Music Blogs

SYTYCD: Where There's A Will, There's No Way

Posted Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:22pm PDT by Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks

Somewhere out there in TV Land, somewhere near a television set to Fox and a remote control that's been flung across the room in a rage, Debbie Allen is crying/clawing her eyes out. And she's probably ready to hit America's viewers over the head with that prop cane she used to threateningly wield in the opening sequence of Fame.

Yes, people, it's true: So You Think You Can Dance's golden boy and Debbie Allen's protégé, the almighty Will--the guy who's been pimped by the judges more aggressively than Carly Smithson and David Archuleta ever were this season on American Idol--was voted off tonight.

On the plus side, this means Debbie can now return to SYTYCD as a guest judge (to preserve some flimsy semblance of neutrality, she had to bow out when Will was selected to compete on the show). And perhaps even more on the plus side, it seems like the public has finally spoken out against all the astonishingly blatant favoritism on SYTYCD. But on the minus side, it's a pity that Will--one of the best, if not THE best, male dancers this season--had to be the scapegoat here. He truly deserved to stay, especially after his dynamite James Brown-tribute solo last night.

But the fact is, So You Think You Can Dance has had a long history of nepotism. On season 2, both Benji Schwimmer and his cousin Heidi both made it through (Benji won; Heidi came in fourth); then on the following season, the finalists included former Tice Diorio assistant Lauren, Benji's little sister Lacey, and Danny, the adopted brother of season 2 first-runner-up Travis. Somehow this it's-all-who-you-know policy never conjured up the same kind of unbridled outrage created when the many industry-insider connections of AmIdol finalists Carly, Michael, Kristy, or David A. were uncovered, maybe because the producers weren't at all secretive about it. But I do know all this favoritism still didn't sit too well with more suspicious, skeptical viewers.

Anyway, perhaps Will--with his Debbie Allen endorsement and his salivatingly over-the-top praise from the judges week after week--was just the last straw. Maybe viewers didn't want to vote for someone who seemed to have such a surefire inside track. That might have even been why Twitch was in the bottom this week, too: Perhaps last night's odd revelation that he and Katee had been friends before coming on the show aroused suspicions as well.

Or maybe it's just because neither Will nor Twitch took their shirts off last night. Who knows?

Whatever the reasons for tonight's results, they certainly were shocking. Twitch was so taken aback when he found out he was in the bottom two guys, he totally broke down--his hard 'hood persona completely crumbled and he literally dropped to his knees, sobbing like a lost little boy. Cat Deeley actually had to help him back on his feet, he was so upset. And my heart really went out to him. It was in that moment that I realized just how badly Twitch--who narrowly missed making the show last season--wants to win this. His reaction kind of had me rooting for him to stay over Will--because Twitch has had little pro training and therefore really needs and wants this victory, while Will could always go back to Debbie Allen.

But I think when Twitch realized he was up against the Golden Boy, he assumed he was doomed. Hence why he freaked out like that.

Anyway, on the subject of SYTYCD surprises, Mark was equally shocked...shocked that he WASN'T in the bottom this week, that is. I can understand Mark's reaction, because I was astounded too--after all, Mark's foxtrot, with weakest link Comfort, was pretty much the only dance last night that didn't get high praise across the judges' board. Plus, Mark had already been in the bottom the week before. His awesome solo was what saved him from elimination then, and I think last night's equally great solo is what saved him this week. Honestly, I was glad that Mark would be sticking around, as I've always adored him...but I was crestfallen that Mark staying meant that either Will or Twitch would be leaving. It couldn't be a three-way tie; that's just not how this show works, unfortunately.

The one result that wasn't shocking in the least was Comfort being in the bottom again. She didn't seem too surprised, either; I highly doubt she'd even unpacked her bags from when she returned to the competition as the injured Jessica's understudy. Courtney's poor placement was a little more surprising, but she was up against Katee and Chelsea, both of whom were stunning last night, so she must have known there was some chance she'd bottom out tonight. But Comfort ended up getting cut for the second time, while Courtney prevailed--which is how it should have been. At least America got that decision right.

