Reality Ravings

This season on American Idol the producers have added in a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi. Nigel Lythgoe thinks this is not such a good idea.

"I don't like fourth judges," Lythgoe told The Post yesterday. "I think once you've been told 'You suck,' you don't need to be told another three times."

Australian Idol had a season of four judges and it was not great, they quickly reduced it again to three this year. Mark Holden being the one to be sacked.

Also Nigel Lythgoe gives Simon Cowell a little tickle up, as it appears to have been Simon's decision to add the extra person.

"But he's [Simon Cowell] never produced anything on television," says Lythgoe.
"As an executive producer, he can be an adviser and I think that's fair enough because he knows what he's doing.
"But at the end of the day, you have to leave it for the producers to produce, because if you're in it, you're seeing it from a completely different perspective and he's going to need to realize that.

"Sometimes you can't see the woods through the trees and you tend to lose the most important thing, which is so often forgotten: common sense."

New York Post article here.

In other Nigel Lythgoe news he reveals to TV Guide that he is developing a new dance show. It would be along the lines of the dance Olympics where dancers from different countries would compete against each other in their specific dance genres. They would then be scored. I presume there would be cash prizes rather then gold medals!

Nigel Lythgoe in an article in The Western Australia speaks about the rumour of him dating starlet Sophie Monk.

The two were photographed together recently by paparazzi in Los Angeles, prompting rumours they were dating.

“It’s the old thing of whoever you’re photographed with you’re having an affair with them, so I’m going to be hanging around Sophie Monk more and more if supposed to be having an affair with her,” he said.

“I’ll have her baby, for god’s sake.

“Why she would want to go out with her grandfather I’ve got no idea.”

Oh he also said it was time to move on from reality TV - personally I thought the Sophie Monk stuff was more interesting.

Link is here.

In February this year I wrote a blog that Bonnie Lythgoe and Nigel were going to reconcile. They had split after 33 years of marriage and Nigel had been doing the wild thing with plastic fantastic Priscilla Presley. I am not alleging marital infidelity.

I thought this had all gone pear shaped when it was revealed he may have been having a dalliance with Sophie Monk..

However in interview today in Sydney Confidential (sorry at this stage I cannot find the link) Bonnie Lythgoe is again saying by appearing on So You Think You Can Dance Australia she has saved her marriage.

She said " Without question I have found myself..... that is what I needed to do because when you have such a high profile husband you work so hard in you own right but can be left behind in the shadows," Lythgoe told TV editor Erin Mc Whirter.

""Now I am my own person again, that has helped [our relationship]."

"It's great for Nigel because I am not whining or moaning any more. If I don't agree I say so. I have found my voice again."

Nigel is in Australia to see his family who live on the Gold Coast, and also to hold a reunion of sorts with his wife. He will also record a guest spot on the local dance show.

"He is a very big part of my life and always will be" she said. "Nigel is in Australia at the moment and I am seeing him tomorrow. It will be a great moment and I can't wait to work with him again, because we work well together."

Nothing in what she was saying indicates they are back together, but I get the feeling she would like them to be. Maybe Nigel his happy to keep things this way as he may not want to divorce her as there would be a significant property settlement.

Sydney auditions are at the Overseas Passenger Terminal this weekend.

Darren Hayes Disappointed With His Idol Pick Sophie Patterson.

Darren Hayes who will be mentoring the Australian Idol's this Sunday where the performers will have to sing Australian hits. What are the chances Luke Dickens will do a Barnesy number? However in an interview he said Sophie had become too 'slick'. Hayes had been at the London audition where she was found.

Personally I think Sophie is trying to be sexy when she is not. I don't get why Dicko goes the whole Bridgette Bardot route with her. She needs to go back to be a bit more the folk singer like Brooke White was in this years American Idol.

Hayes says he is impressed with Roshani Priddis and Wes Carr. Full interview on News.com.au

Charlotte Dawson In Talks To Become The Host of Australia's Next Top Model
In non surprising news Charlotte Dawson will be meeting with Brian Walsh, the head of Foxtel today to discuss her future with the show.

After stepping in at last minute to host the live finale when Jodhi Meares choked she deserves to be first crack at the top job. Anyway Jodhi never really made a success of that role she was far too scripted something Jennifer Hawkins should learn from. Full story here.

Speaking of Jennifer Hawkins...
In tomorrow nights show of Make Me a Supermodel the wannabe models will be training with AFL footballers, Brodie Holland and Ryan O'Keefe. If you want to see a nice picture of Shanina Shaik click here.

This year's Idol's and Bobby Flynn to Meet Up At The Basement tonight
Bobby Flynn will be playing at The Basement tonight and tomorrow night to promote his new album. If that Idol fix is not enough this years Idol contestants will also be there tonight with cameras in tow.

In other Idol news - Carl Risley will be singing at The Vanguard at Newtown tonight. Shannon Noll is also releasing a Best Of Album. Can you do that if you have only been around for five years?

Also the Australia contestant from this years American Idol, Michael Johns, will be in Perth as a guest star on a telethon.

