always through' - Robert Frost,." And it had a @PaulaAbdul Follow Friday. And it sent a @PaulaAbdul, "Hang in there kiddo ;)"

Paula also told fans that she was getting medical appointments out of the way. She wrote that she had her teeth cleaned, and added "I was accosted in an underground parking lot with my chiropractor running interference! and it didn't end there! thank god for my officer friend mike who stopped traffic to assist in the great escape"

Paula also wrote that she took her office out to lunch.

Could the lunch have been a celebration -- perhaps of a deal? And were the medical appointments to clear the schedule for upcoming work?

Whatever is going on, Paula seemed in high spirits, writing, "I've having a wonderful weekend!" and "Hope you guys are having a wonderful weekend! What a beautiful day to get outside!"

And leaving Paula's Twitter messages aside, there is word that Paula really wants to be back on American Idol. "Sources connected to Paula Abdul say Miss Paula wants back on 'American Idol," reports TMZ.

"Our sources say Paula's Twitter is retracted -- at least in her mind -- if the price is right. As we first reported, the magic number is $10 million," continues TMZ.

Also, Paula's meetings with ABC "didn't really go anywhere," said TMZ. "She doesn't want to do 'Dancing with the Stars' -- we're told, in no small part, because she wants to be able to jump on a plane at a moment's notice to rejoin her fellow judges on 'Idol.'" As the story goes, Paula also got miffed at the producers of "Ugly Betty" for leaking that they were talking to her about doing the show -- "She's not going to do it now," added TMZ. "As for 'Idol,' as far as we know they've been pretty hard-nosed and haven't contacted her reps, but we're not positive. In the end, we're thinking 'A.I.' isn't gonna let a little Twitter torpedo one of its golden geese."

But TMZ posted an update revealing that Paula was sighted at Boa on Saturday night -- that she "didn't quite know ... whether or not she would be joining 'Dancing with the Stars.' Hmmm ..."

Of course, first American Idol Kelly Clarkson has opined to MTV that she thinks the American Idol/Paula thing is all about "drama" -- and that Paula will return to Idol.

"I totally think they're doing that for drama," Clarkson said. "I know those producers -- they're doing that for drama. She's totally probably going to come back."

So everyone has an opinion and is trying to follow the clues to where Paula will go next.
One clue may come on Monday morning when Dancing With the Stars releases the names of competitors for this season. If Paula's name is not among them, it may be a clue that she has not inked a deal with ABC.

Oh, theurbandaily has reported that Paula "is secretly planning to launch her own daytime talk show -- even if her bosses at American Idol meet her ... salary demands for the hit show's ninth season."

"Paula is unpredictable and not afraid to speak her mind -- but she also leads from the heart and really connects with people," theurbandaily quotes its source. "Studio execs feel those are the kind of personal attributes that would make her perfect for a daytime talk show."

So the saga continues. Where will Paula go next? What possible deals are in the works -- or even already spelled out in a possible contract deal?

As Paula wrote on Twitter, her time off "won't be for long."

DANCING WITH STARS' CONTENDER TO BE THERE WHEN CELEBRITY DANCE LINEUP IS ANNOUNCED--COULD THE CELEBRITY THERE BE PAULA?

Paula Abdul and ABC entertainment chief Steve McPherson got together on Tuesday afternoon, according to website TMZ.

While no announcements have been made citing a deal between the Network and the former American Idol judge, there are rumors that there might be a "package" that could include Abdul's taking to the dance floor of hit show "Dancing With The Stars."

If such a deal is in the works, there also might be a rush to finalize arrangements because the names of celebrity competitors for the upcoming season on Dancing With the Stars are to be announced on the Good Morning America show on Monday.

And word has come from ABC that one of the contenders is expected to be on hand for an interview following the announcement of celebrity contender names -- heightening the suspicion that Paula and ABC may have a deal and that she will be the surprise contender!

"We're told Paula has a show in mind with her name on it," TMZ added -- so a Dancing With the Stars appearance could be just the beginning of an association between Abdul and ABC.

In addition, there have been rumors that Abdul has agreed to appear as a guest star on an episode of ABC's Ugly Betty.

If all rumors are to be believed, the American Idol judge stint may have actually been just the beginnings of even bigger things for Paula -- including possibly a show of her very own!

