Fox has recruited So You Think You Can Dance judge (and hot tamale train conductor) Mary Murphy to introduce some of their fall 2011 programming. In the clips, the energetic former dancer gets to flash a little bit of personality while getting you excited for the return of past favorites and the debut of future obsessions.

Most of the videos may only clock in at around a minute or so (even with Murphy's intros and the promo itself), but with the fall season so close, it only takes a little bit of extra footage to drive up anticipation. The lengthiest trailers are, of course, for arguably Fox's most anticipated new shows in Terra Nova and The X Factor, with the former's feeling quite cinematic.

There were no videos released for Glee, I Hate My Teenage Daughter (which debuts in November), or any other Animation Domination comedy aside from Allen Gregory.

Fox's fall get underway with the season premiere of COPS on September 10th; the Emmys follow on the 18th and Glee premieres two days later. You can check out the rest of their premiere dates here.

Which of Fox's new fall shows will you be giving a shot this year? How do you expect the (potentially) last season of House to go? Do you think New Girl will be a good match with Glee?

Fox Fall 2011 Preview with Mary Murphy (Video)

NBC is taking a bold shot at Fox's reality competition throne as it attempts a singing contest of it's own with The Voice of America.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reality TV mastermind Mark Burnett is spearheading an Americanized version of the Dutch hit The Voice of Holland, fast-tracking it to air on NBC this spring well ahead of Fox's X-Factor, scheduled for next fall. This would make the third program on NBC's programming slate to feature the vocal talents of undiscovered wonders, what with newbie hit The Sing Off and the summer's America's Got Talent already in hand.

Despite the tweaks and modification's meant to set itself apart from the others - among other things a "blind" audition where the coaches (judges) cannot see the individual performing, only hear their voice - this attempt just reeks of desperation, as if NBC is a hungry hawk perched to feast on the limping beast that is American Idol as it begins its first post-Simon season.

It's no secret that NBC's schedule is catastrophically bleeding viewers faster than ever, and that it's been unable to generate numbers or loyal followers with any program in its new 2010 fall lineup. But is it the right move for NBC to risk flooding the marketplace with yet another show in this genre, especially with a name that sounds more like it should be centered on a group of young politicians than wannabe pop stars?

One could argue that there are dozens of crime dramas on television, but at least each of those only occupy one hour each per week during their given season. Between Idol, Talent, Sing Off, next fall's X-Factor, plus Fox's So You Think You Can Dance and ABC's Dancing With The Stars (pause for breath) not to mention the upcoming ABC Paula Abdul vehicle Live To Dance, we're already set to deliver up a collective 18-21 hours of weekly broadcast programming to such musical competitions within the next year - can we really afford another 2-3 to offer up to Voice each week?

That doesn't even begin to touch upon countless more hours devoted to reality shows like The Bachelor, Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, and The Apprentice, among others, on broadcast television alone, which has slowly chipped away at scripted television, sending people thirsting for real character-driven stories to cable channels in search of creative satisfaction.

Could the advent of Reality TV ultimately be why cable is thriving and receiving more accolades now than ever before? It would be some kind of wicked irony if, in an effort to drive up revenue and viewership, the broadcast corporations actually shot themselves in the foot, lowering the bar on quality and losing the cache they used to hold.

That's the kind of sting only money can soothe, I suppose.

Admittedly, I'm a reality show bigot. There are only two or three within the entire TV landscape that I will guiltily enjoy behind closed doors. But this just feels like overkill.

What do you think?

Will NBC's 'The Voice of America' Cause Reality Overload?

After spending a good four days at this year's San Diego Comic-Convention (coverage of all the goings on here) getting up early, standing in line, sitting in line, sitting in the same chair for hours upon hours, and suffering through panels I had no interest in (I'm looking at you The Cleveland Show) just to get panels I was (hello True Blood!), I thought I had had enough of pop culture conventions.  It was going to take another good year to build up my stamina to attend another.  That is, until I read the following news: Reality TV is getting its own convention!!