For the truly Obsessed US So You Think You Can Dance Fan
Yes I am one of them. Here is an excerpt from the LA Times about them hanging out at the post Emmy party.

The "American Idol" / "So You Think You Can Dance" table was in a festive
mood despite "Amazing Race's" continued dominance of the reality television
category. "Idol" / "Dance" overlord Nigel Lythgoe reported that he used his
first few moments without a show on the air this year to launch the dance show
franchise in South Africa. Telling of his travels, he marveled about that
nation's talent.

Across the table, "SYTYCD" judge Mary Murphy was asked if the
party rates a ticket on the Hot Tamale Train (her highest level of praise on the
show)."Oh, no," she drawled in a deep Southern pitch, "You can't get a ticket on
the Hot Tamale Train if there's no dancing." She gazed out forlornly at the
empty patch of dance floor in front of the bandstand. So why are these things
called balls if there's never any dancing? "Maybe because there are so many more
losers than winners," she said."A party with Mary Murphy is a scream!" Lythgoe
said from across the table, referring to his colleague's penchant for
full-volumed praise on the show.

But Murphy didn't take the bait; no piercing trademark shout came forth to crack the chandeliers across the ballroom.Making his way out of the party, Ryan Seacrest stopped by to greet his "Idol" family.

The famously early-to-bed, multiple-job-holding hosting titan is out awfully
late, maybe his latest ever? "Well, let's see," he said, looking at his watch,
"the big hand is on the 2 and the little hand is on the, what's that number?
I've never seen that before, 1 and 0 . . ." He looked up and gazed around the
room. "So this is what normal people do at night . . . I've got to try this
again."

What the hell I will take the egg beater to it as well. Bauer Griffin Online has photos of Nigel Lythgoe and Sophie Monk arriving together by private jet from Las Vegas into LA. Apparently they had a limo take them to Caesar's Palace so of course they must be shagging....

Nigel is nearing 60 and Sophie is 28 so he continues the age old rule of multi millionaires that you should not be with anyone over 30 once you divorce your first wife (his wife Bonnie Lythgoe and him are separated).

Theories on why Nigel and Sophie are together include:

• Both are both stars of reality tv - he So You Think You Can Dance, her Popstars so maybe they have that in common;
• She has enjoyed a high profile and deluxe lifestyle with Benji Madden and wants to continue this lifestyle and Nigel is the way to ensure this happens, as lets get real did she really date Ryan Seacrest or was she a beard?
• Maybe he is the producer of her rumoured reality tv show which she will star as a young starlet trying to make it in Hollywood - not sure if her proposed playboy shoot for $1 million dollars will be included on this show.

The US version of So You Think You Can Dance has hit our screens again on Channel Ten. Their series is as usual a cracker, with their strength being the high quality of their judges who manage to be funny, supportive without being patronising. Something the Australian version has yet to master.

Nigel Lythgoe the supposed 'nasty' judge in an interview in the SMH said that success has come at a price. "Since I've been [in America] I've had a heart attack, I've lost the back of my heart, I've had peritonitis, I've lost 15 feet of my intestine, my marriage has broken up and I've lost my wife," he says. " And the gag now is, I miss my intestine." He says he is on good terms with his estranged wife Bonnie and thinks she did an excellent job as a judge on the Australia version of So You Think You Can Dance.

But Lythgoe has no regrets "If anyone had said to me, 'If you go to America this is going to happen' I would still have come. I would still have gone through everything. I have been very, very lucky. I could be in corporate hell at ITV."

He enjoys all stages of judging but particularly likes the cruelty of auditions. "That's because I know how hard it is to be successful and these people just think they can walk in and say , 'Give me my million dollars.'"

"There's a whole thing nowadays of just being entitled. I think we've forgotten about stars now:we create celebrity. I'm to blame, too, for doing that. But with the web nowadays anybody can be a celebrity: you've just got to record yourself and put yourself on there."

This season, the SYTYCD judges are being more "creative and constructive" , he says , pointing out contestants' technical mistakes, especially in later rounds. "They're in our top 20 because we believe they're going to be really good, they're going to improve and we're there to improve them as well."

Finally Nigel is choreographing a routine for the show (article did not say whether it was the group routine) but it will have to be good considering the criticism he has meted out on choreographers in the past.

Greatest Conspiracy Blog Ever on SYTYCD.
Marndizz Goss Blog has this great theory on how So You Think You Can Dance was a scam. Now I am a conspiracy theorist but this person beats me hands down.

Her theory which goes into some detail, says the she did not even think the final was live, as there were no public tickets available, which is unusual for those type of show.

She also raises how the routine prior to the announcement of the winner was the one between Jack and Rhys, and how the girls had not had a similar dance together. I have to pay that.

Anthony Ikin Tore Shoulder Muscle - So Had An Excuse For Bad Disco Routine In Finale

It was reported yesterday that Anthony Ikin tore his shoulder muscle right at the start of Laura and his disco routine. Which would explain a lot as it looked pretty shoddy. Poor bugger as Laura is probably the biggest (tallest) girl in the competition to lift. Her part of the routine was not to good, but then she was probably wondering if she was going to get dropped doing the lifts.

