Well, YakkityYaks is kicking off 2012 by taking a stand. We recently published an Open Letter to the network executives of Fox regarding the cancellation of the Results Shows for upcoming Season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance. In our efforts to spread the word and garner support from SYTYCD fans around America, we have come up with a few simple ways to have our voices heard. If you support our movement, please pass on the word to your friends and family.

1. Talk about the show with others – at school, at work, online, or wherever. As auditions kick off January 5 in Atlanta, we can work to create a buzz. We understand the upcoming season does not premiere until the end of May 2012, but demonstrating strong investment in the show cannot hurt.

2. Sign the petition below and encourage others to do so as well.

3. Write to the network. Please be respectful and logical in your arguments. Threats will not strengthen your argument, but rather weaken it. Explain to the network how much you enjoy the Results Shows portion of SYTYCD and how it enhances your experience when watching the show on Fox. You can mention that you’ve signed the petition, and that you want to see the Results Shows make a return to the show’s format. Visit Fox.com and contact the network through their online rom or you can write via “snail-mail” to: Mr. Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment, FOX, P.O. Box 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900, RE: So You Think You Can Dance

4. Take note of the products that have been advertised in season’s past. You can write the advertisers and tell them that you notice their products during telecasts of SYTYCD and that you appreciate their sponsorship of the performance and results shows.

If anyone has any other ideas, please feel free to post them below. Together our voices can be heard. Thanks in advance to our supporters!

An Open Letter to Executives of the Fox Television Network

Not long after the world celebrated the onset of 2012, So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) Executive Producer and Judge, Nigel Lythgoe, posted a message on his @dizzyfeet Twitter account regarding upcoming Season 9 of SYTYCD. “#FOX have cancelled the results show so I will have to change the format of #SYTYCD. At least we have another season at the end of MAY.”

In a world where social media is prevalent, the news was not taken lightly by fans of the Emmy nominated reality series. Rumors have already started spreading as to possible changes the show will have to undergo without a results show. Worries that the title “America’s Favorite Dancer” would have to be tweaked have begun to spread like wildfire.

In a world where reality or alternative programming to scripted television is prevalent and enjoyed by fans across the country, cancelling the Results Show portion of a program is, putting it bluntly, a terrible and miscalculated mistake. SYTYCD has become a summer staple program in many houses across America. In a world where wholesome family programming is hard to find, SYTYCD offered such an option for families to get together and enjoy true talent showcased on television for 3 hours a week (with a 2 hour performance show and a one hour results telecast). During the latter telecast where America’s votes are revealed, some of the best SYTYCD dances – including some of the Emmy award nominated pieces – were performed as the contestants joined forces in powerful and moving group numbers.

Many Results telecasts of similar programs have been touted by fans and critics to be filled with “filler.” While shows like The Voice and The Sing-Off have televised seasons without Results Shows, SYTYCD Results Shows offer something extra for fans. From group numbers choreographed and performed with such passion and fluid movement to some breathtaking “Dance For Your Life” moments, SYTYCD Results Shows are not filled with overblown recaps and guest performance after guest performance like some other shows. While that format may suffice other reality programs, the format that Lythgoe and SYTYCD producers have adopted for SYTYCD has been all about showcasing the talent. After all, isn’t the talent what it’s all about? Isn’t showcasing the art of choreography and dance without gimmicks what the show is about?

In 2007, SYTYCD was critically recognized when it took home it’s first 2 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography. In 2008, SYTYCD was nominated three times – for three different choreographers – and took home another Emmy for Outstanding Choreography. The streak continued with 23 more nominations by the industry for Outstanding Choreography from 2009 to the present day. Of those 23 nominations, the show took home 10 more Emmys. We can’t forget the nominations of 2011 when host Cat Deeley was nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program – a long overdue recognition. SYTYCD also touted a nomination in this little award category of Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. Not to mention, countless of entertainment sites around the web have named SYTYCD in their “Best Of 2011″ features, including YakkityYaks.

While we understand this move by the Network does not guarantee that Season 9 is indeed the show’s final season, we fans know and understand that such a move unfortunately does not bode well for this under-rated and under-appreciated network gem.