Now, some of you may know that I write the Survivor recaps here at TVOvermind.  What you may not know is that Survivor is just the tip of my Reality TV iceberg.  The Amazing Race, Top Chef, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Project Runway, American Idol, Big Brother, So You Think You Can Dance are all on my DVR season pass.  Heck, I've been known to watch Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Pirate Master, Joe Millionaire, Dating in the Dark, Real Housewives, The Real World, The Next Food Network Star, and pretty much anything that appears on HGTV.  Needless to say, I am a fan of Reality TV, so the idea that there will be an entire three-day convention devoted to the genre kind of blows my mind.  You may be asking yourself, however, "Self, what exactly would appear at the Reality TV convention?"  Lucky for you, there are lots of details.

The Reality Rocks Expo will take place April 8-10, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  According to the Expo's announcement:

The ultimate Reality TV fan experience, Reality Rocks includes the ‘Fan Central’ show floor, live demonstrations, stage performances, VIP celebrity panels, and the first ever online Reality TV Awards voted on by the fans and hosted at the event. The ‘Fan Central’ show floor will offer fans the opportunity to meet their favorite reality television stars, watch and participate in Reality TV show demonstrations, and be among the first to preview the latest Reality TV programs. The show floor will feature a one of a kind ‘Rock ‘N Shop’ where fans will have the chance to get their hands on all of the hottest Reality TV fan merchandise and related products. Those attendees wishing to venture into the Reality TV world themselves will also be offered informative workshops and panel discussions about how to make it on Reality TV; casting calls for upcoming shows, and be able to pitch their own show concepts.

OK, how awesome does that sound?  Pretty awesome.  The chance to audition for some of your favorite reality shows?  Sweet.  The opportunity to pitch your own reality show?  Incredible.  (God, can you imagine the absolutely idiotic pitches they are going to get?!?)  This will be a Reality TV fan's Disneyland.  Imagine Johnny Fairplay, The Donald, Marcel, and Charla & Mirna all in the same place (and the fact that I don't have to explain who those people are means this Expo is for you!).  The Expo will be "advised" by executives from such Reality powerhouse companies as Mark Burnett Productions (Survivor, The Apprentice), Bunim/Murray Productions (The Real World, Project Runway) and Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race), so you know that those working in the genre are taking this seriously.  Personally, I think this will be a great chance for anyone who loves Reality TV to find out the backstage drama, editing tricks, and true creativity that goes into our favorite shows.  Oh, and there will be the numerous train wreck possibilities of the most egotistical, camera-hogging, clutching-to-their-fifteenth-minute personalities all gathering in the same place!  What could be better?

What do you think of the Reality Rocks Expo?  Good idea or not?  Are you already booking your flights to L.A. for early April, or will you be as far away as possible (or will you get on an antibiotic for that time?  Remember, the casts of Temptation Island and Bachelor Pad will likely be there!)?  Do you think there will be actual opportunities to learn something, or will it just be a gawk-fest?  Sound off below, or in the Reality TV forum.  Stay tuned to TVOvermind for more information on who will be appearing at Reality Rocks when the information becomes available.

(Source: EW.com)

New TV Convention is a Reality

So You Think You Can Dance announced the final 6 contestants last night after tallying more than 8 million votes.  FOX also released some details concerning the finale, AND auditions for next season:

Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Jakob Karr, Kathryn McCormick and Ellenore Scott were named SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE’s Top 6 finalists after host Cat Deeley revealed that Mollee Gray, 18, a Jazz dancer from Upland, CA, and Legacy Perez, 28, a Hip Hop/B-Boy dancer from Los Angeles, CA, were eliminated from the competition. This week’s results show also featured performances by AMERICAN IDOL’s Kris Allen and pop group Wonder Girls.

It was also announced tonight that auditions for Season Seven of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will begin in January 2010 in Miami. Go to www.fox.com/dance for details.

The final performance show, airing Tuesday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, will feature the ultimate showdown between the Top 6 finalists as they compete to impress judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman and capture America’s vote. Immediately following the performance show, the phone lines will open and viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite remaining finalists.

