Melanie Moore became the 8th champion of So You Think You Can Dance during Thursday night’s live finale broadcast on Fox. She bested runner-up Sasha Mallory, third-place finisher Marko Germar and fourth-placer Tadd Gadduang based on home viewer votes.

In an interview by Reality TV World, the 19-year-old contemporary dancer from Marietta, GA thought Sasha was going to win once it got down to just the two of them.

“I just did really think that Sasha was going to win. Well first off, she’s an absolutely amazing dancer and literally, I’m so inspired by her. But secondly, they’ve been calling me a favorite since the beginning and usually the person who’s like the favorite or the frontrunner doesn’t win because, for some reason or another, it usually doesn’t happen in that favor,” she said.

“So, I really didn’t expect it at all. Sasha has really improved so much over so many strides and she’s really grown on people, because we weren’t that good of friends in the beginning either, and as she opened up in the competition she was opening up to us. I have nothing but absolute love and so much respect for her.

“Honestly, I was so ready to be in second place and really just tell her how much of an amazing job she did. Because any of the four of us that were on that stage though, I feel like could have taken it,” she added.

Moore garnered a very convincing 47% percent of the total 11.5 million home viewer votes. Sasha Mallory got 32% while the remainder was shared by Fil-Ams Marko Germar (3rd) and Tadd Gadduang (4th).

This is the first time, by the way, that 2 Pinoys made it to the finals of the high-rating dance reality competition. The highest a Pinoy has ever reached in “So You Think You Can Dance” however was 2nd place during season 1 when Melody Lacayanga became runner-up to the first ever winner of the show, Nick Lazzarini.

Check out Tadd’s 4th place announcement and farewell video here:

Check out Marko’s 3rd place announcement and farewell video here:

Melanie Moore Thought She Will Place 2nd to Sasha Mallory on ‘SYTYCD’ originally appeared on Starmometer on August 14, 2011.

THE WINNER IS Melanie Moore!

2nd Placer: Sasha Mallory
3rd Placer: Marko Gemar
4th Placer: Tadd Gadduang

America listened to executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe who has been rooting for a female winner since the start of “So You Think You Can Dance” season 8.

Lythgoe has been very vocal on Thursday during the final 4 performance night of the show that he is seeing a girl would win the title dismissing the chances of the final 2 guys, Marko and Tadd.

During the final results show earlier today (Manila time), Lythgoe apologized for Fil-Ams Marko and Tadd for “pushing them under the bus” yesterday. The apology, however, is rendered useless as America listened to him and voted for the final two girls with Melanie Moore getting 47% while Sasha Mallory receiving 32%.

Anyway, congratulations to Marko Germar and Tadd Gadduang for beating all the guys by making it to the final 4 of the dance competition! I hope ABS-CBN will invite them to grace ASAP Rocks or other shows someday.

Check out Tadd’s 4th place announcement and farewell video here:

Check out Marko’s 3rd place announcement and farewell video here:

Just a quick trivia: A Filipino almost won the SYTYCD title in season 1 when Melody Lacayanga finished second.

Melanie Moore Wins ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 8 originally appeared on Starmometer on August 12, 2011.

The “wellington slap” hip hop routine was choreographed by Chuck Moldonado with B.O.B. by Outkast as background music.

Here’s what the judges’ thought:

Katie Holmes said, “You guys are great..I love everything you’ve done in this competition. You gave it your all.”

Mary Murphy said, “You didn’t look exhausted. That was absolute solid gold for me. I love you guys to pieces.”

Nigel Lythgoe said, “It was a little difficult, you weren’t together tonight. I thought a girl would win, and I have not changed my mind. I’m pleased you’re here in the finale, but I still think a girl will win.”

Kenny Ortega said, “Guys you did your job. Congratulations to you all.”

Watch the video here:

Tomorrow, the winner of “So You Think You Can Dance” will be announced. If you are in the US, you can vote for either Tadd or Marko via the official SYTYCD Website.

Marko Germar and Tadd Gadduang – Hip Hop – SYTYCD Finale originally appeared on Starmometer on August 11, 2011.

The routine was choreographed by Tessandra Chavez with Shirk by Meshell Ndegeocello as background music.

