Season 11 drew to a close and America’s favorite dancer was revealed in a celebration of dance and friendship that brought back some of the season’s best dances.
The time has come to say goodbye to season 11 of SYTYCD. It’s been another amazing season full of very talented dancers, and incredible routines, but there can only be one winner. Legend Debbie Allen, actress/dancer Jenna Dewan Tatum, director/producer Adam Shankman, and Olympic figure skater and commentator Tara Lipinski joined Nigel and Mary at the crowded judges table to share their feelings and favorites from this season.
The whole top 20 gang was back to perform, and in addition to some group routines, we saw each judge’s favorite routine, Cat’s favorite routine, the top 4’s favorite routines, and some of America’s favorites. We also saw some special performances from SYTYCD Australia‘s winner, French hip-hoppers Les Twins, and Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul (the last two did not dance, natch.)
Group routines
Top 20
The top 20 dancers were back for a Warren Carlisle Broadway routine. Decked out in bowties and tails, the gang seemed to have a blast dancing together again. There were great moments that gave each contestant their own time to shine, including the “world’s greatest one-man show”: Ricky Ubeda. Looks like we’re not even trying to hide our gushing Rudy crushes, at this point.
Top 10 and all-stars
“Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water, it will make ripples throughout the pond” Thus began a Sonya Tayeh and Christopher Scott-choreographed performance by the top 10 and the SYTYCD all-stars. It was absolutely beautiful, like the all-stars were welcoming the contestants into the world of professional dance, helping, supporting, and celebrating them along the way. What a wonderful way to celebrate the talented and close-knit community that SYTYCD has created.
Judges’ favorites
Mary’s favorite: Jessica and Casey ‘Like Real People Do’ (Travis Wall)
Debbie’s favorite: Ricky and Valerie ‘Turn Down for What’ (Pharcyde and Phoenix)
This is most notable because Debbie Allen said “Turn Down For What,” and it was one of the greatest things that’s ever happened.
Nigel’s favorite: Rudy and Allison ‘Dirty Diana’ (Ray Leeper)
So You Think You Can Dance stole Allison back from Dancing with the Stars (Or DWTSOSYTYCD, as Nigel pointed out it should be called,) for this performance, because Allison’s “Dirty Diana” is possibly one of the most ferociously amazing things ever.
Jenna’s favorite: Tanisha and Rudy ‘You Need’ (Sonya Tayeh)
Adam’s favorite: Zack and Ricky ‘The Antidote’ (Pharcyde and Phoenix)
‘I’d just like to say to these two kings that this queen is a big fan!’ – Adam Shankman
Tara’s favorite: Emilio and Jasmine ‘Get Low’ (NappyTabs)
BONUS: Cat’s favorite: Ricky and Valerie ‘Oh Darling’ (Travis Wall)
Contestants’ favorites
Zack’s favorite: Zack and Amy ‘Europe, After the Rain’ (Sonya Tayeh)
Valerie’s favorite: Valerie and Zack ‘Sing’ (Anthony Morigerato)
Ricky’s favorite: Ricky and Jessica ‘Vow’ (Sonya Tayeh)
Jessica’s favorite: Jessica and Robert ‘When I Go’ (Travis Wall)
America’s pick
America was given three random routines to choose from last week, and of those, chose Carly and Serge’s hip hop performance to “Senile.” While fun, the routine was far from the most memorable of the season. The best part about it were the gold skeleton costumes, which unfortunately were not as cool this time without the amazing gold face paint.
Wanted Ashiqz
Well, apparently the dance crews competition did have a winner, and that winner was awkwardly revealed to be Wanted Ashiqz. Cat announced that they received a record amount of votes, which isn’t really saying much, since this is the first year they’ve had this competition. Anyway, the Ashiqz’s performance was fun and energetic, and a great representation of Bollywood. However, were they really the most creative of the crews we’ve seen this season?
Les Twins
French hip-hop duo Les Twins took the stage to show America what they’ve got, and what they’ve got is style. They were great characters, like a pair of Twitches (one can only dream…), and their routine was very entertaining. Plus, with all that hip action, they look like they wouldn’t be too shabby at other styles, either!
Michael Dameski
While we are blessed to have not had to listen to Paula Abdul’s ramblings as a guest judge this season, we didn’t end the season completely scott-free, as she represented as host of SYTYCD Australia. Her introduction of the Aussie show’s winner raised they question of how exactly she is able to host an entire show: SHE IS A MESS.
Anyway, Michael Dameski won SYTYCD Australia, and with good reason. For a sweet, unassuming-looking guy, his performance was powerful and sort-of awe-inspiring, right from his first perfectly-placed flip. You know Rudy Abreu was taking notes backstage on all of this.
Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul
Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul performed their new song “Bailando” from Enrique’s album Sex and Love. It’s a catchy song, and therefore an enjoyable performance. Enrique may or may not have been actually singing live, but the good news is, he’s still really good-looking.
And the winner is…
Season 11’s all lead to this moment. Four talented dancers: Zack, Ricky, Valerie, and Jessica, represented the cream of the crop, but there can only be one winner. Cat revealed the results throughout the night; Zack Everhart in fourth place, Jessica Richens in third place, and then in was down to the season’s most adorable partnership right from the very beginning: Valerie Rockey and Ricky Ubeda. And when Cat read the results, it was no great surprise that Ricky Ubeda was the winner of season 11. He’s been heavily favored all season, but has also been amazing. Congratulations, Ricky! UBEDA BELIEVE IT!
If you love So You Think You Can Dance, make your voice heard on Twitter and Facebook and any other way you can think of, because the show still hasn’t been renewed for season 12!