Then, tune in the following night, Wednesday, Dec. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), for one of the most-anticipated television events of the fall. The two-hour live finale will showcase performances by this season’s Top 20 dancers and feature some of the year’s hottest artists, including Adam Lambert, Leona Lewis with a special debut performance of “I See You” (Theme from “Avatar”) and The Groovaloos. At the end of the celebration, host Cat Deeley will reveal America’s vote, and America’s Favorite Dancer will be crowned live before millions of television viewers. The winner will dance off with a cash prize of $250,000 and will be featured on the cover of the March 2010 issue of Dance Spirit magazine.

Here are the vitals and reactions from the finalists:

Ashleigh Di Lello
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom
Hometown: Orem, UT
Currently Resides: Orem, UT
Age: 26

“It is absolutely incredible! Words cannot describe what it means to make it to the finale. I feel like the luckiest and most blessed person in the world.”

Ryan Di Lello
Dance Specialty: Ballroom
Hometown: Springville, UT
Currently Resides: Orem, UT
Age: 28

“I have worked my guts off, and I am so grateful to have made it this far.”

Kathryn McCormick
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Currently Resides: Burbank, CA
Age: 19

“Making it to the finale is incredible. This whole experience has been a blessing and will stay with me forever.”

Russell Ferguson
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop/Krump
Hometown: Boston, MA
Currently Resides: Boston, MA
Age: 20

“Making it this far in the competition is a dream come true.”

Ellenore Scott
Dance Specialty: Contemporary/Jazz
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 19

“Making it this far in the competition is proof that dreams come true! Being in the finale is a truly amazing experience.”

Jakob Karr
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Windermere, FL
Currently Resides: New York, NY
Age: 19

“This competition has helped me learn and grow as a dancer, and it has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”

So You Think You Can Dance Top 6 Revealed

The Wonder Girls

The Wonder Girls are a South Korean pop group.  They first became popular in 2007 when they had a hit song called "Tell Me".  The band continued to gain noterity in 2008 with several more hits, including "So Hot" and "Nobody".  In 2009 they broke into the American music scene with "Nobody".

The Wonder Girls was formed through auditions on a show called MTV Wonder Girls.  In 2007 several members of the group suffered health problems, but the girls seemed to have bounced back and are headed for stardom.

The Wonder Girls are currently working on their debut English album, which is set to have the English version of 6 of their Korean songs as well as 6 other brand new songs.  The album will be released in February 2010 and The Wonder Girls will be going on tour in January 2010.  The girls are currently collaborating with producer Dave Stewart who used to be part of the popular band the Eurythmics.

Tonight, The Wonder Girls performed on So You Think You Can Dance and I'm pretty sure the song they are singing "I Want Nobody But You" is the English version of "Nobody".

You can view the video of their appearance on So You Think You Can Dance below.  You can also check out The Wonder Girls' official website.

The Wonder Girls on 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Tonight was So You Think You Can Dance's first live results show for Season 6.

We got to see the top 16 perform a group dance and then it was down to the nitty-gritty of who had the most votes and who had the least.  From the very beginning, the judges were in a cantankerous mood.  They made no effort at all to hide the fact that they believed that America had gotten it wrong.  America had not voted for the best dancers, but for the dancers they liked the best.  Adam Shankman thankfully reminded everyone that this competition is about find America's favorite dancer, not America's best dancer.

In the end, Pauline and Peter were sent home.  Neither choice surprises me, but I do wish I could say more on the subject.  I wish I could compare their dance to the others performed, but it seems that DirecTV hates me.  Anytime there's even the slightest hint of rain, or cloudy weather, or the faintest of breezes, my reception goes to crap.  The audio cuts in and out, the video skips around or pauses and generally makes watching anything unbearable or impossible.  So because we were having a bit of rain Wednesday night, my DVR could only manage to record about half the dances.

Now!  For your reading pleasure, a recreation of Mollee and Nathan's salsa, as we experienced it:

Cat's standing in the audience, looking at the camera.  "Everyone, give it up for Mollee and Nathan!"  The camera swoops over her shoulder.  The music, "Quimbara" by Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco, begins.  Mollee and Nathan fall out of their dynamic poses and begin . . . the image freezes, stutters, cuts to black, and then returns with Mollee and Nathan out of breath and the crowd cheering for what the wife and I could only assume was the shortest and/or fastest salsa of all time.  The wife and I look at each, both with clenched teeth as we flashback through all the different TV moments we've missed out on, culminating in the missing final fifteen minutes of Battlestar Galactica. "Call EPB.  I want fiber optics," is all she says.  "I'm tired of missing our shows."

