‘SYTYCD’ Q&A With Eliminated Dancers Caitlynn & Ricky

So You Think You Can Dance sent home two more dancers this week, narrowing the field down to four leading up to next week’s finale. Caitlynn Lawson and Ricky Jaime might no longer be in contention for the title of “America’s Favorite Dancer” but they’re not letting that bring them down. They are rooting for their fellow dancers Melanie Moore, Marko Germar, Tadd Gadduang and Sasha Mallory. Caitlynn and Ricky chatted with members of the media after their elimination and we’re bringing you the details. Keep reading to hear what they have to say. Don’t miss them as they return to the SYTYCD stage next week for a celebration of dance during the SYTYCD finale (airing Wednesday & Thursday at 8/7c).

On Waacking
Ricky is very “excited for waacking to be a part of the SYTYCD family now.” He wasn’t particularly worried that it would send him home. He believes it’s important to keep an open mind on the show, no matter which dance style you get.

Most Memorable Pieces
When asked what her most memorable pieces were this season, Caitlynn couldn’t pick just one. In fact, she wanted to list her Top 3 for us. Mandy Moore’s “To Love You More” with Mitchell and Sonya Tayeh’s “Heavy In Your Arms” with Marko made the top 2. “It’s always nice to get good response from the judges and audience. The tango with Pasha was probably my third favorite.”

On Growing Throughout the Competition
Both Ricky and Caitlynn agreed that they learned so much from this competition. The reason Caitlynn initially auditioned for the show was to be around amazing dancers and learn as much as she could. “Coming of age,” as Nigel Lythgoe described it was her whole goal. “Hearing that from them, I couldn’t feel any more accomplished that I had reached the goal I set out to accomplish.”

Future Plans
Ricky plans on moving out to LA with Clarice. As of now, he is up for anything and excited to hopefully get into the acting business and dance more. He hopes to keep teaching, specifically to show what he’s learned in terms of quality of movement. He’s excited to show his students how others grow. Caitlynn is looking to broaden her horizons and get into more singing, acting, and modeling. She wants to continue to learn and grow and would especially love to come back as an all-star on the show.

On Celebrity Guest Judges
Caitlynn and Ricky loved all the celebrity guest judges this season. They both agree that there was not one where they were confused with the critiques and wondering what credentials they had to be sitting there judging them. “It’s nice to hear critiques from someone who’s a different type of performer,” Ricky said. He went on to say that “They see what America sees, but even in a better light. They know what to tell us to keep us going in the competition. Hopefully they remember us.” They thought it was amazing to hear what Gaga especially has to say.

Forming Bonds With Contestants
This show automatically brings the contestants close. Caitlynn and Ricky were inspired by them all and feel as if they are all inseparable now. Caitlynn is especially “grateful to be in this group and have had the most wonderful time getting to know them.” Ricky and Clarice seemed to form a special bond throughout this season. They have plans to move in together in LA after the tour is over.

On Being Eliminated
Caitlynn sees a silver lining. It’s a sad feeling, but she’s happy she’s been able to grow and get better. They are both happy with the whole experience. Getting cut before finale is sad because you wanna compete for the last show. “The good thing is we don’t have to go home, we’re in rehearsal now and get to participate in the show next week.” Ricky didn’t even believe he’d make Top 20 because of his age, so he’s very grateful to have made it this far – to the Top 3 guys.

Routine They Are Most Proud Of
This past week was the toughest for Caitlynn. The Samba was really fast and the Sonya piece was hard emotionally, tough to dive into the character. “Seeing the judges stand up was an amazing moment,” she went on to say regarding her piece with Marko. Ricky is mostly proud of his ballroom routines, especially the Cha-Cha with Ryan. The show was the first time they actually got the choreography right. Production wouldn’t slow down the music for them to get their steps down, so he’s proud of that moment.

Getting Into Dance
Ricky surprised his mom at her wedding. He came up with choreography and performed for her that day. He then got into studios and went from there. Caitlynn has always been into dance. Being from a small town, she’s always wanted to progress to this point and be a part of something this big. It’s refreshing that they are both fans of the show and have been watching for many seasons. They feel so privileged to have been able to learn from and dance with the dancers they watched and idolized growing up.