Nigel Lythgoe told Bonnie Lythgoe Not To Dance In Group Dance at the Finale.

Now this was a spurious rumour that was posted by a reader on http://www.bloggingsytycd.blogspot.com/. It said that Nigel told Bonnie not to dance in the routine as she would make a fool of herself. Nice to know that even after their separation he is still trying to reduce her self esteem.

Interview with Rhys here

Interview with Jack Chambers here he states the person he would turn straight for would be Beyonce - I cannot get that image out of my head, she would squash him.

Interview with Demi here and one with Kate here.

Hopefully Charlotte Dawson Is Not Mentoring Those Innocent Australia's Next Top Model Girls, as Ex Hubby is in deep s**t.

Charlotte Dawson who is a judge on Australia's Next Top Model, ex husband Scott Miller has been arrested as part of a production of an illegal drugs syndicate.

Charlotte who had an acrimonious divorce from him, including suing Woman's Day successfully fled to New Zealand for a number of years after the split.

She won't be happy about being tarnished by him again especially as she has successfully reestablished her career and social life in Sydney.

Link to full story on the drug bust here.

Tarasai Vushe Australian Idol Contestant from last year claims she was kidnapped and held by ex-boyfriend for 8 hours.

Gosh I feel I like I am writing a crime blog today. Tarasai has claimed she was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend and held for 8 hours before she was released. However she is refusing to go to the Police, but willing to talk about her ordeal with the media. Does this mean the media is more powerful then the police in NSW??

Seriously if she was a victim of domestic violence she should go the police and be a role model for other women in these situations.

Tarasai who went out of Idol in a blazing tantrum, refusal to go the Police will only result in further criticism from the viewing public.

Story from News.com.au here

Kristy Lee Cook and Nigel Lythgoe Spotted Flirted At American Idol Taping.
Ok maybe I am reading more into this then I should but a very interesting article on the taping of the Mariah Carey elimination show on EW here reveals that there was quite a bit of giggling and chat between Idol producer and SYTYCD judge Nigel Lythgoe and Kristy Lee in the breaks.

Well weirder things have happened, look at Russian President Putin who is allegedly about to marry a 24 year old ex-gymnast. I blame French Prime Minister Sarkovsky for starting the trend when he married the ex super model Carla Bruni. What next Kevin Rudd with Jennifer Hawkins. Yuck.

For Survivor Fans Behind the Scenes Look At Survivor China
This link will take you to some short videos on Behind the Scenes look at Survivor China. I found it quite interesting, there seems to be a squillion people working on the show. The one linked there is about the Dream Team, these people test the challenges. All the vids are hosted by Jeff Probst.


Natalie Bassingthwaite is the new face for Garnier Nutrisse

Natalie Bassingthwaite the girl everywhere at the moment has now been signed for 12 months as the face of Garnier Nutrisse, they will include colouring and cutting her hair. So we can judge the products on Sunday's show some of her do's on the show have been tres ordinary.

More details here.

The Melbourne Herald Sun has a very revealing article with Bonnie Lythgoe, judge from So You Think You Can Dance Australia highlighting why her marriage to Nigel Lythgoe fell apart.

If she is hoping for a reconciliation (which I thought was on the cards) she may have wanted to be a bit more circumspect.

Some quotes from the article:

• Lythgoe says Nigel liked being the leader and so her career always came
  second to his. ‘‘He's denied me a lot of roles and ... it saddens me, because
  I'm so supportive of him and just wanted him to give me that same support back
  and he didn't,'' she says.
• Lythgoe says her husband didn't seem to want her to
  be on the SYTYCD judging panel and would cut her off mid-sentence, leaving her
  feeling insecure and full of self-doubt.
• ‘‘The good thing with Nigel is that he can do a show with me and at the end of the day he can walk away and forget about it,'' she says. ‘‘I couldn't. I was taking it home with me and I was getting more and more upset and more and more frustrated.''
  
• Lythgoe says Nigel's growing fame made their rift worse.
• ‘‘I need somebody to put their arms around me and love me just for me,'' she says. ‘‘We all need to be told that we're loved and Nigel kind of didn't have the time. Though I knew he loved me, he didn't have the time for me. ‘
• ‘We used to go out for dinner, and I'm a real romantic, some candles and a nice glass of wine mean everything to me. Nigel's on the phone half the night making this person feel OK or that person feel OK. Well what about me? I want to feel OK too. It was a problem for me.
• ‘‘Sometimes I'd be on his arm and I felt like Mrs Cellophane. They'd look right through me. I was just nobody.''
• Lythgoe says it was only after she found independent success as a judge on the UK series E4 School of Performing Arts that she felt confident enough to work on SYTYCDA.
• ‘‘I'd been knocked down so much by Nigel that I got to the stage where I thought I was probably not very good,'' she says.’’So I did this E4 series and I just grew and grew and felt so comfortable. It gave me the most amazing confidence.''
• Lythgoe now hopes that her success on SYTYCDA may help to reunite her with her husband.

Full article here

I like her honesty, but I am not sure what Nigel would think if he read the article.