Here’s what the judges’ thought:

Mary Murphy said, “You just thrust greatness upon yourself. It was just so beautiful, honest, communication in the dance. We can feel it over here. It’s real. You’ve been given a second chance in life and I can feel you’re not gonna waste any bit of it. It’s such a beautiful thing.” (Marko is crying)

Nigel Lythgoe said, “Ive been a little disappointed this evening. I think just then Marko you’ve joined in the finale tonight. That was a fabulous performance from you…Congratulations.”

Katie Holmes said “Marko that was amazing and I loved all the little moments. Stunning. I’s so greatful that I was able to see it live because it’s so special. You’re magical. Keep doing it.”

Watch the video here:

Marko Germar & Lauren Froderman – Contemporary – SYTYCD Finale originally appeared on Starmometer on August 11, 2011.

The routine was choreographed by Mark Ballas with Raindrops by Basement Jaxx as background music.

Here’s what the judges’ thought:

Katie Holmes said, “You’re such strong dancers, congratulations for making it to the finals…you look terrific.”

Mary Murphy said “the connections, the body positions, the leg action, the chemistry, lot of big problems right now on this number…Sasha fared better, Tadd struggled. It wasn’t my favorite.”

Nigel Lythgoe said “Tadd you just couldn’t cope with this style. Sasha, this wasn’t good for you either.”

Watch the video here:

Tadd Gadduang & Sasha Mallory – Cha Cha – SYTYCD Finale originally appeared on Starmometer on August 11, 2011.

Contemporary dancer Marko Germar from Guam and Hip-hop dancer Tadd Gadduang from Utah, both Filipino-Americans, are the final two boys vying for the title of “America’s Best Dancer” on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Marko and Tadd will join Melanie Moore and Sasha Mallory at the show’s finale on August 11. The winner will receive $250,000 cash prize.

Here’s Marko wearing a UP Fighting Maroons shirt:

And here’s Tadd wearing a Philippine flag shirt:

Go Marko! Go Tadd! I hope one of them will win the title next week.

Marko Germar and Tadd Gadduang Make It to ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 8 Finale! originally appeared on Starmometer on August 5, 2011.

The routine was choreographed by previous SYTYCD contestant, Dmitry Chaplin with music by Zorongo.

Here are the judges’ critiques:

Lil C said “It was a pleasure for me to watch you. It’s all about the crotch.”

Christina Applegate said “I am a huge fan of yours. You are a beautiful dancer.”

Mary Murphy said “I am so ready to dance with you Marko. This dance is so passionate.”

Nigel Lythgoe said “It left me a little cold tonight.”

Watch the video here:

If you are in the US, you can vote for Marko online at www.fox.com/dance/vote

Marko Germar – Top 6 Performance on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (Video) originally appeared on Starmometer on August 4, 2011.

The Jazz routine was choreographed by Sonya Tayeh with music from The Gulag Orkestrar.

Here are the judges’ critiques:

Lil C said “Big ups to Sonya for another one.”

Christina Applegate said “First I want to say, get a room. It was remarkable. I just love you so much.”

Mary Murphy said “I think your ability is extraordinary. You’re still growing.”

Nigel Lythgoe said “It was! I’d like to have seen a little bit more dancing. It needed to develop more.”

Watch the video here:

If you are in the US, you can vote for Tadd online at www.fox.com/dance/vote

Tadd Gadduang – Top 6 Performance on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (Video) originally appeared on Starmometer on August 4, 2011.

Dubbed as the best rival in the competition, contemporary dancer Marko Germar from Guam and Hip-hop dancer Tadd Gadduang from Utah are still competing for the top 4 spots to vie for the title “America’s Best Dancer” at the show’s finale on August 11.

If ever they both make it to the final 4, they will be the only guys remaining vying against each other for the title and the $250,000 cash prize. Both said they are good friends in real life however, and assured the result of the competition will never affect their friendship.

Gadduang, who’s been wearing the Philippine flag t-shirt for two episodes now, said he plans to give back to his fellow Filipinos if he wins the competition.

Early favorite Germar, on the other hand, said he is grateful of the support given to him by the Filipino community.