To all SYTYCD fans, if you agree with the thoughts noted above, please do your part in sharing this open letter and let the network executives of Fox know that we do not appreciate this move and we hope that they reconsider – even if it means a 30 minute Results telecast versus the usual hour. We here at the Yak do not support this decision by the powers that be with Fox.

This writer can say that the Fox network will be boycotted during the hour originally intended for the SYTYCD Results telecast for any non-SYTYCD related programming.

Thank you for reading.

Kasey Olmstead and JD Montgomery
YakkityYaks.com

Prepare yourself. The schedule which you are about to see reproduced below from the network that brings you American Idol, Bones, The X Factor and Glee is about to give you a coronary. Earlier today, Fox revealed their midseason plans and let me tell you … it’s a doozy. Marking a return for it’s 11th season, American Idol premieres January 18. Idol will follow the Wednesday/Thursday airing pattern. Making its debuts will be Alcatraz, the drama from JJ Abrams, and Touch, featuring Keifer Sutherland. Fox will also join its fellow networks in offering a 2 hour block of sitcom entertainment. Tuesdays will now be known as Fox’s night of comedy. Per the schedule, it appears that Glee will bow with its finale in February and will finish it’s 3rd season in the spring.

Take a breath and check out the midseason schedule below. When confusion sets in and all else fails, be sure to bookmark our forum calendar for up-to-date and clear layouts of what’s airing each night!

All times below EST and new shows are marked in red. For midseason schedules for ABC and NBC click the network’s name!

MONDAY
Monday, Jan. 16:
8:00PM Alcatraz (Series Premiere)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 23:
8:00PM House
9:00PM Alcatraz (Time Period Premiere)

Monday, March 12:
8:00PM Alcatraz (Two-Hour Episode)

Mondays, beginning March 19:
8:00PM House
9:00PM Touch (Series Premiere)

TUESDAY
Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17:
8:00PM Glee
9:00PM New Girl
9:30PM Raising Hope

Tuesdays, beginning March 6:
8:00PM New Girl (encore)
8:30PM Breaking In (Season Premiere)
9:00PM New Girl
9:30PM Raising Hope

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, Jan. 4:
8:00PM Glee (encore)
9:00PM Mobbed

Wednesday, Jan. 11:
8:00PM Mobbed (encore)
9:00PM Mobbed

Wednesday, Jan. 18:
8:00PM American Idol (Season Premiere, Part One)

Wednesday, Jan. 25:
8:00PM American Idol
9:00PM Touch (Special Preview)

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 1:
8:00PM American Idol
9:00PM Mobbed

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 15:
8:00PM American Idol

THURSDAY
Thursday, Jan. 12:
8:00PM Bones (encore)
9:00PM The Finder (Series Premiere)

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 19:
8:00PM American Idol (Season Premiere, Part Two)
9:00PM The Finder

FRIDAY
Friday, Jan. 6:
8:00PM AT&T COTTON BOWL CLASSIC (Live)

Fridays, beginning Jan. 13:
8:00PM Kitchen Nightmares
9:00PM Fringe

SATURDAY
Saturdays, beginning Jan. 7:
8:00PM Cops
8:30PM Cops
9:00PM Drama Encore
11:00PM – 12:30AM Encores

Saturday, Feb. 11:
8:00PM America’s Most Wanted Special Edition
11:00PM – 12:30AM Encores

SUNDAY
Sunday, Jan. 8:
7:00PM Bob’s Burgers (encore)
7:30PM The Cleveland Show (encore)
8:00PM The Simpsons
8:30PM The Cleveland Show
9:00PM Family Guy
9:30PM American Dad

Sunday, Jan. 15:
8:00PM The Simpsons
8:30PM Napoleon Dynamite (Series Premiere)
9:00PM Family Guy
9:30PM Napoleon Dynamite (Special Time)

Sunday, Jan. 22:
6:00PM NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (Live)
10:00PM/7:00PT American Idol (Special Broadcast)