And so it came down to Will and Twitch...and, if you were reading this blog's second paragraph closely, then you already know Will was the one with the fewer votes. I bet the judges really wished they still had their veto power, but the public had spoken and there wasn't jack squat that Nigel and company could do about it. It was curtains for Will.

You want fame, Will? Well, fame costs. And right here's where you start paying--in sweat.

But don't you worry, Will, if you're reading this: You're a genius dancer, and I'm sure you have a great deal of fame in your future, with or without any industry connections.

25 Comments

1. Cynthia -
I was totally shocked that Will was voted off. I think he's a fantastic dancer. I really thought he'd win the whole thing. Shocking,suprising, sad ...

2. Yahoo! Music User -
Will is such an amazing dancer and i can't believe that he's gone. He was my only true reason for watching that show and i can't believe America just threw all that away.

3. kim -
I am outraged that Will is gone. I re-watch his pieces over and over on youtube. He was the best dancer out of ALL the seasons. He was humble, talented, creative, supportive and just a genious of dance. I will find it hard to watch the show without Will. I'm trying to dig myself out of the abyss of sadness that he's gone.

4. Yahoo! Music User -
Sorry to see Will go but I think Mark has also come to the end of the line, safe for this week but I can't see him making it any further.

Just my Thoughts...

5. Aisha K -
Watching the show will not be the same without Will. He is an amazing dancer. I was so sad to see Mark be safe, not because he's not a good dancer, but because that meant either Will, Twitch or Joshua would be going home. Those are my three favorite dancers this season. I was soo sad to see Will go. I know he will still go far, he has so much talent.

6. Shentara -
I was shocked by Will and Twitch being in the bottom 2, but if one of them had to go I am glad it was Will. Will has the connections and the skills to amke it big in the dance world. This could be Twitch's only chance. If you recall Twitch said that if he didn't make the show he was going to join the Navy. There's not much call for dancers there and his talent would have been wasted.

7. Amanda N -
First off.. good bye Comfort!

ok...conspiracy theory...the show wants to be able to have Debbie Allen choreograph the top 4...so they rigged it to have Will go home! ha!.. seriously.. Will doesn't need SYTYCD anymore.. he's had plenty of exposure now and has Debbie backing him up...and LP, i agree, it's cause he didn't take his shirt off ;-).. It is kind of wierd that we didn't find out until NOW that Will and Katee were friends before...like, why hide that?

I'm glad Mark stayed.. i love him.. white guys can dance! LOL! but steel town man, i agree.. there's no way he's gonna make it past Joshua(the maaaaan) and Twitch...

btw, LL Cool J and the LA Ballet?? who knew!

8. Carrie -
What a dissapointing night it was. I love Mark, but it is clear to me that he is the weakest of the 3 dancers. I was prepared for him to go home, and so was he! So shocking that Will & Twitch were in the bottom 2. My jaw just dropped to the floor. So, so sad to see Will go, he was amazing. A few weeks ago he did a solo in these little black shorts. That was THE finest piece of dance I have EVER seen on that show & have been watching since the 1st season. (Yes, even better than Danny, who I still think got jipped!)

Well, I wish Will the best of luck in his future. I hope he becomes the big star that he truly is!

9. Marlon D -
I'm totally shock. The best dancer of all the seasons is gone. America got it wrong, but we must understand its, "America favorite dancer" not BEST dancer. Mark should've went home. He was the weakest link among the male dancer, but had a wonderful personality...well they all did. Its truly not gonna be the same without Will. You will be miss, but I'm quite sure we will see you somewherel...hint hint(Alvin Ailey). Well, we still have Joshua...you go boy.