Anyway!  Sorry to Pauline and Peter, consider other cable providers, and good luck to the remaining 14!  I hope Mollee and Nathan prove the judges wrong next week because I want them stick around for as long as possible!

Saying Good-Bye to Pauline and Peter (and DirecTV!)

Nigel Lythgoe, Chief Executive Producer and Permanent Judge of So You Think You Can Dance, never tries to hide his feelings.

When dismissing someone from the show that he believes hasn't risen to the challenge of the competition the same way the other competitors have, he's compassionate.  He offers advice.  He tries to help them understand what kind of dancer they are and why they're being let go.  But when he's out-voted, he's short and dismissive, as if the act of removing this person from the competition pains him so much that he just wants to distance himself from the moment as quickly as possible.

This has never been more apparent than tonight, when he had the unenviable duty of notifying Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore that they had been voted off the show.  He let Bianca down gracefully, taking his time with her and Noelle (who had joined Bianca in the bottom four).  But when it came time to tell Phillip, he was shockingly quick and blunt.

Bianca and Phillip are both tap dancers.  So You Think You Can Dance has never had tap dancers on the show before -- and this season it had three.  Watching them perform tonight, both in their choreographed routine and in their solo, it became clear (at least to this humble writer) that tap is a very specialized style of dance that doesn't lend itself to other styles.  Ryan Di Lello, for example, is a Latin dancer who's background lent itself very well to the Argentinean tango he had to perform.  It's hard to imagine what style tap would lend itself to.

Of the two of them, I was sadder to see Bianca go, but they'll both be missed -- and if you don't believe me, all you had to do was catch a glimpse of the other dancers waiting off stage.  There wasn't a dry eye amongst them when the losers were announced.  And this was only the Top 18.  We've got a long road ahead of us still.

As something of a side note, it occurred to me tonight that there is very little follow-up with the dancers after they leave the show.  We know there's a touring show for the Top 10, and we've seen a couple of the dancers return as choreographers, but what lies in store for "America's Favorite Dancer?"  Each American Idol season ends with some sort of musical contract, but what do the winners of So You Think You Can Dance win, other than a few fleeting moments of fame?

So You Think You Can Dance Top 18 Recap: Bianca and Phillip Tapped Out

Instead of reviewing what I consider "the first real" episode of Season 6 of So You Think You Can Dance, I would like to dedicate this time and space to encouraging everyone who's not watching this show to give it a try.  I've been watching this show since its second season and, all hyperbole aside, this season really promises to be the best season yet.

I say this as someone who's never seen a full episode of American Idol, Survivor, Fear Factor, or 90% of the other "reality-based television" shows.  I say this as someone who's seen every episode of Lost at least twice.  I say this as someone who's finally saved up enough money to buy the complete Battlestar Galactica box set on blu-ray.  I say this as self-confessed comic dork who owns ever issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, Runaways, Fables, Y: The Last Man. Most importantly, however, I say this as a fan of rich story-telling and as a general fan of art and music.

On its surface, So You Think You Can Dance is cut from the same mold as American Idol.  We have the three-to-four judges (including but not limited to a snippy Brit and an exhausting woman).  We have the weeks' long "so-awful-it's-good" audition process.  And we have the competition, the eliminations, and the drama.  But So You Think You Can Dance offers so much more than American Idol or any of the other reality TV I've had the displeasure of catching glimpses of.  Every week, we're treated to fresh and original choreography.

Some of the dances tell stories.  Everyone last season was blown away by a dance that honored breast cancer survivors (perhaps now is a good time to say no subject or story is off limits).  Some of the dances convey a mood or a feeling.  And sometimes, it's just dancing for the sake of dancing (disco, anyone?).  But it's good dancing.  It's not some pop star wannabe covering a best-forgotten 80's power ballad.  It's young and powerful dancers offering you, the viewing audience, something new -- something challenging and sometimes something profound.

