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Why do they keep ignoring her?
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
I’m convinced the Emmy voters don’t even watch the shows they nominate. They can’t. Otherwise there is NO WAY IN HELL they would snub Cat Deeley of “So You Think You Can Dance” for Outstanding Reality Show Host.
Ryan Seacrest just came off not only the worst season of “American Idol” in terms of talent and entertainment (it should never have been nominated for Outstanding Reality Show Competition), it was the worst for him as a host/human being.
And, look, I love “Project Runway.” I’ve seen every season. But Heidi Klum does not do enough to deserve a nomination for anything. Hell, the woman has turned most of the recent challenges into ways to dress herself and her kids.
Meanwhile, Cat Deeley is busy hosting LIVE shows. (Of the nominees, only Cat, Seacrest and Tom Bergeron of DWTS consistently host live programs.) Always warm. Always witty. Always supportive of her “babies” and challenging of the judges, but in a respectful way.
I have “So You Think You Can Dance” on in the background as I type this because I was convinced that they would address this error on air. Instead, the judges gushed over themselves and the Emmy nominations they did receive. Adam Shankman, you don’t need to cut into a dancer’s critique to add a shout-out to your co-producers. It’s cool that former SYTYCD contestant and current “Dancing with the Stars” pro Chelsie Hightower got an Emmy nod. And Mia Michaels. Whatever.
But come on. The FIRST thing they should’ve done was tell Cat she deserved an Emmy nomination. Make it plain. Make it public. Say it there in front of the fans and viewers to let her know she is appreciated. She needs to have that aired.
I love “Survivor.” I adore Jeff Probst. I wouldn’t have joined this Facebook group if I wasn’t pathetic about him. But he should’ve been nervous this year because of Cat Deeley. She, Jeff and Tom are the best hosts on TV. Period.
Part of me still wants Cat to replace Brooke Burke on DWTS. Leaving her out of the mix entirely cheapens the nominations as a whole. No matter what happens, she’s definitely on my list of Outstanding Reality Show Hosts. And, yes, I care about that list.
Anyway, here are the main reality show nominees, as copied from Entertainment Weekly, which is also upset about the Cat snub.
OUTSTANDING REALITY SHOW HOST
Ryan Seacrest (American Idol)
Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race)
Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars)
Heidi Klum (Project Runway)
Jeff Probst (Survivor)
OUTSTANDING REALITY SHOW COMPETITION
Project Runway
Top Chef
The Amazing Race
Dancing with the Stars
American Idol
You may recognize Susan Boyle over there to the right as the one who didn't win "Britain's Got Talent." The real winners, Diversity, are pretty much unknown State-side.
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
There’s a reason No. 2 stands for turd. It stinks. No one wants to be runner-up. He or she usually fades into the mist as the one who almost made it, but no dice. Handshake. Thanks for stopping by.
Except for 2009. From “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars” to “So You Think You Can Dance” and last night’s “Survivor: Samoa” finale, this is the year when coming in second was the real win.
Let’s take a look:
Adam for the win.
AMERICAN IDOL
Winner: Kris Allen
Second: Adam Lambert
Verdict: Please. Kris is a sweetheart and very talented, but the star of “American Idol” season 8 and the rest of the year, was Adam Lambert. He got the magazine covers (before and after coming out), the controversy (calm down, ABC) and during last week’s “So You Think You Can Dance” finale, Adam got the coveted finale night performance spot when Kris had to settle for the week before. Plus — and this is the biggie — Adam’s debut album has outsold Kris’ by a wide margin. We have our winner.
DANCING WITH THE STARS — SPRING
Winner: Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas
Second: Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke
Gilles & Cheryl
Verdict: We were told it was the closest ever finale – there was less than 1 percent difference between first and second. But first was little Olympian Shawn Johnson instead of the smoldering and memorable ratings bait that was Gilles Marini. He made his name with the season (nice job, bare chest!) and got more air time in the fall DWTS season when pro dancers name-dropped him as the person to channel when doing Latin dances. Shawn is still just the cute little gymnast without much pizzazz. I don’t remember a single one of her dances but Gilles — we all talked about Gilles.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE — SUMMER
Winner: Jeanine Mason
Second: Brandon Bryant
Verdict: Jeanine was a huge crowd favorite, so this is not as much of a major upset as some of the others. Except to me. I loved
Brandon
Brandon from season four, when he never quite made it through. He and Kayla Radomski were the most talented and consistent dancers in an otherwise weak season five. Jeanine wasn’t even on the radar for most of the season but seemed to blow everybody away by twirling around in her final solo. Not enough for me.