JEANINE MASON AND ASHTON KUTCHER ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Newly crowned So You Think You Can Dance winner Jeanine Mason and Ashton Kutcher, currently promoting his movie “Spread,” caused quite a stir in their appearance Monday on “Live With Regis and Kelly.”

The actor and the dancer apparently hit it off, and at Kelly's urging took a whirl around the dance floor – finally ending their routine with laughs and a mock tumble.



Kutcher, who was at the show with his longtime love, Demi Moore, questioned Mason about a steamy kiss that she shared with fellow dancer Jason during a competition routine.
But Mason replied that the kiss was simply part of the performance – and nothing more. She described herself and Jason Glover as, “very good friends, and that’s it, though. So we’ll clear that up right now.”

DANCING WITH THE STARS' MARK BALLAS THINKS THAT PAULA SHOULD JOIN THE SHOW AS A CELEBRITY COMPETITOR

Dancing With the Stars' professional dancer Mark Ballas does not believe that Paula Abdul should be added to that show's already full judging panel, but would like to see her on the show as a dancing celebrity competitor.

Of course, Abdul is meeting with several potential new employers -- and, while Dancing With the Stars executives have said that they would love to add Paula to the show, it remains unclear where she will eventually go or whether she will judge, choreograph, sing and/or dance. And So You Think You Can Dance producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe has been vocal in saying that he would love to have Paula join SYTYCD, probably as a guest judge and choreographer.

"I think we are good with our judges," Dancing With the Stars' Ballas told eonline. "I think she should be on the show as a competitor.

"She'd be great as a competitor," he said. "She's a great personality. Everybody loves her, and she makes great TV."

It is unlikely, though, that Abdul will be offered a spot on the Dancing With the Stars judging panel since show executive producer Conrad Green has opined that the judges table is "already full." But he, too, said that he would love to see Paula as a guest judge or as a competitor."

As to whether Abdul would even qualify to be a celebrity dancer instead of considered a professional dancer, Ballas explained, "She can't be a professional because she's not a ballroom or a Latin dancer."

Ballas also said that he does not yet know who he will be paired with this season, but that training will begin with his new partner in two weeks.

SHOULD SYTYCD U.S. PICK BOTH A BOY AND GIRL CHAMPION?

The So You Think You Can Dance format in the U.S. has been one of eliminating contestants until there is one champion left standing, but the wife of a judge for So You Think You Can Dance Canada show has opined that the Canadian version of the show should name both a boy and a girl winner.

France Mousseau, wife of Canadian judge Jean-Marc Genereux, believes that SYTYCD Canada should award two prizes -- one to a boy and one to a girl -- because the performance of boys and girls are not identical. While Jeanine Mason won the U.S. version of the competition last week, the second girl to do so, the US dance competition has crowned more boy champions than girl champions.

"It's too bad, because the girls do so much difficult legwork and footwork," explained Mousseau in an interview with Vancouversun. "Maybe the audience does not understand just how difficult it is to do."

The SYTYCD Canada show is off and running this week. Host Leah Miller told Metronews that after watching auditions, including dancers in genres absent from the competition last season, the level of talent is so high that there is no time to show "bad talent." She said, "We don't really have people who show up that just want to be on TV. The people that come, even if they aren't as talented or technically trained, really believe that they're good and they're passionate about it. Some of them are from small towns that don't have dance studios and they learned how to dance from watching videos and YouTube."

"What I love about this show is our kids are for real," said judge Jean Marc Genereux. "They really want to do the best they can. Every tear that comes out of my eyes and their eyes ... is real emotion, and it can't be a better feeling for somebody to be invited to witness that every week.

Dancer Tre Armstrong added, "Throughout the travels, we have found some of the most dynamic and freakin' unique dancers I have ever seen. I have seen a lot, we all have, but nothing like what we have this year."

Judges on SYTYCD Canada are Jean Marc Genereux, Tre Armstrong, Luther Brown and Blake McGrath. But special judges who will be making appearances are familiar names to viewers of SYTYCD in the U.S. -- Mary Murphy, Mia Michaels and Lil C.

NADYA SULEMAN & HER FAMILY WILL FILL SYTYCD TIME SLOT

Fox has now contracted for a two-hour special on Nadya Suleman, her octuplets, her other six children and other members of her family.

The special, called "Octomom: The Incredible Unseen Footage," will air in the normal So You Think You Can Dance (8 p.m.) time slot on Aug. 19. SYTYCD last week crowned a champion, leaving the spot empty for the moment.