During the Top 8 results show, Germar was safe but Gadduang danced for his life in the bottom 4. Fortunately, he’s not eliminated.

Watch the performances of Marko and Tadd from the latest episode of “So You Think You Can Dance” here:

2 Fil-Ams Tadd Gadduang and Marko Germar in Top 6 of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ originally appeared on Starmometer on July 29, 2011.

The video ad shows a cut from Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” music video, along with the previous performances of the remaining 8 contestants on the hit TV reality dance competition.

Aside from Lady Gaga, the Tony Award-nominated director-choreographer Rob Marshall will also serve as guest judge, along with regular judges Mary Murphy and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

The remaining 8 finalists vying to become America’s Most Favorite Dancer are Caitlynn, Jordan, Jess, Melanie, Sasha, Ricky, and Filipino Americans Tadd Gadduang and Marko Germar.

Some past seasons’ contestants will also return on the show on Wednesday to dance with the top 8 finalists.

The results will be announced on Thursday, July 28.

‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Goes Gaga originally appeared on Starmometer on July 28, 2011.

Here is the official statement from Billy’s family from SYTYCDism:

Billy Bell, 19, has dropped out of the show due to an unspecified illness. In his place, 21-year-old Hip Hop dancer Brandon Dumlao will join the Top 20 and will compete Tuesday (Oct. 27) in the season’s first performance show.

Billy’s family would like to thank all of the fans that came out to show their support for Billy this season. It has been an amazing experience for all of us and has really meant a lot to Billy. We feel like Billy made it through all of the tough auditions and now that the fun was beginning, he has to leave the show. We were all very disappointed when we heard the news and Billy was devastated when his doctors told the show that if he continued to dance on the show before he recovered, he could possibly die. It will take several weeks for him to recover and as a result, he will be unable to return to Juilliard as of right now. We are hoping he will be able to return in the Spring. Billy is still quite ill but was released from the hospital today. He’s feeling better but still needs to rest.

As of right now, Billy is hoping to re-audition for Season 7. He really enjoyed working with the show and had a lot of fun. Although he is sad that he will not be a part of Season 6, he hopes that the producers will allow him to return for the next season. If you would like to wish Billy a speedy recovery, I’m sure he would appreciate it. You can do so by posting on the facebook fan page or his facebook.

Thank you so much for sharing your love and support with our family.
The Bell Family

Billy was replaced with 21-year-old Hip Hop dancer Brandon Dumlao. The pinoy dancer will join the Top 20 and will compete Tuesday, Oct. 27 (Wednesday in Manila), in the season’s first performance show.

“We are disappointed that Billy cannot continue dancing in the competition on the advice of his doctor and wish him a speedy recovery,” executive producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe said. “However, we are fortunate that Brandon Dumlao has agreed to return.”

So there’s not just one pinoy in So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 but two! Both Pauline Mata and Brandon Dumlao will start their quest tomorrow for the title “America’s Favorite Dancer.”

VIDEO LINK: Brandon Dumlao’s Dance Videos

Pinoy Brandon Dumlao Replaces Billy Bell on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 6 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 27, 2009.

She is Pauline Mata, 19 years old, from West Covina California. Pauline is a Jazz dance teacher at Dellos Dance Studio in Walnut, California. Aside from dancing, her interests include singing karaoke and eating.

After the selection of the Top 20 for SYTYCD season 6, Pauline is still amazingly overwhelmed. “It still hasn’t clicked. I auditioned last season, made it to Top 32 but got cut before Top 20. And I’m surprised to be here now, because I got injured the last day of Vegas. I was wearing heels, I did a jump, I landed wrong, sprained my ankle and couldn’t do the choreography. When they told me that I’d made the Top 20, I lost it on stage. I’m so lucky to be here,” she said.

Pauline’s friend, Alexie Agdeppa, who’s also a Filipina, almost made it in the Top 20. Both Alexie and Pauline breezed through the Vegas round but it was Pauline who made it in the Top 20.

In recent development, another Pinoy entered the Top 20. Meet him on my next post.

VIDEO LINK: So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 – Top 20 Revealed

Images courtesy of Fox.

Pinay Pauline Mata Makes it to ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 6 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 27, 2009.