Sundays, beginning Jan. 29:
7:00PM Bob’s Burgers (encore)
7:30PM The Cleveland Show
8:00PM The Simpsons
8:30PM Napoleon Dynamite
9:00PM Family Guy
9:30PM American Dad

Sundays, beginning March 11:
7:00PM Animation Domination Encores
7:30PM The Cleveland Show
8:00PM The Simpsons
8:30PM Bob’s Burgers (Season Premiere)
9:00PM Family Guy
9:30PM American Dad

The judges made their choices this week sending 16 contestants home from the judges houses. Well, 15. Melanie got sent home from Simon’s house, but after he felt he made a “mistake”, he visited her home and added her into the line-up. I have heard some very unhappy opinions on the choices, especially when it came to the girls. BUT… is their a “wildcard” twist coming? Read below for my opinions on the choices, pictures of those chosen to go on in the competition and more about the chance for wildcards to enter the fray.

The Chosen Ones

So, what did you think about the judges choices? I for one was very happy for the most part, but have to say I was disappointed with Simon’s picks. Well, not all of his choices, just a couple. First, I thought Jazzlyn Little most definitely deserved to be in the mix, and was really peeved he sent her home. I really think that was a mistake and that she could definitely be something. Hopefully someone important did make note of her, and there are behind the scenes things going on with her now that we don’t know about or the Wildcard rumor is true. I was disappointed in his choice in Tiah as well. I think she might be good, but she needs work and a lot of it. I really think Simon just had something to prove with that girl with the other judges and his ego just couldn’t let her go. His other choice, Simone… She can sing, but her attitude leaves something to be desired. She also was the one that forgot the words at boot camp. Again, there was another one that could have been excused from the competition to make way for Jazzlyn.  He could have let Simone go telling her to drop the attitude, come back humble next year, and maybe there would be a spot for her. Heck, let Simone and Tiah go, and Jazzlyn and Melanie (who is amazing) would have both had spots. I really don’t know what Simon was thinking here.

In the other categories, I was happy Dexter (Over 30′s) got through. There is another one that needs a lot of work, but man oh man does he have soul when he sings. It makes a big difference when you live a life like he has and you can hear it in his voice. I was however disappointed in the choice of Stacy over Elaine. I really think Nicole chose Stacy for the story line. Yes, she can sing and maybe I am just cynical, but I’m a little tired of the crying each and everytime the camera is on her. We get it… you were told you were no good, now you are here, you have kids to take care of… blah blah blah. For some of us, or maybe just for me, it does get old. Plus, I thought Elaine was better.

The groups I didn’t really care for much from the start. I don’t know why but none of them really did it for me. I think my favorite in the category was one the judges threw together, Lakoda Rayne. Hopefully Paula will help them with choreography because that part was atrocious. They sang really well together though.

The boys… I wasn’t all that fond of any of them either. I was kinda hoping Nick Voss had made it through, but he needed a lot of work as well. Great voice, but he needed to drop the poser stuff and learn how to be himself. One I was hoping would not go through is Brian Bradley aka “Astro”. Ugh. The attitude on this young child… If my child were to act like that he would be grounded for a long, LONG time. I know he’s young, I just hope they can mellow out his mouth. He is imitating what he hears from older rappers, and it just sounds horrible coming from a 15 yr. old. That kind of attitude (as well as Simone’s) will be what get’s you booted by America. I’m kind of hoping those two are first, followed quickly by Tiah just to irritate Simon.

Wildcards?

According to the show last Tuesday, this coming Tuesday was supposed to begin the Live Shows. However, when I went to my Tivo page online to find out more about The X Factor TV schedule, the show coming up this Tuesday is titled “Wildcard- Live” with the description “Hopefuls perform for the judges and an audience.” The show is scheduled to be two and a half hours. So hmmmm. Does that mean we may see some of our favorites that were eliminated back in the competition? It’s possible. The “Wildcard” twist made it’s way to The X Factor last year in the UK, so why not here? In addition (I don’t know what this means), on The X Factor Official website, you can click to get tickets to the shows. The listing for this week’s show (for tickets) is on Sunday, October 23. That doesn’t sound “live” for Tuesday does it? Also, there are no more TV listings (tickets) for any more shows this coming week, with the next available show tickets for Wednesday November 2nd, and Thursday, November 3rd. (That sounds more like a live show and elimination night to me.) It could also mean that judges will be eliminating one of their 4 (Simon one of 5) on the Tuesday airing (Sunday taping), bringing the competition down to 13 competitors. That kind of sounds more likely to me, but who knows.