The network says that viewers will get a close-up look at the life of Suleman and her family, including the "emotional struggles, physical complications and financial burdens," according to eonline.

"It's a little bit of a train wreck, and it's really entertaining to watch," Fox reality-TV division executive Mike Darnell told Hollywood Reporter. "It's so fly on the wall material. It's a ridiculously intimate view of her and her life. There are scenes where literally the eight babies are crying in a bed and the six kids are running around the house crying and screaming."

It has been reported that Suleman has signed a separate agreement with a different company to create a reality program that will begin filming in September.

SYTYCD and Dancing With the Stars Will Compete for Viewers When Results Shows Overlap

Dancing With the Stars will premiere on Sept 22 with 16 celebrity dancers, according to the show’s executive producer Conrad Green. It appears unlikely that American Idol judge Paula Abdul will be sitting at the judges table because Green said that table is “already full” – but he acknowledged that the show would welcome her as a guest judge or even as a competitor.

“This is going to be our biggest-ever cast,” Green confided to ET. “We are going to start big, and then about halfway through we are going to do double eliminations back-to-back. The middle of the season is going to be brutal when half of our cast goes in three weeks.”

There has been a lengthy list of celebrities who have either confirmed that they have been invited to participate as celebrity dancers – or are rumored to be in consideration. But Green is not offering names. Instead, the announcement will be made on the Aug 17 edition of Good Morning America.

Also adding drama to the season, “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” may end up battling for viewers since part each of the results shows will overlap.

In order to accommodate the number of new celebrity dancers, Dancing With the Stars will add professional dancer Anna Demidova. The Russian model has accumulated multiple dance titles, including International Grand Ball 10 Dance Champion, USA Dance National Standard Champion and was two-time U.S. Youth International Standard Champion.

However, it appears that no new professional dancers will be sliding over from “So You Think You Can Dance” as has been the case in past seasons. Chelsie Hightower, Dmitry Chaplin and Lacey Schwimmer are all SYTYCD alumni.

“We were turning into their alumni show," Green laughed, “but we may bring in one or two new faces. We haven’t decided yet whether to bring in new faces or more of our favorites.”

As for Abdul, Green said, “She has never been trained in ballroom and Latin so that (her appearing as a competitor) is a possibility …. It is for Paula to work out. At the moment, the world is her oyster. Everyone wants her. At our show, we are great fans of Paula.”

Green explained that the reason why the show will have an increased number of competitors includes the fact that there is a two-hour time slot to fill and it is important to change the show from season to season. It is expected that fans will see more athletes, including those from sports not formerly represented on the show; some rather eccentric personalities and a couple of celebrities that fans would never expect to be dancing.

NEWLY CROWNED SYTYCD CHAMPION WAS SO EXCITED THAT SHE COULD HARDLY SLEEP THAT NIGHT

SYTYCD crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer” Jeanine Mason says that she was so excited thrilled at winning that she could hardly sleep the night that she was crowned.

“I think I slept three hours,” enthused a very excited Mason. “It was the craziest night! … I felt like I slipped out of my normal life and onto some Hollywood red carpet. It was amazing! I’m still trying to take it all in. After the show we had a wrap party with cast, production, the dancers and choreographers, and we did a whole lot of dancing.”

The new SYTYCD champion also said that she was prepared should she not win. “I tried to stay positive,” said Mason. “I convinced myself that it was a possibility that I could win, but once you’re standing there, … I literally didn’t think it could happen. Brandon (Bryant) is such an amazing dancer. He’s such a powerful and beautiful dancer. I thought that he had it. I was ready to give him a hug and step back and let him have his moment. So hearing my name was so surreal.”

Mason explained that she and Brandon have actually been friends for a very long time. “I’ve known him for a couple of years now, and he’s such a nice guy on top of being one of the strongest dancers, which is very evident. He was so supportive and so happy for me. And just before Cat (Deeley) announced it, we said that either way, it was a win for Miami. I am so proud of him, and I believe that everyone in the Top 20 will have amazing careers.”

Mason admitted that in her early dancing years had moments that were a bit rough. "I definitely came home drying a lot between the ages of six and nine," she recalled. "It was the hardest thing in the world for my mom to see me sobbing and tell me that it was good for me, but she just had this feeling that she needed to push me and keep me in dance. It paid off, and I’m so grateful to her for keeping stern.”