Bonnie Lythgoe a judge in So You Think You Can Dance Australia said in an article in the Sunday Telegraph, that her and her separated husband Nigel Lythgoe, the popular judge from the US version of the show may be reconciling.

Earlier this year they had separated after 33 years of marriage, and Nigel had even been seeing the Priscilla Presley, who I think looks like a Stepford Wife with all the surgery she has had.

Bonnie said she remained optimistic about their future together.
"I needed a new challenge and to not just be in Nigel's shadow all the time," Bonnie said.

"It was always the question on So You Think You Can Dance in America: is she doing it because she's good or because she's married to Nigel?"

Lythgoe denied she had left the US series - on which she worked as an audition judge and producer - as a result of the pair's separation. "We get on pretty well and always worked well together."

"Part of the reason we've gone our own ways is work commitments. He's so involved with America, there was just not enough time for us and that was the problem.

"To be honest, me being out here has done us the world of good. He's ringing me every day and it's kind of knitted us back together."

Well I hope it works out for them as they both seem like nice people.

Another newspaper appears to picked up the story so here is the link.

On an American website Buddy TV there is an article with Nigel Lythgoe on how what they are going to do to improve the show, and therefore the ratings for Season 7 on American Idol.

Nigel who does a great job as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance is also a producer on American Idol.

The show will be shown on Fox 8 here from January at the 'same' time it is shown in the States.

This year for the first time in American Idol allowed contestants to audition with instruments, however they are still undecided if they will let them play them on the show.

I hope they do as this will make it much more interesting, and the first year they did this in Australian Idol it was a rating bonanza. Did not work so great this year however.

He also states they will cut back on the guest judges and edit so the audience is able to get to know the contestants better.

Someone was telling me that it is free to vote for American Idol, which I find interesting. Can anyone confirm that this is still true? Does that mean fans and family just keep on repeatedly voting for the same person. Therefore when they say they have had 20 million votes some people may have voted over a thousand times?

Currently I am undecided if it is a good or bad thing. However I am looking forward to the new season of American Idol - Simon Cowell just cracks me up.

As seen in a previous post there was an interview online the Australian TV Week website with Mary Murphy, and Nigel Lythgoe to promote the So You Think You Can Dance Finale.

I later discovered sneaky TV Week had not put all of the interview on line, and the full article was in the hard copy of the magazine.

Nigel's interview highlights include:

• The top four were his favourites;
• There are now more guys watching the show then previously, not for the perv factor but for the athleticism;
• He will be guest judge for one episode on the Australian version of the show;
• It is harder for a girl to win the show because of teenage girls are the core group of voters;
• Pasha surprised him as a dancer, as did Domenic the breakdancer.
• He was delighted by Sabra, who has this huge magnetism, even though she is not the best technical dancer they have had. But she has the most magic he has seen.
• Danny is now a consummate performer as well as brilliant technician.
• He think Lauren peaked to late in the competition; and
• If Dave "Sex" Soller shows up at the next years audition it will be the first time in Nigel's life that he is going to say no to sex!

Mary Murphy in summary:

• Adored Danny, and also thought Sabra had this amazing presence and the ability to spread joy through her eyes that connects with viewers at home.
• Favourite choreographer - all had their great moments, but week after week always seems to have something really beautiful and fun, it would be Tyce DiOrio.
• Standard improved this year, and she expects to see more professional dancers next season because of the prize money.

The final episode of So You Think You Can Dance Season was upon us only about 3 months after America but I was still pretty excited.

Some issues still need to be resolved:
How many hair dos did Nigel Lythgoe have over the past three months?
How many tubes of peroxide have gone on judges and contestants teeth?
Is Cat Deeley sponsored by a fake tan product?
Which of the dancers got it on during the show and whilst on tour?
Lastly who won????

The show started off with the Cat Deeley revealing there had been a whopping 16 million votes cast to decide the winner. Somebody was going to make a lot of money out of that.

All the regular judges were sitting in line on a big panel Mia Micheals, Shane Sparks, Wade Robson, Dan Karaty, and of course Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe.

Dan and Wade must of come to a truce regarding Wade's peace dances as they were seated together. I was disappointed Adam Shankman did not get to sit up there as I thought he had been a great guest judge with his camp bitchy wit, crossed with his indepth dance knowledge.

But first Cat Deely's dress. A friend, site contributor and style arbiter sms me horrified and described Cat's dress as a toilet brush. I agreed, but also thought it could have been a cross between a kewpie doll, and one of those dolls that sits on top of the toilet to hide the toilet paper in. These are getting harder and harder to find, and will only be available from all good retro antique stores soon.

I am surprised this fashion tragedy did not make it on to the Go Fug Yourself Site for a caning.

I did like the butterfly's in her hair, I wonder where you can get those from.

Nigel solved the mystery of the blonde girl Clare Callaway from Season 2 who hurt her ankle in Las Vegas, and at the time was told she could come back this year straight to Vegas. She was a 18 year old from the South. Apparently whilst recuperating she managed to get herself knocked up. When the doctor said keep your weight off your feet I don't think that was what he meant. That injury was certainly life changing for her.