Other sites have also been keeping up with the possible Wildcard Spoilers. I guess we will just have to wait and see. It seems like that would be a lot of live performers to fit in if they add any more contestants.

What do you think? Will more be added? If so, who would you like to see return to the competition? Is it just a judge kick off show? Let us know below, then come on into the Forum to discuss all your favorite Reality TV! You can see who was chosen below:

Judge: Simon Cowell, The Girls:

Judge Paula Abdul, The Groups:

Judge Nicole Scherzinger, The Over 30′s:

Judge L.A. Reid, The Boys:

As summer winds down and we get closer to football season, back to school sales, and Labor Day plans, it’s also time for your TV and DVR to start sweating bullets. Why? Well, the new fall season is just a month away from premiering and you just know that you’re going to pile on more than you or your DVR can handle. That’s why we’re here to help. For the next 5 weeks, we’ll be sifting through what the major networks have to offer. We’ll preview new shows, remind you about your old favorites, and provide you with a calendar of what shows will air when … and more importantly, when they’ll premiere. The last thing we want is for you to miss a minute. So without further adieu, let’s get started with this week’s network feature: Fox.

When Fox returns to the small screen this fall with original programming, you can expect 4 new shows to fill in the blanks on their fall schedule. In addition to hits like House, Bones, Glee, and Fringe, Fox plans on taking you back to the prehistoric era as well as surfacing yet another undiscovered gem of talent. Below you’ll find the fall schedule for Fox (along with premiere dates) and don’t forget to click on to the following pages to preview their upcoming new shows. We want to know what you’re watching, so don’t forget to comment below and let us know what you’re looking forward to!

Fox Fall Schedule (all times EST), New Shows italicized

Monday:
8pm ~ Terra Nova, Premieres 9/26
9pm ~ House, M.D., Premieres 10/3

Tuesday:
8pm ~ Glee, Premieres 9/20
9pm ~ New Girl, Premieres 9/20
9:30pm ~ Raising Hope, Premieres 9/20

Wednesday:
8pm ~ The X Factor, Premieres 9/21
9:30pm ~ I Hate My Teenage Daughter, Premieres 11/23

Thursday:
8pm ~ The X Factor: Results Show
9pm ~ Bones, Premieres 11/3

Friday:
8pm ~ Kitchen Nightmares, Premieres 9/23
9pm ~ Fringe, Premieres 9/23

Saturday:
8pm ~ Cops, Premieres 9/10
9pm ~ America’s Most Wanted, Premieres 10/29

Sunday:
7:30pm ~ The Cleveland Show, Premieres 9/25
8pm ~ The Simpsons, Premieres 9/25
8:30pm ~ Allen Gregory, Premieres 10/30
9pm ~ Family Guy, Premieres 9/25
9:30pm ~ American Dad, Premieres 9/25

Next Up: Terra Nova

Update: Ryan Seacrest tweeted a “cryptic” message just minutes ago. Ryan Seacrest: “Prepping for major announcement tmrw. Keep an eye on my twitter after 8am east & watch @JLo on @TodayShow #rhymingisfun”. Now if that doesn’t confirm our suspicions…

Sources close to Ryan Seacrest and the Jennifer Lopez camp are hinting that the “On The Floor” diva will be returning to the American Idol judging panel next season. We recently reported that Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler have both signed on for Idol’s 11th season (already holding auditions in a city near you). Jennifer Lopez might not be far behind. As of a month ago, JLo was unsure of her Idol status, considering she is planning a talent show with hubby Marc Antony.

Judges returning to American Idol

Sources close to both Idol and JLo are hinting at an announcement any day now. If so, here’s to hoping that next year’s panel adds more criticism to their comments, or the Idol franchise is in danger of becoming stale especially with the success behind The Voice and the upcoming X Factor.