Favorite Choreographers
Both Caitlynn and Ricky share an affection for Sonya Tayeh. Caitlynn “learned so much from her. She’s an amazing person.” Sonya seems to push the contestants beyond what they believe they can do and makes them dive head first into the dance. She hopes to work with her again some day. As for Ricky, he really wanted to work with Travis. He thinks his work is incredible, but he didn’t get a chance to work with him. You never know what the future may hold…

Dances They Want To Perform On Tour
Caitlynn: Argentine Tango (if Pasha makes the tour) and Sonya routine with Marko
Ricky: Contemporary routine with Ryan (the fabric piece) and his ballroom pieces

On Dance Style To Further Study
Ricky wants to go straight into the ballroom world, to “take it under his belt.” He went on to say that “It’s a different dynamic than contemporary and any other technical dance I’m trained in.” As for Caitlynn, “ballroom has always been something I’ve always been interested in.” She has loved getting to experience it; she wants to continue with hip-hop, too, if she gets a chance. Hip-Hop has always been a style she’s enjoyed performing.

Advice For Dancers Looking to Audition
From long time fans of the show to soon-to-be-alumni, Ricky and Caitlynn are great people to ask for advice for future SYTYCD hopefuls. They stress to not be afraid to push yourself. “The show isn’t expecting you to be a perfect dancer. They want to see you grow and get better. It’s all about having confidence in yourself. Work your butt off and push yourself. Never give up and don’t compare yourself to other people.”

On Being in the Bottom Multiple Times
Ricky Jaime is grateful to have made it this far with the help of the judges, saving him after being sent to the bottom by America’s votes. He believes that making it this far “helped show America why I’m here and driven sometimes. I don’t think it was anything bad, I took it as a good thing.”

We want to thank both Caitlynn and Ricky for their time. Good luck on the finale and on the tour! Looking forward to seeing you back on stage next week performing some of our favorites!

The Yak Chats with Brendon Villegas from Big Brother 13!

The Yak got a chance to chat with the latest evicted Houseguest from Big Brother 13, Brendon Villegas this morning. See below to read what he had to say!

The Yak, from Forum Member SassyGal: When you first came into this game, you and Rachel had said that you were going to play a different game this season. What exactly was your strategy this time around, and how did it change from last season?

Brendon: Last season we just had a straight up fight every single week to stay together and remain in the game. But this season, we wanted to work with other players and play a much better social game and take advantage of the fact that we weren’t going to have to play alone.

The Yak, from Forum Member kmteach: What was your strategy behind using the veto on Rachel, and how did you think it would further you in the game?

Brendon: By using the veto on Rachel, I figured I might stand a slightly better chance of staying in the game. And if not, at least Rachel would have a chance to stay in the game and play in the jury and I could protect her one last time.

The Yak, from Forum Member KaysarRocks: You and Rachel are great competitors as far as competitions go, but is it a good strategy to go in the game needing to win everything in order to stay?

Brendon: No, because Rachel and I realized, especially this season, that you’re better off being a floater and not winning anything and flying under the radar b/c nobody wants to take you out. But unfortunately, neither she nor I will ever be able to play in Big Brother with that strategy.

The Yak, from Forum Member Knucklehead: Out of the two seasons you have been on, which cast did you feel like you connected with the most?

Brendon: I definitely connected with more people from this cast and enjoyed it more.

The Yak, from Forum Member KaysarRocks: Do you believe that any of the fights that happened in the house were the fault of you and/or Rachel, or were all of them the fault of the other Houseguests?

Brendon: I think all of the fights somehow boil down to something Daniele has done or said in the game, even the latest one when Rachel approached her about what she said to Shelly, Daniele ran downstairs to turn it into a public fight essentially.

The Yak, from Forum Member Cappiesux: You and Rachel went into the house wanting to be different people this year then last year, do you feel you accomplished that despite getting into multiple fights with people and once again being the center of much of the drama?

Brendon: I do, because I think we had a much more relaxed time in the house and definitely showed to everyone that we are a real couple and are still very much in love and that we mean the world to each other.

The Yak, from Forum Member Sandy: What exactly was the strategy behind lying to everyone about who you were using the veto on?

Brendon: Because I wanted to really throw off Daniele’s plan. I know Daniele and I knew she would start making preparations on who she was going to put up as the replacement nominee and she would start making deals in the house and reassuring people they were safe, and if that changed, it would further people’s ideas about her as a manipulator and a liar.