10. Yahoo! Music User -
Lyndsey, your first paragraph is hilarious!
I was shocked it was Will that went home, however he didn't do all that great this week, neither did Twitch. My opinion of course. At this stage it is hard see people leave because they are all so great!

11. Yahoo! Music User -
Amanada,:-)

Thanks for your daily Conspiracy theory!!!

I think you'll have Joshua til the end so you can keep that excitement til then.

Remember new start new life , don't look back, go forward and don't let anything or anyone stand in your way, you earned it!!!
( advice for my amusing friend )

It is true though, Will has a future already cut out for him with Debbie and he is on the tour so thier should be no tears there.

I think Comfort knew it was coming, so no surprise there.

Just my Thoughts....

12. Michelle -
I was not shocked Will was in the bottom 2. However, I was shocked that Mark was not. I was for sure that Mark and Comfort were going home. Mark was the weakest of the 4 guys. Talk about conspiracies! If he makes the top 2 guys, I will really wonder.

13. Amanda N -
Steeltown man, thank YOU for your daily "thoughts".. and thanks for that advice!

14. Yahoo! Music User -
I thought it was Twitch and Katee that were Friends or at least knew each other (see Amanda N comment)?

Lindsay, you did not comment on Nigels comment that maybe voters were voting for the underdogs because they felt the front-runners (Will and Twitch) were safe. We have seen this happen on idol too.

To test this, isn't there a dialidol type site devoted to SYTYCD?

Anyway, glad to see Twitch still around.

Rest of the way:
Courtney, Chelsea, with Katee in the Final
Mark, Joshua, with Twitch in the Final
Although I would like to see Twitch win, my bet is on Katee.

15. Yahoo! Music User -
Glad to 360 anytime

16. Amanda N -
caseygamer..sorry, twitch and katee!

steeltown man: do you have messenger?

17. Yahoo! Music User -
go on yahoo 360 and search steel town man

18. Amanda N -
ok.. i'm at work.. will do when i get home
:-).. technically not supposed to be posting here! ha!

19. Yahoo! Music User -
Ok me either but get enough time in between projects to get on from time to time, they really don't care as long as at the end of the day all projects are complete, hey! enough people play solitare and other things so this is my vice. :-)

20. Andi -
LP, your first paragraph cracked me up. Thanks for that. Work is a little boring today.

Like everyone else here I was shocked to see Will and Twitch in the bottom 2 considering they are wonderful dancers. Caseygamer mentioned the AI conspiracy with favorites being voted off because people thought they were safe. It kind of seems like the same case here.
Page:  1 | 2 
Leave Your Comment
You must sign in to leave a comment
Select a Blog Posts
And The Winner Is...
by Paul Grein
30
As Heard On...
by Lyndsey Parker
48
Chart Watch
by Paul Grein
147
Framed
by John Kordosh
122
GetBack
by Shawn Amos
344
Hip-Hop Media Training
by Billy Johnson, Jr.
237
List Of The Day
by Rob O'Connor
337
Maximum Performance
by Lyndsey Parker
167
Musictoob
by Andy Pemberton
197
New This Week
by Dave DiMartino
126
Reality Rocks
by Lyndsey Parker
606
Rock's Backpages
by Tony Stewart (1977)
197
Stop The Presses!
by Lyndsey Parker
87
That's Really Week
by Billy Johnson, Jr.
128
The Blender Burner
by Blender Magazine
27
The MOJO Blog
by James McNair
91
The NME Blog
by Luke Lewis
49
The Spin Blog
by David Marchese
80
The Y! Music Playlist Blog
by Robert of the Radish
527
Video Ga Ga
by Lyndsey Parker
73
Viva NashVegas
by Wendy Geller
65

LeAnn Rimes' husband files for divorce

AP
Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:20am PST

AP - Court records show LeAnn Rimes' husband Deane Sheremet has officially filed for divorce. The couple announced a divorce was in the works in September, but no paperwork had been filed. Court records show Sheremet f… More »

More Music News