JLo Not Returning to Idol?

American Idol crowned its 10th winner, Scotty McCreery, back in May with judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler on the panel. Should JLo return, the trio will be back together for a second consecutive season after the shifting of Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Ellen Degeneres.

American Idol has crowned its country crooner. The Voice has given it’s soulful champion a record deal. Could we really have a summer without some sort of singing competition taking center stage? If Simon Cowell has anything to say (and he does), the answer is no. So, we will get just that … exposure for Cowell’s new The X Factor. Fox is giving Cowell the chance to launch his latest project with a worldwide sneak preview before the MLB All-Star game on July 12 at 8pm EST/7pm CST.

The X Factor doesn’t officially premiere until September 21, 2011.

It was just a couple of weeks ago that Randy Jackson assured us that all of the judges, himself, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez were to return for next season. Jennifer Lopez, however, is not so sure.

Jennifer Lopez was a big hit with fans this last season on American Idol.  She brought a certain amount of knowledge and stardom that the show had been lacking since Paula Abdul was abruptly asked to not return two seasons ago.  While Randy Jackson stated recently that all three judges would be back, it looks like he might have been lying to America.  Jennifer Lopez may in fact NOT return.

When asked yesterday if she were going to return to the AI panel next season, J-Lo could not confirm. Mind you, she didn’t just flat out say no, but she is apprehensive to say the least.  “I’m very, kind of on the fence about it. I had an amazing time doing it and I loved it, but I have a lot of other things happening and it’s going to come down to making a choice of…what I want to do for the next year,” she said. So Ms. Lopez didn’t completely blow it off, but she wasn’t a 100% yes as Randy had proclaimed.

What do you think? Would you miss her on the judging panel if she were to bow out? Let us know below!

Apparently, The X Factor can’t seem to make up it’s mind whether Cheryl Cole will be a part of the show or not.

As we reported last week, Cole was replaced by Nicole Sherzinger on the judging panel touting no real apparent reason… well, they said that it was because those auditioning couldn’t understand her accent, however many speculated that she did not get along with fellow judge Paula Abdul. Now, Simon Cowell has supposedly asked her back to the show. Sources close to Simon claim that Cowell said “We have offered Cheryl a second chance and she might still come back to US X Factor. Fox have been re-examining the situation and have had a change of heart. After the debacle with the UK judging panel we have started negotiating with Cheryl’s camp and the ball is now in her court.”

Cheryl has not commented as to whether she will take Simon up on his offer and return to the show, but FOX is planning on airing the footage with her as judge regardless. I guess we wait and see!

What do you think? Are you going to watch The X Factor? Let us know below!

It’s official Yakksters, Jane Lynch aka Sue Sylvester aka Hilarious has been formally announced as the host for the 2011 Emmy awards set to air on September 18th on Fox. The actress, an Emmy winner herself has the “it” factor that is the mark for what a great host needs to be; comedic, dramatic and musical talent all in one. (Anyone remember her fantabulous work on Criminal Minds as Reid’s schizophrenic mother?).

“We’re delighted to have Jane Lynch host the Primetime Emmys this year,” said John Shaffner, Chairman and CEO, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “When our host has comedic, dramatic and musical talents – as Jane proved in last year’s opening number – we know it’s going to be fun for us and for the audience at home!” Executive producer Mark Burnett went on to say that she was his first, and only choice to host going on to say that her comedic timing, as well as her charisma and talent gives the type of energy that “leaps” off the screen and stage.

So, will you be watching? Tell us about it in our forums!

NBC has decided to give it’s new Reality Singing Competition “The Voice” it’s top start treatment: the coveted spot immediately following the Super Bowl in February.

The network has scheduled already a special one hour episode of The Voice in it’s blind audition stages for Feb. 5th, 2012. The show had been considered for awhile now to take that position, as it already has the momentum going from the first season.