A communications student at UCLA, Mason, 18, said that she will definitely pursue a career in dancing and acting – and that she has fallen in love with film. “I fell in love with film which is why I applied to L.A. schools. I would love to do movie musicals. I’m a huge fan of ‘Chicago’ and ‘Hairspray’ and the amazing MGM films that Evan (Kasprzak, who finished third in the SYTYCD finals) would be amazing in as well.”

Mason also admitted to loving journalism – “I love journalism. I love broadcasting. So if for some reason acting and dancing do not work out, I’d love to go into that industry as well.”

Chances are that Mason will meet great success in a dancing and acting career -- and perhaps in journalism too. Her fans will no doubt enjoy watching the direction her career takes!

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CORONATION SHOW A RATINGS WINNDER

The "So You Think You Can Dance" coronation of Jeanine Mason as "America's Favorite Dancer" made Fox a favorite with viewers as well, according to Zap2it.

Fox captured 9.3 million viewers and a 5.6 rating/10 share in households, easily topping CBS which was in second place with just under 7 million viewers. NBC was a distant third and ABC followed in fourth.

These rating must have thrilled show connections who expect to air a new series of "So You Think You Can Dance" this fall. In the meantime, the show has been on a dancing talent search -- for the next favorite dancer to follow newly crowded Jeanine Mason.

DANCING WITH THE STARS SWEETHEARTS HAVE BROKEN UP

Dancer Derek Hough and his sweetheart Shannon Elizabeth, who met on “Dancing With The Stars” and began dating shortly after they were paired, announced Friday night on Twitter that their romance has ended.

“Hi everyone, we wanted you all to know directly from us, that Shannon and I have decided to end oour relationship as boyfriend & girlfriend,” Tweeted Hough.
And Elizabeth confirmed with, “however, we love & care about each other very much & will remain friends & in each other’s lives.”

Hough, a former world champion in Latin American dance, taught Elizabeth her routines on the dancing competition show. The brother of former “Dancing With The Stars” professional Julianne Hough, he and Elizabeth finished contest in seventh place.

It seems that Twitter is becoming a popular site for significant announcements. American Idol judge Paula Abdul also notified fans of her departure from that show in a Twitter message.

JUDGE NIGEL LYTHGOE AND SYTYCD CONNECTIONS OPINE ON JEANINE'S CORONATION

After one of the most spectacular evenings in So You Think You Can Dance history, a meandering around Twitter found a few Tweets from show connections -- including a couple of comments on the the crowning of Jeanine Mason as "America's Favorite Dancer."

"Season 5 had some brilliant dancing, inspired choreography and ended with a worthy winner," producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe posted on Twitter. "She has got humor, spunk and remarkable talent."

Choreographer Laurieann Gibson posted, "So happy for Jeanine!!! Dance with angels kidzzzz hit ya tomorrow!!!!"

Choreographer Travis wall wrote, "I'M SO HAPPY JEANINE WON. the wrap party was so much fun last night."

Dancing With the Stars connections also chimed congratulations to the show. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba wrote, "So You Think You Can Dance!!! Love that Breast cancer number by Tyce!!! Congratulations Nigel and all the SYTYCD peeps!! Well done!"

JEANINE -- DANCING PRINCESS WITH A TENDER HEART

Newly crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer” Jeanine Mason, so often praised for her humor, hard work and sensational dancing, is even more special than perhaps most people realize.

As part of her prize package, Mason will collect $250,000 – some of which she plans to donate to the charity Making Memories which aids people with Altzheimer’s Disease, according to website Hollyscoop.

Also, during SYTYCD competition Mason frequently donned clothing of designer Peace Love World. While she frequently wore the brand herself, she also “took it upon herself to spread the peace and love by sharing her clothes with her competitors,” said brand creator and designer Alina Villasante to pr.com. The stated mission of this clothing line is to “spread peace, love and happiness everywhere possible and to do so in an environmentally-conscious way that shows how much we love each other and the world in which we live.”

With her outgoing personality, sensational talent and extreme humbleness, it is hard for even fans who supported other dancers to feel disappointed with Mason’s win. But her generosity in the interest of Altzheimers patients and in the interest of peace, love and happiness highlights that there is considerably more to her than fans saw on SYTYCD’s performance stage. It highlights her fine character, precious warmth and caring nature.