I personally show up for the stories.  You'd be amazed at some of the simple, yet profound, stories that can be told in two or three minutes of dance.  Sometimes they're as small and heart-breaking as a failed relationship, others times they're as epic as the Norse gods themselves.  Music, so often, can convey things that words cannot.  Dance, coupled with compelling music, can express things in three minutes that two hour movies would have a hard time scratching the surface of.

Something magical must have happened at Fox during Season 5.  Because it seems So You Think You Can Dance was finally given some money to play with.  The stage is bigger, prettier, and generally more impressive.  The new opening title sequence is appreciated, and Nigel (said snippy Brit) keeps saying Paula Abdul may be joining the show.  But the best addition to Season 6 so far was the Top 20 Dance Show.

Usually we're treated to the coast-to-coast auditions, which culminates in a week in Las Vegas where the judges pick the Top 20.  In the past, they jump right from Vegas to the show's first competition episode.  This season, we were treated to an episode in which the Top 20 were able to meet with the show's choreographers and give us an extra hour of dance.  It was nice to be able to meet everyone and see why the judges selected them, something that sometimes gets missed in the hustle-and-bustle of Vegas Week.

I know I'm doing nothing but singing its praises, but I'm willing to be honest and say that it's not all good.  Judge Mary Murphy is unable to speak her thoughts.  The poor girl must have been dropped one too many times or had one too many botoxes, because her communication setting is set permanently on "scream."  And some of the dances are awkward, confusing, or horrifically boring (I'm looking at you, Peasant Russian Folk Dance!).  But when it's good, it's the best hour of programming on television (this coming from a since-season-one fan of House).

Give it a try.  Open your mind, relax, sit back, and let some of America's best dancers show you a new perspective on life.

The first episode aired tonight.  So the first two dancers were eliminated.  But it's so early in the competition, we've barely met any of the dancers.  Now's your chance to jump on.

So I Think You Should Give It A Chance

From now through next week (9/3/09), I encourage you to visit the official Emmy Foundation Auction taking place on eBay; all proceeds benefit a foundation that supports educational and archival programs. Some of the very cool items up for grabs include:

• Attending a Family Guy Table Read
• Autographed memorabilia from cast members of Breaking Bad, The Cleaner, Damages, Grey's Anatomy, The Mentalist, The Office, Rescue Me, Saving Grace and more
• Emmy dresses designed by Christian Siriano and Lauren Conrad
• Front Row Seats to the Emmy's Red Carpet, and Red Carpet Bleacher seats to the Screen Actors Guild Awards
• Hugh Laurie autographed custom cane from House
• Set Visits to The Bold & The Beautiful, Medium, Melrose Place, Monk and Young & the Restless
• Tickets to Emmy Awards + HBO After-Party
• Tickets to the So You Think You Can Dance Finale
• VIP Tickets to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Jay Leno Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
• VIP Tickets to the Tournament of Roses Parade

So head over there to place your bids on these very unique pop culture items and experiences, and don't forget to tune in to the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 20!

Emmy Auction for Charity: Family Guy Table Read, House's Cane & More!

In a move that made me gasp, the judges dismissed Phillip from the competition. While he may have struggled with some of the dances, he's been a fan favorite from the beginning! I knew Caitlin was going home, but I thought Phillip would be with us for at least another round. Perhaps this is the judges doing their best to keep this from becoming a popularity contest, but I thought Jason deserved to go home far more than Phillip did.

We have our Top 10 now, though. From here on out, who stays and who goes is completely out of the judges' hands. Now, the all-mighty voter has all the power.

And if you haven't tuned in yet, now is your chance to see some truly amazing dances. The Top 10 has always been breathtaking. So You Think You Can Dance is on Wednesday and Thursday nights at 9pm (EST).

So You THink You CAN DANCE - We Have Our Top 10!

I've been rooting for Jason and Caitlin ever since their Bollywood dance.  When they wound up in the Bottom Three, I thought America was crazy.  But last week's Alien Impregnationdance made me realize something:  I still like them because of their first dance.  When "Jai Ho" started and they nailed their Bollywood, I thought, "wow, they're going to be a force to be reckoned with."  And every week, when they take the stage, my mind instantly goes back to "Jai Ho," I smile, and I forgive them for whatever they do.