THE BACHELORETTE
Winner: Ed Swiderski
Second: Reid Rosenthal (OK, it was actually Kiptyn Locke, but Reid came back on the finale anyway)
Verdict: Reid was neurotic, but he was honest. He was real. He was adorable. Ed, on the other hand, left Jillian Harris halfway through the season then changed his mind. According to tabloid reports, while he was away he was playing with some ladies back in Chicago. I have a feeling if Jillian chose Reid she would not have had to do so much tabloid deflection. Ed is kind of sketchy and wears creepy short shorts. Reid, you were robbed of the girl and your chance to be the next Bachelor. Hope the real estate thing is working out for you.
BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT
Winner: Diversity dance group
Second: Susan Boyle
Verdict: Some people don’t seem to realize Susan Boyle didn’t win her show. America took to her like Simon Cowell to Botox and we never really checked over the pond to see what else was going on. While we were crying over YouTube, a dance group called Diversity went and stole Suzie’s win on “Britain’s Got Talent.” No idea what they can do but I’ve seen and heard plenty from Susan Boyle since her “loss.” She gets a standing ovation just for showing up to “sing” whether live or recorded. She had the top YouTube video of the year and one of the top selling albums of the year — if not the top selling album. Her name has even been tapped for the next Bond theme. If that doesn’t say “big winner” then you tell me what does.
DANCING WITH THE STARS — FALL
Winner: Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Second: Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Verdict: I love Donny and he was quite the showman, but there is no question the best dancer of season nine was Mya. She was on fya the whole time. Some people griped that she had dance experience and others griped that she didn’t show enough personality or progression because she started out great. I always looked forward to her dances and the other contestants were terrified of her talent. Derek Hough even showed Joanna Krupa video of Mya dancing to point out what Joanna should do. What does that tell you about the best dancer of the season? I voted for you, Mya.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE — FALL
Winner: Russell Ferguson
Second: Jakob Karr
Jakob Karr
Verdict: Very similar thing going on here. Russell was the underdog krumper who had a kind of shaky season, but did gain skills and always put on a great show. He had to deal with multiple partner changes, due to their injuries, but still worked through everything with a smile. But Jakob is probably the single best dancer SYTYCD has ever had. He was magic out there. He owned the season. I can’t imagine anyone could argue otherwise. He elevated every partner he danced with, and judge/executive producer Nigel Lythgoe suggested he join a pro dance company so he could dance with others of his caliber — acknowledging that there was no one on his level on the show. But he was always a generous partner, never hogging the spotlight, even when he could. That’s a winner to me.
SURVIVOR: SAMOA
Winner: Natalie White
Second: Russell Hantz
Russell, stop crying. It's OK.
Verdict: I saw this coming, even if Russell and his minions did not. Russell played an outstanding game of “Survivor” but he played it hard and obvious and “Survivor” history tells you how frequently this backfires. Natalie was the quiet threat who came off as a non-threat. And to a bitter jury, tired of Russell’s near constant lies — from being a Hurricane Katrina victim to making and breaking alliances on a daily basis — Natalie was a breath of fresh air. Some anti-cynicism for a tired group. Nineteen seasons into a show, you can’t bank on everyone rewarding you for playing by your own personal strategy. That said, Russell was in complete control of Samoa from day one. He may not have won, but he was the star of the season and the real leader of Foa Foa who got his teammates to the finals. He will be remembered. Natalie will not.
GOOD WINS
This year did feature some good decisions, including “Bloody Eyeball” Nicole Fox on “America’s Next Top Model” and Irina Shabayeva in the weak L.A. season of “Project Runway.”
UP IN THE AIR
“America’s Got Talent” — Barbara Padilla or the actual winner, Kevin Skinner? I can’t decide anymore.
Nice job, Russell.
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
Still love you best, Jakob. And since you are Jeanine Mason's childhood friend, I bet she was hoping you'd win this season too.
Jakob Karr was robbed from winning “So You Think You Can Dance” season six. But I’m still happy.
Russell Ferguson is from Boston and is now the first krumper to win SYTYCD. His talent has progressed throughout the season and he kept a positive attitude through multiple unexpected partner changes and even an injury himself on finale night.
And he needs this more than Jakob does. Being America’s Favorite Dancer is just a feather in the cap of the best dancer the show has ever seen. I hope Jakob takes Nigel Lythgoe’s advice and joins a company. He WILL be an amazing soloist.