Upon being voted to the coveted dancing title, the 18-year-old from Pine Crest, Florida told Us, “I feel so humbled and so excited to be here. It’s the best feeling ever just to know that people love what you are doing.”

Indeed, fans love what Jeanine does on the dancing stage, but they will likely love even more what she does with her heart! Jeanine Mason is dancing's new royal Princess, but she is also the dancing world's Princess of Tender Heart and Generosity!

"AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER" IN PICTURES -- JEANINE MASON

CONGRATULATIONS TO "AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER" -- JEANINE MASON, 18, from Pinecrest, FL.
And Congratulations to "So You Think You Can Dance Fever" readers who cast 56 percent of votes for Jeanine!

SYTYCD HAS PLUM SPOT IN FALL LINE-UP

"We need success in the fall," Fox entertainment President Kevin Reilly spoke yesterday to reporters on Thursday.

And it seems that part of the Fox strategy in the network ratings battle is to place the new fall "So You Think You Can Dance" into the same spot that will be taken over by top reality show American Idol in January.

Final SYTYCD performance night on Wednesday allowed the network capture No. 1 for the night. ABC, NBC and Fox all had strong reality shows in the evening, but Fox captured the prize for the night despite the fact that "America's Got Talent" averaged more viewers than SYTYCD. Among adults aged 18 to 49, Fox topped both ABC and NBC in that key demographic.

HAIL TO "AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER" -- JEANINE MASON

It was a glittering and sparkling moment in the history of So You Think You Can Dance when popular and powerful JEANINE MASON was crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer!”

SYTYCD presented both a show and a winner that sparkled a brilliantly as stars in the universe – or, on a lighter note, as brilliantly as the diamonds adorning judge Mary Murphy on this final dance competition night!

Even on this evening of her coronation, Jeanine appeared a Princess – the most spectacular jewel in a crown of dancing talent!

It was a season with, according to judges, the highest level of talent ever. “A quarter of a billion” votes were cast over the weeks, 21.6 million votes during finale week – and it appeared the SYTYCD kingdom had a Princess who deserved to win!

Quickly fans thrilled that the winner was Jeanine -- popular, powerful, skilled and talented.

As the show progressed, one by one the judges named their favorite dances of the season – and Jeanine was the “girl” in a significant number of those performances! Judge Adam Shankman’s favorite was a hip-hop with Jeanine and Phillip Chbeeg. Mary Murphy’s favorite was a Travis Wall choreographed contemporary kiss routine by Jeanine and Jason Glover. Another Murphy favorite was a paso doble performed by Jeanine and runner-up Brandon Bryant during the grand finale last night!

If there is anything that the evening of exquisite performances proved, it was that a Dancing Princess was crowned on SYTYCD! Hail to the Princess – Princess Jeanine Mason!

IT IS DOWN TO JEANINE AND BRANDON!

KAYLA ELIMINATED FIRST, THEN EVAN -- WHO WILL BE "AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER?"

SYTYCD FINALE -- AMERICA HEARTS EVAN, BUT JUDGES HAIL BRANDON AND JEANINE

The “So You Think You Can Dance” grand finale found four of the nation’s most talented and blooming young dancers competing for what might be the opportunity of a lifetime. On the line is the title of “America’s Favorite Dancer,” along with $250,000 and a cover appearance on Dance Spirit magazine.

Approximately 3,000 people jammed into Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre to witness the most important performance night of the popular dance competition show and to cheer on their favorites. From the thousands who gave their best efforts in show try-outs -- there remained only four, Jeanine Mason, 18, from Pinecrest, FL; Evan Kasprzak, 21, from West Bloomfield, MI; Kayla Radomski, 18, from Aurora, CO and Brandon Bryant, 19, from Salt Lake City, UT.

The highlight of the evening -- that one stand-out moment, though, seemed not to be the dancing, the choreographed routines or even the comments of the judges. It was the moment when the theatre erupted with chants of “Ev-an! Ev-an! Ev-an!”

Whether Evan Kasprzak is the strongest dancer has been debated in Main Street USA coffee shops and online message boards – but, regardless, there is little doubt that he has captured the hearts of America!

The clean-cut, “boy-next-door” has catapulted America, now suffering one of the most difficult economic periods in its history, back to the magical age of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly – the golden era of Hollywood when musicals dominated at movie theaters and life seemed so much simpler and purer.