But now we're down to the Top 12.  Tonight will be the Top 10.  And after last night's performance, I think it's time to bid a teary-eyed adieu to Jason and Caitlin.  It's not that they can't dance.  It's not that they can't dance well.  It's just that there's twenty other dancers on the show right now that are better than them.  That being said, I wouldn't lose any sleep over losing Kupono and Kayla, either.  And if it wasn't for their amazing Addiction Dance last night, I'd be prepared to say "good-bye" to them.  But they brought it last night.  And as I look at everybody else who's given an awkward or horrific dance to master, I realize that it's Jason and Caitlin who, for this competition, have already peaked.  As I consider what possible dances are still waiting to be unveiled, I can't imagine anything Jason and Caitlin could do being better than their Bollywood dance -- and that's not something I can say for any other dancer on the show right now.  I think everyone else is, can, and will surprise us in the upcoming weeks.

Speaking of deserved good-byes, could we never see Russian folk dance again?  As technical as I'm sure it is, it just doesn't compare to the other dances that are being performed.  How are we supposed to judge that cute cookoo clock dance on the same level as a tango or Wade Robson's jazz routine?  All dances are different, but for this competition, they need to be equal in challenge, concept, and execution.  No-one could have performed that and made it a serious contender for best dance of the evening.

So You Think You Can Dance, Jason and Caitlin?

I really thought the title of this article was going to be "Foiled By Costume Design!" and would detail how Caitlin's alien impregnation dance was ruined by a silly and almost embarassing costuming creation.  Because as much as I enjoyed the dance, and thought it was truly creative and unique, Caitlin's costume distracted me from her dance.  I really thought last night was going to be her last dance.  I'm glad it wasn't, but I thought it was.

See the silliness? Now imagine it in motion.

Instead, I sat baffled as Phillip and Jeanine were put in the bottom three.  They haven't been my favorite couple (hi Evan and Randi!), but every week they've grown on me a little more and this week's chain dance was just fantastic.  I was so perplexed I almost vowed to start voting.

I knew Melissa and Ade were safe.  Their Romeo & Juliet ballet was too beautiful for words.  And while ballet hasn't been something highlighted or focused on by So You Think You Can Dance, their dance encapsulated every dream of every little girl.  It was lovely.  It was graceful.  She was beautiful and he was strong.  It was a fairytale.  I'd put money on it being the most voted-for dance of the evening.

In the end we said good-bye to Karla and Vitolio -- which, once we saw the bottom three, wasn't entirely surprising.  The judges love Kayla for reasons that elude me and Kupono just barely outshined V.  But if I was a betting man (and who isn't, really), I'd say next week might be their week.

This is where the competition gets interesting.  The fat has been trimmed and we're left with some lean, mean dancers who are all willing and capable of rising to the challenge.  Bring it on!

So You Think You Can Dance - Things Get Interesting

Before I say anything else, I just have to say, I never get tired of the phrase, "dance for your life!"  It makes me think of The Three Amgios for some reason.  I can only imagine El Guapo saying it to Steve Martin and Martin Short and having them burst into, My Little Butter Cup.  I laugh out loud every time I hear it.

This week was one of disappointment.  First, my DVR decided not to record the first 15 minutes of Wednesday's So You Think You Can Dance. Then, as I sit down to enjoy the other hour and forty-five minutes of programming, I realize that the dance I missed must have been the highlight of the show because every other routine was just, "meh."

None of the dances stood out to me.  The only one I can still picture in my head with any kind of clarity is the disco routine.  And the disco genre of dance is usually one I loathe.  This week's was pretty alright.  Maybe it was because of the speed at which they danced.  Usually disco looks like glorified aerobics.  This week it actually looked like dance.  I also enjoyed Max and Kayla's "Prince of Persia" dance, but even that wasn't enough to make me care for either dancer.

So when tonight's show began, I really didn't care who was sent home.  There are only two dancers, as of right now, thay I've connected with:  Evan and Caitlin.  I think Caitlin's adorable (it might be her blond bangs but I'm betting her Bollywood bit has something to do with it too).  Evan is who I'm officially rooting for.  From his quasi-Nathan Fillion looks to his natural charisma and charm to his stirring backstory and his brotherly love, there's really nothing not to like about the guy.  Oh, and his dances are always epic wins.