“There is no better showcase on television than to follow the Super Bowl, and we believe ‘The Voice‘ is deserving of such high-profile exposure,” said NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt. “The attention grabbing blind audition phase of ‘The Voice’ has mass appeal and will fittingly team up with the biggest sporting event of the year.”

Fox, on the other hand, is placing it’s new season of American Idol a few weeks prior to the Super Bowl, airing it’s first episode following the NFL’s NFC Conference.

Are you a fan of The Voice? Let us know what you think below!

Everything from Cat Deeley’s enthusiasm to Mary Murphy’s scream to the “dah dah dah dah” theme song screams that summer TV has officially arrived and not a minute too soon! Greetings, Yakksters and welcome our latest (and hopefully greatest) reality column kicking off our summer season! Coming off of a lackluster season of American Idol, fans of Fox reality TV have probably set the bar low for Executive Producer (as he apparently likes to be called) Nigel Lythgoe. What’s been shocking to me throughout the winter is the Idol Lythgoe is a stark contrast to the Dance Lythgoe. I like the dance Lythgoe much more and I think it has to do with the fact that he has a much greater passion for dance than it seems he has with singing. That said, I’m going to try and leave Nigel out of the picture as we celebrate the return of the summer’s best dance competition.

As we welcome back Mary Murphy to the judge’s panel after a battle with thyroid cancer last year, we also welcome back the return of the Hot Tamale Train. Did anyone from Atlanta or The Bay Area receive a ticket? We’ll get to that shortly. Record number tickets to Vegas were being handed out like breadsticks at Olive Garden, and if you’re getting the same vibe I am, this is going to be a great summer. Audition after audition, we were given the opportunity to witness some flawless, emotional, and fluid dancing, save any “growling” reminiscent of the days of Casey and Haley. What was even more refreshing was that the 5 different judges we saw behind the judge’s table tonight had more constructive and coherent criticism and praise in 2 hours than some 3 other judges (who shall remain nameless) had to say during a whole season! (Hint: The show crowned their winner last night and was heretofore mentioned previously in this article. Also, I just wanted to use heretofore.) That said, let’s get down to business tonight awards style. Instead of breaking down each of the many auditions we saw, we’ll hand out a few awards and make note of some YouTube worthy auditions you must catch before we hit Las Vegas.

The “Fast and Fluid Leg Work Kirstie Alley Could Learn From” Award
Bianca Hinklerian ~ Bianca’s fast and fancy footwork wasn’t enough to send her straight to Vegas, but her competency in the choreography round at the end of the day proved to the judges that her fierce feet were ready to handle what lies ahead. Bianca’s Columbian Salsa was about five fancy footsteps away from a ticket on the Hot Tamale Train. I’m pretty sure Mary’s not handing those out easily this year.

The “Good Enough To Be Invited By Zeus To Perform on Mt. Olympus” Award
Melanie Moore ~ Thanks to Lil’ C and his clear and not so concise use of the English language for that award title. Grabbing the first sit down interview with Cat this season, Melanie was not ready to hide any raw emotion tonight. Performing with such grace, yet so much restraint making you want more, she was ready to be sent STRAIGHT to Vegas and definitely worthy of a YouTube review. Here’s hoping Uncle Nigel is right and that talent doesn’t magically disintegrate in Vegas. Or, ahem, that the judges (and producers) don’t seem to let some other more marketable contestant overshadow her perfection.

The “Tod and Copper” Award
Deon Lewsa Jr. & Damon Bellmon ~ If the allusion in the award escapes you, time to stop being an adult and reach back into your childhood once again. When you’re the best of friends, you can not only win a phone call from Cat Deeley but you can apparently win two tickets to Vegas to continue to showcase your hilarious personalities and synchronized, comedic stage presence. And that’s what these two best friends did.

The “I Need to Oil My Jaw Because You Kept It Open” Award
Kimalee Piedad ~ Taking on a song that has so much history on the SYTYCD stage (you must watch this), Kimalee and her non-competing partner sure as fire lived up to the expectations. From her graceless moves to her stunning “tricks,” including wrapping herself around her partner, I was continually mesmerized by this performance. Lil’ C said it best, as he usually does, gravity was not an issue for Kimalee as she defied the laws of physics here.