She had been one of my favourites from Season 2 so I was a tad disappointed, maybe she can make it next year.

Tonight each judge/choreographer got to nominate their favourite routine, which was then danced again.

Mary Murphy nominated the Shane Sparks transformer number danced by Lauren and Pasha. The opening robotic work was definitely the highlight. And boy it was great to see Pasha again.

They received a standing ovation - it was then I noticed how short Shane Sparks was, he came up to Mia Michaels waist. I noticed he did not stand much after that. The other shorty was Dan Karaty another hip hop dancer. So maybe you have to be vertically challenged to be a good breaker/ hiphop dancer.

Next was Brendan Norris the clogger from the auditions. He was great even though I am still not sure what clogging his Wiki soon sorted me out apparently it is some type of hill-billy tap dancing.

I wonder if the Mardi Gras Festival will bring him out, as well as the male belly dancer I spotted in the auditions.

Next up was Nigel's choice, and he picked Wade Robson's humming bird and flower piece danced by Hok and Jaime. Was this Nigel's way of attoning for his sins last week, when he told Wade he did not particularly like his fox routine with Sabra and Lacey.

The hummingbird piece was delightful, and showed the strengths of the two dancers.

Jean-Marc then picked the Shane Sparks routine with Dominic and Sabra, it is two young lovers. I liked this more on the second viewing. Also noticed the chemistry between the two which helped with the dancing. I hoped Dominic has finally got a girlfriend and stopped stalking Cat.

Adam Shankman choice the Sara and Neil number to Knock on Wood. He said this validated disco as a dance genre (oh yeah love it). The contestants on this weeks episode Dancing With The Stars could have taken some tips from this routine.

As Adam Shankman said "Sara had her Cinderella moment". I love that phrase.

Bran(Sic) Gaynor the guy who had scoliosis did a routine. He was very very good. If Star Wars ever turns into a Broadway musical he would be great as CP30.

At the audition Shane Sparks had offered him a movie role, Cat put Shane on the spot tonight about it. It was obvious from the look on Shane's face that he had done bugger all about it. He was now going to "introduce him around"

Wade Robson's favourite piece was last year's contestant Dimitri choreographed Samba routine with Lacey and Danny. Even on a second viewing it just sizzled. Hopefully it will turn up in the next James Bond film.

Lacey was then eliminated. The Schwimmer family cheered in the audience. What are they going to do next season is there another sibling who can audition?

Then a Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger came out and sung in ridiculously high heels with a cyclonic wind machine going. I was amazed she could dance. I thought she might have a Naomi Campbell type moment and fall over. If you need to see the Naomi fall the link is here

Shane Sparks nominated the Benji Schwimmer West Coast Swing number as his favourite, with Sara and Pasha. It was so high energy, it was one of my faves of the season.

Tyce D'Orio nominated the Jean-Marc Fox trot with Anya and Danny, which I barely remembered it from the first time.

Tony Meredith picked the Wade Robson routine where Sara & Jesus danced. Sara must have been stoke being in three of the final episodes routines. It was a great compliment.

Mia Michaels picked the Mandy Moore jazz table dance routine with Neil and Sabra. It was still sexy this time around. It was one of my favourites.

I noticed Cat gave Neil a mauling after he was eliminated. They were now down to their final two.

But still more dances. After the Mia Micheals group dance the moment we had been waiting for the much promoted Cat Deeley and Nigel dance.

What a freaking let down, it was their faces pasted on to some cartoon type dancers doing the mexican three step or something like that. I did not really see the point of it except as an opportunity for Nigel to promote his friends business.

Ok I have to admit I was really excited about seeing the both of them dance, so I felt really let down.

Next up was Ryan Caberra who is he?? That was very yawn inducing.

Then Dan Karaty picked the Mia Michaels piece based on a father and daughter meeting in the after life. This routine really improved for me on the second viewing. The cameras did not pan across to see if Mary was sobbing again.

Then the winner was announced Sabra had won the $250,000. Then Channel 10 just ended it. I wonder if that was how it ended in the US? I would have thought they would let Sabra make a speech or something, or show highlights from the show, as Lacey and Neill got.

Anyway great result, all the top four were fabulous. I must admit I was hoping Neil would win.

At least we don't have to wait long for the Australian version to commence. It will be on our screens in February.

I hope with the US version next season, that Channel 10 stream it 'live' from the States, as it is very frustrating not being able to find out more about the dancers or choreographers because you are fearful you are going to find out the winner.

TV week online edition has an excellent article which strongly hinted that Mad Mary Murphy may come to Sydney to be a guest judge on Australia's version of So You Think You Can Dance.

I so hope so, I think it would be a great boost to our Australian debut season of So You Think You Can Dance.

Come on down Mary and bring that hot tamale train with you!

It is great to see the producers of this show are taking the antipodean series seriously. We have Bonnie Lythgoe as judge.

Nigel just about confirming he will also be a guest judge. Nigel and Bonnie's son lives on the Gold Coast, and apparently they have visited often to see their grandchildren.

It would be great if Mia Micheals, and Wade Robson come out as well both for the viewing audience and the top 20 dancers.