The Yak, from Forum Member 19wingz: What’s different about your approach to the game this time around knowing what America thinks about you and knowing that you’re not being introduced to us on TV for the first time? How does that affect how you act in the house and how you make game decisions, if at all?

Brendon: I know that everybody in the house is going to have a preconceived notion of who I am as a person and who I am in the game makes me realize that I am never going to fly under the radar to the new people in the game.

The Yak: Us fans can see what a pressure cooker the Big Brother House truly is, but we never had the chance to experience it. Can you tell us, first hand, how it feels to be trapped in the house with strangers, and how stressful it really was?

Brendon: The boredom factor really plays a huge role in it, because there is not a lot to do in the house. You often begin to stress about the game way more than you should.

The Yak: If you stayed in the game last night and won HOH, who would you have put up? If who you put up won the veto, who would you have put in their place?

Brendon: I would have put up Daniele and Kalia, if someone won POV I would have put up Lawon as a replacement nominee.

The Yak: Who would you like to see make final two?

Brendon: Rachel, of course.
And besides her, I think I would enjoy seeing Adam go far in the game because he is a sweetheart and is also a huge fan of the game which to me, means a lot more than someone just wanting to win half a million dollars. Of course we are going to be inviting Jeff and Jordan to our wedding, especially since Jeff has that $10,000!

The Yak: What would you say is the best thing you experienced while being in the house? What was your worst experience (other than being evicted of course.)?

Brendon: The best thing was the mock wedding Rachel and I got to have in the house. It was a very special moment for me and I do believe it helped with me leaving the house. The worst thing was having Daniele, who I considered a friend, turning on Rachel and I early on in the game

Thank you Brendon!

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So, what do you think of Brendon had to say this morning? Let us know below, then come on into the forum HERE for all Big Brother Discussion!

The Storybook Wedding in the Big Brother House

It was a wedding to rival that of Luke and Laura (for those old enough to remember). A Page out of Prince William and Kate, complete with a designer dress and specialty made rings. Love was in the air tonight, and we Big Brother aficionados got a chance to indulge and completely immerse in it. The bride blushing, the groom like a Prince awaiting his Princess, gushing with pride. Yes, a fairytale to be treasured for Big Brother seasons to come. Surely it tops Mike “Uncle Jerry” Malin proposing to the love of his life season 2, and all love birds to come in future season. It was a site to behold, and behold we all did.

[singlepic id=586 w=200 h=140 float=left]We all held our breath as the bride readied herself in the Parlor on this August night, with onlookers adoring her every ruby red hair and lips. The Bridesmaids shined in their chosen gowns, but paled in comparison to the bride to be. We rushed in excitement to the live feeds, 10:30pm Pacific we were told to converge. The storybook wedding did get off to a bit of a late start, but we minded naught.

[singlepic id=599 w=200 h=140 float=right]Amidst a beautiful ambient bubble wand goddess, adorned in all white, she emerged. Rachel Reilly was a site to behold. The dress made of a shimmering pliant, yet resilient sheath, was crafted by hand by none other than the world renowned fashion designer Hefty, beating out top designers Glad and Ziploc. Putting the final touches on the gown was none other than the derrière bonded Shelly Moore, who also happens to be the world’s premier matriarch and knowledge of all circumstance. The Grooms attire, fit for a King, was also designed with great effort by Hefty to adhere to the gowns conception.

[singlepic id=591 w=200 h=140 float=left]The ring bearer, clad in Elf wear reminiscent of our childhood October celebrations, carefully and steadfast balanced the ring on the luxurious Ikea pillow made of a beautiful faux chenille. Those Swedes sure know how to rest their heads!

[singlepic id=600 w=200 h=140 float=right]Out of the house came the beautiful bridesmaids, all stunning in their own right. Posche Briggs, Jordan Lloyd and Kalia Booker, with naught a bite to be had, led the precession amidst thundering applause resembling music, making way for the bride to gracefully float to the groom. The bouquet was adorned with fresh plastic flowers, and a peacocks tail feather borrowed from the mystical fortune teller of the Parlor. Awaiting the elegant bride was the swelling groom, Brendon Villegas and his Best Man, Jeff Schroeder, all dressed up in his mid century blue blazer and top hat.

[singlepic id=596 w=200 h=140 float=left]The preacher, Rev. Lawon Exum, gleefully yet calmly awaited to give the last rights to the delighted couple. His presentation of the vows rang like a melody, enchanting the crowd gathered. Even the happy couple was heard singing his praise. Nothing like it has ever been heard, and could only be challenged by the great Rev. Jesse Jackson.