So here is the official season 6 ranking:
1. Russell Ferguson, 20, Boston
2. Jakob Karr, 19, Windermere, Fla. (Hey, that’s Tiger Woods country! Wonder if they are neighbors…)
3. Kathryn McCormick, 19, Augusta, Ga.
4. Ellenore Scott, Santa Cruz, Calif.
5. Ashleigh Di Lello, 26, Orem, Utah
6. Ryan Di Lello, 28, Orem, Utah
See stories below for more on the two-hour finale. For the record, I’m ranking the performances as Mary J. Blige then Leona Lewis, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Lopez.
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
Jennifer Lopez just emerged from a giant shoe, after calling Santa on the phone and asking for shoes she seemed to already be wearing. 
This is all just a giant ad for Louboutins. Even though it sounds like Louis Vuitton.
What a huge production. All sorts of dancers. Didn’t look like she actually sang a note.
At least she didn’t appear to fall on her butt this time.
Here's Kathryn with my boy Jakob.
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
Phew. I was concerned for a minute there that we were going to have a Jeanine Mason redux. The judges not only fawned over Kathryn McCormick and compared her to Jeanine (who won SYTYCD season five) they even used the same phrases, like “The rise of XXX.”
Kathryn was named third on “So You Think You Can Dance” season six, leaving an injured Russell Ferguson and still perfect Jakob Karr as the final two.
Ellenore Scott took fourth and married couple Ashleigh and Ryan Di Lello took fifth and sixth, respectively.
To quote the Emperson, everything is proceeding as I have foreseen. Last night I predicted this would be the way of it — although not my personal preference. (I wanted Ellenore and the Di Lellos to beat Kathryn.)
I predicted Russell would end up the winner, even though I would rather it be Jakob. Last night I called several times for Jakob and tried a couple of times for Russell but it was busy every time. It was only busy once for me for Jakob, then it was all too easy. Made me nervous.
Time to beam back to your planet, I guess.
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
Oh, Ellenore. You grew on me. And I wanted you to beat Kathryn McCormick on “So You Think You Can Dance.” I also wanted the Di Lellos to beat Kathryn, but apparently she is just as close to this season’s answer to (overrated) Jeanine Mason as I feared.
Ellenore Scott was named fourth in season six of SYTYCD. Ashleigh Di Lello took fifth and her husband, Ryan, was sixth.
That leaves Jakob Karr, Russell Ferguson and Kathryn as the top three. Go Jakob! Go Russell!
For the record, I’ve always preferred this kind of scaled-down Adam Lambert to the hip-thrusting screamer.
Ashleigh & Ryan
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
I’m not a fan of two-hour season finales. Too much recapping. I feel like I wasted time watching the whole season when this best-of episode will do. I’ll have to remember that in season seven.
As the sun now stands, we’re halfway through Wednesday’s season six finale. Ellenore Scott and Legacy Perez are doing the Travis Wall assassin dance.
And the Di Lellos have left SYTYCD.
Ryan was the first to go and it was especially sad because he was propping up Russell Ferguson, who had hurt his leg and was in obvious pain. The results show was live so Cat Deeley made Russell stand there instead of getting him help or a stool (the stool came later, for Ashleigh’s dumping.)
Ryan was grateful for being able to dance with his “sweetheart,” which made me go all “Awww!” again.
They flashed to Ashleigh in the audience and she smiled but didn’t tear up. Later, when Asheligh was dumped, she said she was grateful that God gave her the opportunity to return to dance since she was out of commission for about six years due to illness.
I love these Utah sweeties. Wonder what they will do now.
Ryan Di Lello, Ashleigh, Di Lello, Ellenore Scott, Russell Ferguson, Kathryn McCormick and Jakob Karr. Go Jakob! Kathryn, just go away!
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
This is it. The last night we can call for “So You Think You Can Dance” season six. Tonight we are voting in the winner and voting out the bottom six.
Prediction:
I’m seeing it as a Russell Ferguson/Jakob Karr finale … with the win going to Russell.
I love Jakob best, but when Mary Murphy starts choking up talking about how in six seasons she’s never seen anyone grow as much as Russell, it makes me think he’s going to take it.
Jakob has been the best dancer from the beginning and sometimes viewers prefer watching a kind of transformation.
And even though Russell has also been good since day one, he’s a krumper; not only have they never had a krumper on the show before, it’s pretty much the farthest thing from the styles he’s been asked to do. And he’s always smiling through everything, even the loss of partners.
Speaking of, Ashleigh seemed to heal quickly. She even threw Russell during their lyrical jazz routine. (In which Russell was praised and she was ignored.)