With the American version ending tomorrow night, at least we won't have to wait long for the Australian version to commence in February 2008.

It is down to the last episode where people in America were able to vote so we got a 2 hour special a boy it was a cracker.

Cat came flouncing down the stair dressed as a christmas decoration, or was it a young Krystal Carrington from Dynasty.

The judges were Nigel, who was looking a tad tired, probably all the work he has to do on the other shows he works on. Bonnie Lythgoe his estranged wife said he was a workaholic.

Mad Mary Murphy who has been a judge on every single episode this season (clearly they like her) looked great tonight in a light green dress, with a huge
?faux emerald ring.

The final guest judge was Dan Karaty the hip hop choreographer. Now apparently he was the one who complained about Wade Robson's peace routine (the one where each one did a solo with it), and also I suspect he may have complained about the Mia Michaels marine jacket. Apparently his brother is in the marine corp. So getting to be a judge on the critical episode is the producers peace offering. Article here for the full story

It was interesting to hear that 3 of the 4, Sabra, Danny and Neil all auditioned in New York City.

They did a recap and it was great to see them at the audition process again. There must be some poor junior who has to go through hours of footage to get the scenes where they are standing in the queues waiting to audition.

Tonight they would all dance one routine with the other plus a solo.

First was a group dance a Tyce DiOreo broadway number to Mein Herr from the musical Caberet. It was a cross between a German bordello, and a Moulin Rouge can can. Last year he was one of my favourite choreographers, however he this year I don't think he has maintained the standard.

Cat interviewed Lacey, it was interesting to hear that Lacey had given up dancing and taken up hairdressing, and it was when her brother Benji Schwimmer(last seasons winner)was on SYTYCD she was inspired to take up dancing again.

She said her high light was dancing the samba, yes I agree it was hot, hot, hot. Her low light, was her solo she forgot the routine, so that explained why it was so lame.

She then did her solo which was average and ended with a very awkward flop where she was caught by members of the audience.

Lacey really annoyed me on tonight's show, far to much mugging to the camera, and always trying to get herself into the shot. Benji won last year by cultivating the personality on camera so maybe she is copying that strategy. I think it will back fire, she just kept on coming across as a show off.

Sabra and Neil did a Shane Sparks hip-hop routine. Which I thought was very average. The only fun bit was in the rehearsal with Shane's assistant physically manhandling Neil so he would get the pelvic thrusts right.

Nigel thought Neil "was a little stiff" but he was not saying that in a positive way. Neils fans loved him anyway.

Next was Lacey and Danny with a Viennese Waltz, this was beautiful. Danny I thought was superb it was so smooth.

Cat then interviewed hunky Neil. Apparently he was a gymnast so that explains when he does his flips his clearance is amazing. He said the best was his jazz routine, and worst was the salsa and tango. He said his teeny bopper fans pumped him up before he goes on stage.

Neil's solos was great flips, and spins.

Next was Sabra and Lacey dancing to a Wade Robson routine. Wade was channelling his inner buddhist during rehearsals. Sometimes I wonder is this guy genuine or is he affected? Anyway I don't care, because I loved this routine of the mother and baby fox. I was transfixed. However the judges did not like it, Dan was just saying that for payback. But Wade did not look happy for the rest of the episode.

Cat then interviewed Danny. She talked about his adoption and his mother who taught, him and also his brother Travis last seasons runner up to dance. Also Jamie a girl from this season has been taught by her. All are just sublime dancers. As Dan Karaty said at the end of the show "What is in the water at Denise Wall's studios." It was great to see her get some recognition. As both her sons are the best dancers I have seen.

Danny thought his best moment was the Samba. He then did his solo which like Neil's full of pirouettes and flips.

Danny & Neil danced to a Mia Michaels contemporary piece. It was about duelling princes. It was brilliant. How good is this women, I think she must have an overactive imagination. It was like a cross between goth and Shakespeare. Also Neil is the only guy I have ever seen who looked good wearing eyeliner.

Cat and Sabra then had their chat. She was born in The Netherlands into a military family. So it was ironic her favorite piece was the controversial peace routine they all danced choreographed by Wade.

The also showed the footage of Dominic dropping her on her head. Ouch that must have hurt. I thought it was interesting that Dan Karaty had thought Domenic had been the one to carry her. I always thought it was the other way around.

Lacey and Neil then did the Lindy hop. This apparently is very difficulty. The judges gushed over it. I thought it was awkward the whole way through.

Last was Sabra and Danny doing the Cha Cha, this was choreographed by Melanie Le Tartin the lady who had the pleasure of dancing the Cha Cha with the baby licious Pasha in an earlier episode, when his partner was taken to hospital.

This routine was a lot of fun, and a great way to end the show. It was a fusion of latin and disco even including strobe lighting. This will be very advantageous in the voting for the $250,000 first prize money.

Next week is the last episode and Cat let the "Cat" out of the bag by saying her and Nigel will be dancing together on it. Cannot wait.

Wade Robson - choreographer, artist, protester, life coach and pacifist. His mission was to create a set solo dance routine which the dancers were to dance separately throughout the show. The theme was anti-war.