[singlepic id=601 w=200 h=140 float=right]The two wrote their own vows, the bride’s in limerick, ending with a beautiful rendition of her reality television trademark “No one comes between me and my man” as the goddess in white waved her bubble want magically in the air. The couple said their “I do’s” and marched their way down the aisle to a sea of gatherers awaiting their congratulations.

[singlepic id=606 w=200 h=140 float=left]The night that followed was simply fairy tail. The Bride’s bouquet was caught by Jordan, the garter by her soul mate Jeff, young lovers on a path to happiness. Nothing could have ended this magical evening better. [singlepic id=608 w=200 h=140 float=right]

Big Brother behind the walls of the castle were also cast under the bewitching spell of the evening, prompting them to provide the entire party with Dom Ralph’s Champaigne. All toasted to a wonderful evening of elegance and romance. We hope you didn’t miss this exquisite and once in a lifetime experience. If you have, the night was surely recorded, and can be found as a marvelous flashback to August 2, 2011 at approximately 10:30pm. We hope you don’t become one who cheats ones soul of this glorious event.[singlepic id=604 w=200 h=140 float=left]

[singlepic id=603 w=200 h=140 float=right]To the couple, the Yak would like to extend his cup and make a toast; May you both be happy with one another always, love one another always, respect one another always, and keep your parcels off the Twitter.

To see more pictures of this stunning evening, take a look at the slideshow below. To read more about it, and to see the Yaks reactions, come join us in the forum HERE.

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Mike “Boogie” Malin and The Crazy Lawsuit

Maybe this is why we didn’t see a return of Will and Boogie this year on Big Brother. Apparently, Mike “Boogie” Malin is too busy being “tied up” (pun intended) in lawsuit fantasy land. (pun intended again. This is way too easy.)

Attorney Martin Singer, whose clients include the tiger blood drinking superstar himself, Charlie Sheen, has found himself named in quite a crazy lawsuit filed by none other than Big Brother All-Star Winner Mike “Boogie” Malin. The particulars of the case are, well, insane, but not too far fetched in our opinion for the former reality “star”.

In the complaint filed in a Los Angeles Court, Malin accuses Singer and his client, Geisha House promoter Shereene Arazm (a former partner of Malin’s), of extortion, violation of civil rights, and infliction of emotional distress. Mike is claiming that Singer and Arazm hired someone to hack into his e-mails and tap his phone. Apparently, Mike thinks the world is just that interested in his goings on.

Mike says the pair sent him a letter back at the end of July threatening a lawsuit, which would expose Boogie “to public embarrassment and humiliation” in “an effort to obtain property by a wrongful use of force or fear.” The letter also states that Malin has “misappropriated more than a million dollars from my client.”

If that were the end of this story, that would be not so surprising… but that isn’t near the end of it.

In that same letter, Singer included a copy of the lawsuit yet to be filed, referencing Malin’s alleged Craigslist based sexual escapades. The lawsuit by Singer was filed today. The lawsuit accuses Mr. Malin of using embezzled Geisha House resources to set up “multiple sexual encounters with various older men, during which Malin would live out fetish role play fantasies … playing out Malin’s versions of a father/son and uncle/nephew relationship.” It even includes Mr. Malin’s nicknames for his older partners, including “Uncle Jerry” and “Dad,” according to the suit.

Former partner Arazm’s lawsuit, which speaks of Malin as a “washed-up reality star” and Moore (Malin’s other partner) as an “accused rapist,” lists many other ways the pair has allegedly diverted money and resources from Geisha House for their own personal use, including striking exclusive deals with vendors, diverting the rebated into “2Hype”, Malin’s privately held company.  The lawsuit is seeking more than $1,000,000 in damages.

Singer released a statement saying Malin’s suit is a “preemptive strike” and “desperate attempt” to divert attention from the claims against him and Moore, and he fully expects that the suit will be thrown out.

Singer also goes on to say that the allegations in Malin’s suit of e-mail hacking and phone tapping are “ridiculous; they have no facts on their claim.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Malin’s attorney has not yet responded for comment.

Oh Boogie, Who’s your daddy? Maybe that’s why Erika could get no where with him in Season 7 eh, and Krista must be thanking her lucky stars!