Throughout the evening, though, it almost appeared that SYTYCD judges feared that Kasprzak might win the dance competition based more on his personality and likeability than his actual dancing talent. They seemed spellbound to ensure that fans voted for the dancer they deemed technically strongest instead of with their hearts. After all popular "boy-next-door" Kris Allen beat front-runner Adam Lambert for the 2009 American Idol title.

On Twitter and the message boards following the finale, fans questioned why the judges were so “mean” to Evan. He had, after all, been voted into the finals – and typically in reality show finals judges highlight contestant’s strengths rather than dwelling on the weaknesses.

But while the SYTYCD judges over and over pointed out Evan’s “good guy” character and massive popularity, they seemed unable to bring themselves to compliment even single elements in his dancing routines. As one Twitter user put it, they "really pounded him."

When Evan performed a Sonya Tayeh choreographed jazz routine with Jeanine, judge Mary Murphy said that the pair “delivered”, but added “Jeanine stood out a little more.” Judge Nigel Lythgoe complimented Jeanine on her strength and personality, but warned Evan that while he was well-loved by the fans, he would have to step up his dancing if he wanted to win.

But when Brandon and Kayla performed, Murphy exclaimed, “You are the front-runners for me.” And Lythgoe went so far as to say, “I think that the show is beginning now.” – an obvious insult to Evan and Jeanine’s routine.

After the finale fans questioned why Evan and Brandon were ever asked to perform a Laurieann Gibson designed “Nasty.” This unquestionably played into the hands of Brandon, and could not have been more outside of the world of Evan. Even the judges acknowledged that this put Evan at a disadvantage. Murphy quipped, “Evan, what is the nastiest thing you have ever done?” Evan joked that there were too many “nasty” things to list – and the audience roared. But the judges all agreed that Evan did not have a “nasty” bone in his body and had never done a “nasty” thing in his life.

Evan’s best chance to shine and extract praise from the judges came with his solo. While this was likely not his strongest ever, again the judges took full advantage of the opportunity to criticize more than praise. Choreographer/judge Adam Shankman pointed out that this routine was a slightly altered version of his audition piece -- and shook his Head. Murphy at least praised Evan for reintroducing America to the Fred Astaire/Gene Kelly style of dancing, but had little to say of his performance. And Lythgoe delivered the ultimate stinger when he, after saying that America had fallen in love with Evan, asserted that Evan is not as good as strong as Brandon and Jeanine.

The situation did not improve for Evan. After he jived across the dance floor with Kayla, Shankman exclaimed that he unsure that this was a finale level routine – it “didn’t reach out to me.” Murphy called the routine was strong, but said that the dancing was not -- adding, “Kayla, you stole the show.” And Lythgoe finally did compliment, saying that both dancers came out with guns blazing.

But as the show progressed toward the final dance, fans probably expected that the final comments for Brandon and Jeanine would be strong. The pair was gifted with a paso doble that played right into their hands since strength is considered among their highest attributes.

The judges to their feet for Brandon and Jeanine -- and the audience cheered. There was the sense that the judges got exactly what they wanted from what seemed their favorite dancers. Shankman complimented the transitions, intensity and movement. Murphy could not contain herself, awarding her famous scream over and over and over again. Lythgoe placed his hands over his ears as a protection from Murphy's high-volume shrieks. And then Lythgoe offered that Brandon was “like a race horse snorting to get out of the stall, and she was ready for it.” He concluded his critique with the final words, “You two are the front-runners!”

SYTYCD judges opined that Evan has captured the hearts of the nation -- and they seemed all the tougher on him because of his popularity.

If the judges have their way, clearly only Brandon or Jeanine are in real contention for the coveted title of “America’s Favorite Dancer.”

But the question remains, what will America do? Will Brandon, who garnered clearly the highest praise from the judges all evening long, walk away with the coveted title? Will either Jeanine or Kayla, shining stars all season, be crowned? Or will fans ignore SYTYCD judges and vote with their hearts? SYTYCD fans wait for the answer!

In viewing several online polls, it appears that the judges may get their way -- since Brandon and Jeanine are generally leading. But it was also expected that Adam Lambert would be crowned 2009 American Idol, and instead the nation chose "boy-next-door" Kris Allen. Can a "boy-next-door" also surprise and win SYTYCD?