The dancers were told to spray paint a word from a list he gave them onto the costume, a white t-shirt with a peace symbol on it. Words like hope, communication, unity and peace were chosen. I would have liked to have seen Clinton, Obama or Vote Democrats painted on at least one of them.

I had to agree with Nigel after the fifth one, it was incredibly boring and at times affected. I did laugh when Mia Michaels one of the guest judges managed to offend the Marines by wearing a military jacket with a marine emblem upside down. The great New York liberal, humbly apologised on TV.

Also Nigel Lythgoe seemed shocked at the amount of complaints they had about the anti-war message. He did apologise but articulately pointed out that anti-war did not mean they were not supportive of the soldiers in Iraq, but thought that no one was actually pro-war. Well not unless your country is the worlds largest arms exporter. Yes Nigel that would be the USA. Looking forward to next week routine where dancers act out dying kiddies in Africa because they can not get access to affordable medications because of dubious pharmaceutical companies practices...

Other then that it was another great show with some stand out performances, and for once the right people were booted off the show.

Cat looked like she was channelling Posh Spice's fashion with the high high heels combine with a short purple mini dress. However I doubt Posh would have been seen in the disaster which was the elimination show outfit. What was going on with the flowery head piece. It reminded me of a spinster English flapper.

This week all the partnerships changed, and as I wrote last week it was going to be interesting to see how some of the weaker ones went once taken away from a popular partner.

Lauren and Pasha did a Shane Sparks hip-hop number which was fantastic, even though Pasha is not the best dancer in this style. The robotic beginning and ending was great, and lucky Lauren got to mount her dance partner. I think Cat said what all women were thinking "This is the only way to travel on Pasha." Hubba, Hubba, Hubba.

Sabra and Kameron danced a Tyce D'Orio contemporary number, and I found it a little dull. A lot of leaping and writhing but not much story. Once Kameron stopped dancing with Lacey he was always going to struggle, and it was going to be interesting if Sabre could pull him through. It did get me thinking about the Australian version, and I hope they get Graham Murphy, and Janet Vernon former Sydney Dance Company to be guests on the show as they are probably one our foremost choreographers in Australia. Well ones that still live here.

Lacey and Danny did the Samba choreographed by Dimitri. I thought Dimitri did not look as hot as I remembered, maybe it was because he kept his shirt on this year. This samba sizzled. It reminded me of a number that would be in a James Bond film if it was a musical. I thought it was the number of the night. However surprisingly the judges had some criticisms albeit small ones.

Does Mia Micheals need to get laid she was salivating over Lacey, then Lauren, then Sabra? All very disconcerting, also she seems to have gone a bit LA with the fake tan, bleach hair, and plastic surgery on her eyes.

Jaimie and Dominic did a Viennese waltz crossed with flamenco. Which was always going to be the kiss of death. It was boring, the fake passion was cringe worthy it was like they were acting in a bad porn flick. Nasty, and resulted in both of them deservedly being in the bottom four.

Sara and Neil were last dancing disco to a great Doriana Sanchez routine. It was funky in a fabulous way. The flip that Neil did was breathtaking. He seemed to shine once he had been freed from the charismaless Lauren. He is starting to look like a contender. Also if they do a remake of Saturday Night Fever he should definately star in it.

The results are now all viewer based which means it has turned into a popularity contest. However it seems the American public got it right as my least favourite four dancers were in the bottom Jaimie, Lauren, Dominic (cracker solo), and Kameron.

Jaimie and Kameron were eliminated. No tears from this avid viewer.

Just a footnote I did notice the promotion of Natalie Bassingwaite whose new album with the Rogue Traders was being advertised during the show. As she is Australia's So You Think You Can Dance host they are obviously trying to raise her profile with their target audience.

Tonight's episode provided extra tension because each year the top 10 dancers get to do the end of series tour. There were more tears, high anxiety, and a greater sense of relief once the dancers were through.

However firstly a couple of things:
1. Did Arnie bring in a law when he was voted in the Governor of California that all citizens must have bleached straighten teeth otherwise you are kicked off TV land. Damien Leith would not have made past the first audition over there.

2. Could someone tell Nigel's stylist that he should not be put in suits that are the same colour as his skin and hair colour, it is to much beige

The night kicked off with a swing type number to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. It was a lot of fun, and Lacey especially looked like she was enjoying herself.

Then Cat came out in high heels, and a top in the colour de jour of the season coral, but hang on where were the pants? What that is a dress - hopefully she won't bend to hug the diminutive Sabra otherwise there is going to be issues, especially if she is wearing a g-string (thong in their vernacular).

Judges of the night were Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy (who looked like she had been eating to many tamales), and Wade Robson who I have just raved about in the previous post.

First up was Sabra with the jive.
This routine was dynamite lots of energy, all eyes were on pocket rocket Sabra, but Dominic is doing ok for someone untrained. Maybe he can attend the over promoted, and I suspect over hyped Debbie Allen Dance Academy with Cedric.