The “Do They Allow Family Members In Vegas” Award
Kyre Batiste ~ Even though Nigel and Mary were no fans of this young man’s fluid and rhythmical performance, Grandma and Lil’ C moved him onto choreography (in which he didn’t excel). That said, Grandma’s special appearance behind the judge’s table proved more exciting than any judge I’ve seen in a reality competition this year. Yes, I’m looking at you “singing competition juggarnaut.” Whipping Lil’ C with her belt because he initially didn’t agree with Grandma was priceless television. Can we send her to Vegas?

The “Someone Give This Chick A Sedative” Award
Amber Williams ~ In case you thought we saw it all tonight, San Francisco brought us someone who doesn’t need to breathe in order to speak or dance. Dancing her self-proclaimed “toucher” off, Amber was pretty agile and commanded attention on that stage. Her personality could be her downfall, but her personality can also take her all the way to the end. According to Toni Redpath, this dancer’s a combination of white girl freaky with ghetto funky.

The “If I Had To Endure Her on TV Then You Do Too” Award
Ieshia Moss ~ Just YouTube her.

The “Why So Vulnerable” Award
D’on-que Addison ~ Flailing your arms on stage doesn’t mean you’re telling the world your story. Just ask Jacob Lusk.

The “I Was Afraid Of Breaking My Body Parts While Watching You” Award
Jeffery McCann ~ This energetic, non-stop B-boy performance had me concerned that I was going to dislocate my shoulder, while popping my knee out of place and breaking my hip at the same time. But I just couldn’t turn away. Not a moment of silence, not a moment of stoppage. Pure genius on that stage, pure entertainment.

The “If You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again” Award
Ryan Ramirez ~ Some of you devoted fans of the show may remember Ryan from last season. She cracked the Top 24, but did not make it further into the competition. Flying back on stage to audition this year, her dance routine was actually well thought out, had a story to tell (unlike our friend from earlier) and was miraculous, per Toni’s account. Being sent straight back to Vegas is what Ryan deserves. With the format going back to a Top 20 at the live show stage this year, Ryan actually has a shot at moving on to the live shows, where this kind of talent won’t get overlooked.

Before we end our award show, it’s time for a dance lesson. America was introduced to “Turfin’” today, Oakland, California’s own dance style. Turfin’ consists of 4 key points, according to I Dummy. Swagger, Feetwork, Pantomiming, and Storytelling. Words don’t do this dance style justics, as I Dummy skated across the stage gracefully, flowing like Meatloaf’s tears on the Celebrity Apprentice. Turfin’ isn’t quite the style for this show, but it’s a sight worth seeing. Folks, don’t try it at home.

And with that my friends, we’ve kicked off the SYTYCD season in style. Join us next week as the audition rounds continue (and conclude) before we hit Las Vegas! Who was your favorite audition tonight? Are you looking forward to this season as much as we are? Let us know and see you next week!

Well, American Idol has whittled it’s way down to the top three: Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart and Scotty McCreery. James Durbin was sent packing last night, which in my opinion, was pretty surprising. In fact, just based on the poll here, it seems it surprised many. This season has actually surprised many with their eliminations. Pia was a surprise elimination that seemed to irritate many of the Idol watchers. In fact, many stopped watching from that point forward. Between the judges not being critical of anyone, the push of certain performers, etc. this season has kinda been a drag to many. In fact, the first time I have heard the judges actually be critical was this week’s performance night, to Haley.

So, why was James eliminated? What made someone who has never found himself in the bottom three suddenly eliminated, and another Idol who has been in the bottom three repeatedly, not only safe from elimination, but not even in the bottom two?

My theory? It comes down to two words: Adam Lambert.

Yes, our old Idol friend Adam Lambert last week endorsed Haley. This came as a surprise to many, since many have been comparing Durbin to Lambert, including James who tried to model himself a bit after him, so we thought Lambert would return the favor and either endorse James, or endorse no one. Well, he endorsed Haley. Many of us have wondered why? That is not to say Haley is not a great singer by any means, but when you ask around, there are many that think Adam may have shown his preference for her because of the competition James may bring him, or that he was tired (or jealous) of hearing people compare James to him. Some of James’ fans have even gone so far as to say he is better than Lambert. So, taking all the chatter around the net about James, it seems Adam made the choice to try and distance himself from The Durbin.