Kathryn McCormick, meanwhile, is as overrated as Jeanine Mason was last season. If Kathryn wins I may stop watching this show. Too much disconnect between my views and voters’ views.
What on Earth are they all seeing in Kathryn?
The judges and audience gave a standing O and raves for Kathryn’s contemporary piece with Jakob. They are both contemporary dancers and this is their style — which the judges failed to mention. There was no back story and I didn’t see a connection between them or feel anything. They’ve both done so much more.
I agree with Nigel on one thing, though. Jakob should join a company and dance with others of equal talent. If he puts on a solo show in Boston I would love to see it.
I feel like Ryan & Ashleigh Di Lello are going to take the bottom spots this season, with the phenomenal Ellenore Scott (who really fought for a win Tuesday night, moving her above Ashleigh on my list) taking fourth and Kathryn logging in at No. 3.
But we’ll see.
Numbers to call Tuesday, Dec. 15:
(Ranked in order of my preferred finale placement)
Jakob Karr: 1-888-836-7604
Russell Ferguson: 1-888-836-7606
Ellenore Scott: 1-888-836-7603
Ashleigh Di Lello: 1-888-836-7605
Ryan Di Lello: 1-888-836-7602
Kathryn McCormick: 1-888-836-7601
****
1. Kathryn McCormick & Ryan Di Lello, samba
Ryan was shirtless and barefoot. He did an amazing lift at the end where she went over his head and into a kind of piggyback.
But, of course, the judges went wild over Kathryn because she is not the ballroom dancer. She wasn’t as good either, but they tend to leave that out when talking about her.
Nigel Lythgoe said if you told him only one of them was a ballroom dancer he wouldn’t believe it.
Ryan, you deserve more praise than the judges gave you this season.
Mary Murphy called Ryan an “Italian Stallion” and said Kathryn was so into it and eating it up.
Adam Shankman said”This show should now be called the rise of Kathryn.”
(Last season, during the finale, they went on about “The rise of Jeanine,” meaning Jeanine Mason, who ended up winning.
****
2. Ellenore Scott & Jakob Karr, Broadway
They are just amazing together. Both so sharp.
Nigel said Tyce Diorio has allowed Ellenore to be Fosse-esque and Jakob to be Jakob-esque. It showed then off to their best.
Mary said Ellenore was smoldering and just as sexy as can be. Jakob is tremendous out there and tonight there’s just a little bit extra.
Adam said it made the Broadway style hip, young and new again. Ellenore has never looked more gorgeous, he said. And Jakob is a selfless dancer because with all he can do he could easily make it about himself but he’s a great partner.
****
3. Ashleigh Di Lello & Russell Ferguson, lyrical jazz
Now Russell is shirtless. This is one of those dances that would do well with some intro explanation of the intent.
Nigel said Ashleigh should forgive him because the whole routine was about Russell. Nigel couldn’t take his eyes off Russell. Russell is such an inspiration. There was a great chemistry between the two of them.”Russell, you are just bloody incredible.”
Russell will probably win. Go Boston boy!
Mary said Ashleigh was absolutely drop-dead gorgeous tonight. Her passion throughout the dance was so right on and believable and Russell helped her along the way. She started choking up talking about how she hasn’t seen anybody grow in six seasons the way she’s seen him grow.
Adam said Ashleigh was literally his guardian angel in the piece and she did a beautiful job portraying that. Russell kicked that dance’s ass.
****
4. Ellenore & Ryan, jazz
Ellenore is a contemporary jazz dancer, so this is kind of her thing. She looked like it, too, but Ryan was just as good.
Jerky, robotic movements with expressionless faces. It does compute!
Nigel said the problem for him is it was totally devoid of emotion. “It becomes like a technical exercise.” It was more techno than jazz so it made him uncomfortable. But they did everything that was asked of them.
Mary loved it because it was different and unique. She found herself getting into it. There were some dynamic moments.
Adam said he agreed with both of them. He thought Ellenore was the choreographer’s muse and Ryan was a great utility player in the relationship.
****
5. Ashleigh & Jakob, foxtrot
I missed them as a couple, but I’ve never missed a foxtrot. I wish they had a more exciting dance. Maybe the Bollywood she was supposed to do last week?
Ashleigh has the expressiveness of Katee and Kayla from the past two seasons.
Nigel said Ashleigh was fantastic in that. The chemistry between the two of them this season has been outstanding. He didn’t think it was as strong as some of the routines they’ve seen tonight.