Speaking of Evan, it was seeing his brother get pushed through to Vegas for next season's show that provided the highlight of the evening for me.  Can you believe it?  They're shooting a show and doing auditions for next season simultaneously.  Next season starts this fall.  I'm already excited.

When the bottom six were announced, I predicted Max and Kayla, but feared that it would be Kupono and Ashley.  I'm still loving them for their Crash Test Dummies dance and didn't want to see them leave.  After the usual drama, it was announced that Max and Ashley would be leaving the competition.

I can't say that I'm surprised and I can't say that I'm disappointed.  For as strong as the Top 20 are, this week was a bit of bummer for me.  No-one really wowed me.  I'm hoping next week sweeps me off my feet.

Max and Ashley: We Hardly Knew Thee

As something of a post-script, the outfit Cat wore tonight was the first one my wife actually liked.  Perhaps that's worth mentiong, but probably not.

Good-Bye Max & Ashley!

This week’s results confirmed a suspicion I’ve long had about So You Think You Can Dance.

Why I envy my deaf aunt

I’m a big fan of the show but know nothing about actual dance.  I just know what I like when I see it.  That crazy crash test dummy dance?  Loved it.  Twitch and Kherington’s mattress dance from last season?  Loved it.  The nerd dance?  Loved it.  Every single tango, pasodoble, and Bollywood dance I’ve seen?  Looooved them.  But before this show, I didn’t even know what a pasodoble was.

This show has been an education for me.  Every episode teaches me a little bit more about dance -- and that is exactly what the judges/producers intended.  They’re trying to classy-up America.  And they’re hiding this education in the form of a reality show!  Sneaky, sneaky!

By now, if you follow the show, you’re well aware that Paris and Tony were our first losses to the Top 20.  And, if you’re like me, and DVR every episode because you don’t get off work at a time that allows you to watch Cat Deeley live, then you can go back and watch Wednesday night’s show and see that it was Paris and Tony that the judges liked the least.  I enjoyed their hip-hop routine.  I thought it was pretty good.  It wasn’t the best, but I thought it was good enough to keep them around for another round.

While I usually enjoy the Broadway style, I thought Vitolio and Asuka’s performance was the weakest of the night.  But as the judges berated, America followed.

It’s too early to start making predictions.  But I think this year’s Top 20 is the strongest it’s ever been – which means, for me, there aren’t any stand-out performers just yet.

Season 5's Top 20 (before the judges told us who to vote off)

Judges Conspire to Classy-Up America!

So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe got into hot water with GLAAD (Gay/Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) for what the organization perceives as promoting homophobia. Here's what Lythgoe said to a male dance team that consisted of a straight man and a gay man. "I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience. I mean, we’ve always had the guys dance together on the show, but I’ve -- they’ve never really done it in each other’s arms before." The remarks prompted Glaad to call for an apology from Lythgoe, who diplomatically obliged.

"It's unacceptable for this kind of blatant homophobia to occur" said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. "Fox Entertainment and Nigel Lythgoe owe Misha, Mitchel and the whole LGBT community an apology."

“I sincerely regret the fact that I have upset people with the poor word choices and comments I made both during the taping of the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ audition and on my personal status update. I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting for me to be classed as such." Lythgoe wrote in his apology letter.

Interestingly enough. Lythgoe has been accussed of gay favoritism on American Idol, where it was rumored that Adam Lambert was favored by the producer to win the contest. So, do we have a case of dual standards, or an over-reactionary watch-dog organization? Truth be known, it was probably Lythgoe's even more sarcastic tweet on the couple that got him into hotwater. “The same sex ballroom guys did remind me of 'Blades of Glory.' However, I'm not a fan of 'Brokeback' Ballroom.” Sarcasm? Pop culture references? Lythgoe, what were you thinking.

On the plus side of the incident, So You Think You Can Dance was a ratings success burying the scripted competition for the hour, pummeling the Ugly Betty finale.

So You Think You Can Dance Judge Lythgoe Apologizes