Lambert endorsed Haley all over Twitter. Lambert has over a million followers. So, coincidence? I think not. Did loyal Lambert fans send the rocker packing?

Quite frankly, I don’t think that former Idols should endorse the current contestants, as it gives an unfair advantage, but, that’s just me.

What do you think? Let us know below, then come on in the the FORUM where we are discussing James’ Elimination and have a poll HERE to see if you think Lambert had anything to do with it!

The ongoing saga of the Paula Abdul/Simon Cowell relationship will continue to be played out on TV screens across America. What a relief. Paula Abdul has officially joined the judges panel of Simon Cowell’s X Factor, finishing up and signing her contract at the last minute. It was so last minute that it held up first day filming by a couple of hours in fact.

Paula showed up at filming dressed to the nines and immediately embraced Simon for all the cameras. She will be joining the three other confirmed judges, Simon, Cheryl Cole and L.A. Reid as the search begins to find America’s ‘X Factor’ this Fall, according to Fox.

To make sure everyone knew just how important Paula was to him, Simon even bumped the judges over, including his once favorite judge Cheryl Cole, to have Paula seated next to him on the panel according to sources.

Paula, when asked what she thought of the new gig and judges, claimed she was excited to meet Cheryl, that she has ‘heard such lovely things about her’. Simon, on the other hand, had something else in mind. “You put pretty girls together it’s like three cats in a sack, isn’t it,’ he said. ‘And it needs a bit of a shake.” I guess we will see how this plays out.

Looking over the pictures of these judges arriving, [Click pictures to enlarge] the panel almost looks like this other show I once watched. The judging panel resembled these people a lot. Hmmm… what could it be?

What do you think? Excited about the X Factor? Let us know below!

It was bound to happen, and we all got to see a little piece of it Tuesday night. (That is, if you watched The Voice this week. If you haven’t seen this show, this writer thinks you should go check it out!)

The Voice coach, Adam Levine from Maroon 5, made a comment on Tuesday’s show, speaking to a contestant that did not get a coach to turn around during their “blind audition”. He said, “The people that we’re not turning our chairs around for could win American Idol,” after he and fellow celebrities Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton decided not turn their chairs either. We all heard it, and many of us in the forum, and around Twitter, commented on it.

So far, we had heard nothing from the ‘Idol-sphere’ really about The Voice, and how they really feel about the competition, until today.

Randy Jackson told the Hollywood Reporter today that “It’s a great thing when talent can be simple, honest and revered as opposed to spinning around with gimmicky chairs. Maybe Simon Cowell should have people opening doors. Like, ‘Knock, knock. Who’s singing? I can’t see you!“

He continued, “Look, none of these other shows could exist without somebody forging the path before them. I’m happy to say that Idol did that and paved the way.”

The Voice itself has premiered with some very impressive ratings, and has certainly impressed me. So much so, that I have stopped watching Idol. To me, Idol has lost it’s special something, and I think it was the right timing for Simon to leave. The judges are no longer judging the contestants, but are more a cheerleading section, and I find myself really disliking Jimmy Iovine. I would much rather see the contestants do what they want to do on their own. Let them be individuals, and find within themselves the artist they wish to be, rather than be coached by this guy. A little less arrogance, and some more humble pie would be nice Mr. Iovine.

Jackson states his only fear is that “with all these shows coming is that people don’t tire of the format,” he adds. “I don’t know how much singing at you the public can take” referring to The Voice, America’s Got Talent and Cowell’s X Factor premiering in the Fall.

Personally, I can take a lot, if it’s good. I don’t find The Voice gimmicky. In fact, it seems to me they came up with a format that could work for seasons to come… New judges can be brought in every season, allowing for a fresh take every time.

What do you think? Agree with Randy, or do you think Idol may have met it’s match?