In the pre-routine gambit it was revealed that Dominic drops Sabra a lot in rehearsal. In fact he has also dropped her once in the pre -recorded opening number of the show and could not continue. Lucky for him she is a former gymnast and she has probably had worse falls from the beam whilst doing a triple somersault dismount.

I think she is his good luck charm as she is pretty versatile. It will be interesting to see what is going to happen once they swap partners, I think he will struggle to stay in the competition then.

Next up were Hok and Jaimie with a Broadway number to Mr Bojangles. Normally I like a Tyce Dorio number but tonight it lacked his usual pizazz. Hok did plies all around the stage while, Jaimie ran around leaping and with lots of high kicks. It was tonight revealed Jaimie is also trained by Travis, and Danny's mother who is clearly the greatest dance teacher in the world. Move over Debbie Allan.

Speaking of Travis,(season 2's runner up) he was assisting Tyce with this number. He also looked like he had had an accident with the bleach bottle. Nigel, who clearly is addicted to the stuff, probably even does his pubes, must write into their contracts that at least one body area must be whitened.

Pasha and Sarah danced Jazz. It was weird funky number, which was definitely channelling the '80's with the fluro clothes and dance moves. I kept thinking Fame and Flash Dance, then low and behold next ad break there is Jennifer Beales coming up in a Law and Order episode. Speaking of ad breaks, and I apologise for being off topic, but what has happened to Sandra Sully? Has she been on one of those cheap plastic surgery trips to Thailand? The medico who did her eyes should be deregistered.

Neil and Lauren danced a Mia Michaels choreographed contemporary number. Again I love her work she does these weird pieces that are very evocative.

Nigel and Mary didn't understand the story of the dance. I thought that was the whole point of contemporary. The dancers when asked did not really know and said it could be anything you wanted it to be. Well I thought it was about two people escaping from the Clockwork Orange set. Now that was one weird film and I must look up Wikepedia and find out what it was actually about.

One of the things that mystifies me is how Mia Michaels gets her complex choreography across, as she is not the lithe dancer she once was. However what ever she does it works, as I gather she is a bit of a icon in dance circles.

Danny and Anya danced a Foxtrot. This was a Fred and Ginger type dance - ethereal and floaty, with lots of feathers on Anya dress. They did a great job with it. However these ballroom numbers can be the kiss of death of a couple. The voting public like the big moves, the lifts, the kicks, the fast beats in routines.Just like Idol punters will dial in when the big notes are sung. They were not able to keep out of the bottom three.

Lacey and Cameron completed the show they were dancing a hip hop number. She is clearly very popular and pulling Cameron through with her, as he is just invisible. I suspect he will struggle as well once the partners are swapped.

The routine was ok, sexy school girl type number. However I kept on thinking of a dog on heat waiting to be sniffed every time she stuck her arse out.

The bottom three couples were Anya and Danny, Hok and Jaimie, and Neil and Lauren.

Anya was eliminated even though she fired up her solo routine this week, however Lauren was told she was on her last life line. Then sadly Hok was eliminated, but it is getting to the stage in the comp where the untrained dancers start to stumble. Lacey started wailing (they are dating) probably now thinking she will now have to share a hotel room with rather dull Lauren.

In the worst kept secret in TV land, it was announced that Natalie Bassingwaite would host the Australia's version of So You Think You Can Dance. Natalie a Neighbours success story, is also the lead singer of the Rogue Traders, a band which has some similarities to late '80's band Transvision Vamp.

Natalie was spotted doing the rehearsing for her new gig by doing the warm up for the Australian Idol acoustic night.

The judges are going to be Bonnie Lythgoe, Nigel Lythogoe's ex-wife - was this part of the divorce settlement? Does this mean Nigel will now not be a guest judge on the series. Bonnie has previously been a judge on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance. However has not appeared since, maybe that was when the marriage started breaking down.

They seperated earlier this year after being together for over two decades, and Nigel Lythgoe is currently dating plastic surgery addict Priscilla Presley. Credit must be given for him dating someone of his generation rather then a 20 something blonde as some men do once they split with their first wives.

Jason Coleman and Matt Lee will also be judges on the show. Further details including copy of the Channel 10 press release are here

It is unclear whether the judges will rotate as they do in the American series.

The Sun Herald today reported that Nigel Lythgoe may be a guest judge on Australia's version So You Think You Can Dance. Apparently he has grandkids on the Gold Coast and is a semi-regular visitor.

Nasty Nigel will definately be a ratings boost for the show, and will be able to give the judges some much needed advice in the first season. He is a fair and balanced judge who loves dancing. If he is nasty then Simon Cowell must be a complete sociopath...

Also in the same article there was speculation about Megan Gale being the compere - however I think that rumour was killed on Friday and I suspect the herald's gossip column had already been printed.

Asha Kuertan name has been mentioned. However front runner is now Rogue Traders lead singer Natalie Bassingwaite. Who really is a shorter version of Cat Deeley. Apparently Natalie did the warm up for the Disco show on Australian Idol.

I would expect an announcement soon prior to the auditions commencing as the PR girls cannot keep on spinning these rumours out - at least Bec Cartwright has not been mentioned.