Mary said Ashleigh is more toward the Latin side, but she does this style beautifully. Mary said Jakob is improving in ballroom, although he still needs a little bit of work in the hold.
Adam said Ashleigh was lovely and the dance suited her. The Ginger Rogers/Fred Astaire foxtrot was about showing each other off and they did that beautifully.
****
Ellenore & Russell, paso doble
Love the shadows behind the screen and the fiery background. Russell is shirtless again.
Very strong from both of them. Ellenore doesn’t really need The Jakob Effect, does she.
Nigel wondered where the shirts are tonight. He criticized Russell’s steps and hips, but applauded his passion and fire. But he didn’t have as much passion and fire as Ellenore. She was perfect and gave him all the emotion he wanted from her last routine.
Ellenore! Meep bleek rrwsbt xxirspo &3xriptBre! (She understands.)
Mary said Ellenore was a little Spanish vixen. Russell didn’t quite have the technique but he made up for it with his passion.
Adam said Ellenore was extroverted in her Broadway and introverted in this routine, dancing from within. Russell was doing pointed toes and straight legs and looked amazing.
****
Kathryn & Jakob, contemporary
Two contemporary dancers doing a contemporary piece. But my favorite part was hearing the Michael Bublé song. They just didn’t feel connected, to me. Although they gave it their all, certainly. Loved his floor pounding at the end. What can I say? Maybe I just need a back story.
The judges and audience loved it, though.
Nigel said “You guys just stopped the show.” (Really?) Nigel said Kathryn is his favorite girl and has been for several weeks. She picks up whatever they give to her. Jakob now has to grow even more and mix with dancers who are as equally good as him. He needs to join a company. Because he will become an incredible soloist.
Mary said it was one of the best performances she’s ever seen.
Adam said “that was a game changer.” They humbled him and made him mad and he’s going to stop talking. (Because he was choking up.)
(Why didn’t anyone mention that they are both contemporary dancers and this is their style? They always bring it up for every other dance.)
****
Ashleigh & Ryan, contemporary
Ryan got to dance with his wife on the last performance show of the season. Aww!
Ashleigh is such an expressive dancer. All that emotion in her face. She reminds me of Katee from season four and Kayla from season five — my two favorite dancers from the past two seasons.
She has kind of an Evangeline Lilly (Kate on “Lost”) thing going on.
Nigel said a lot of people would say both of them are in the finale because of the groundswell of emotion from her injury. He said the pair of them have accounted for themselves very well tonight. But he thinks Ashleigh has better chemistry with Jakob than her husband.
(I HATE when people use the “a lot of people would say…” passive-aggressive approach to a backhanded compliment.)
Mary said it’s very rare for a married couple to have a moment like this on a world stage and what a memory this will be for the two of them.
Adam asked the how it felt. Ashleigh said “It’s perfect” as Ryan wiped away a tear. The hallmark for Adam was to experience the tenderness.
(They didn’t seem to rave about the dance like the last piece. Why not?)
****
Kathryn & Russell, hip hop
Final dance of the night is serious placement. I feel like SYTYCD is selling Russell and Kathryn to us.
I am not feeling this dance at all. Kathryn does not translate for me most of the time. I’m seeing her purple shoes more than her dancing.
Nigel said that was the final competitive routine of this season. So he was happy to be able to say “Yes, that was great.” He said this was Russell’s style (not true) and he couldn’t believe Kathryn was as good as she was. She got down and dirty. (What??) She stole his heart.
Mary gave a woo hoo and said they stole her heart, too.
Adam said this is the absolute beauty of the show. Kathryn did contemporary and samba before putting on jeans and tearing up the floor. Russell did jazz and paso before he went and killed it. “That was so hot you guys!”
(Really? Am I the only one completely missing the hotness?)
L-R: Ryan Di Lello, Ashleigh, Di Lello, Ellenore Scott, Russell Ferguson, Kathryn McCormick and Jakob Karr. ©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Kelsey McNeal/FOX
By Gina Carbone
gina_carbone@comcast.net
“So You Think You Can Dance” judge Adam Shankman is a broken record.
Mollee Gray is peaking. America has to pick up the phone and vote tonight.
Kathryn McCormick is peaking. America has to pick up the phone and vote tonight.
Jakob Karr is one of the best dancers the show has ever had. America has to pick up the phone and vote tonight.
Has he mentioned we have to pick up the phone and vote tonight? Guess we should do it. Scroll down for whom in the top eight I’m voting into the finals.
The SYTYCD season six two-night finale will be held next Tuesday, Dec. 15 and Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Click here to watch videos of Jakob
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