It’s been a crazy season of So You Think You Can Dance. We see the show trying a new format, with dancers competing in actual challenges rather than performing on stage. For the first time we see the top ten not only dancing together, but living together for the first time once. We saw new judges and new guest choreographers. Of course, we also got to see a ton of amazing dancing.
But even after all the twists and turns, “So You Think You Can Dance” wouldn’t be “So You Think You Can Dance” if it doesn’t come out victorious in the end. So which of the final three contestants was named “America’s Best Dancer”? We’ve got the answers for you right here, along with all the best moments from last night’s episode.
ICYMI, we have finally reached the ending of “SYTYCD”. With the new format this season, long-time host Cat Deeley tells us what this week’s games will look like. She explained that each of our finalists will have two First, a chance to dance with the eliminated members of the top ten; second, in a solo performance. But the question is? After the duet, one member of the top three will be eliminated, leaving only two dancers to compete for the title. call. The game is on, folks.
In rehearsal, we start with Madison Rouge Alvarado, who teams up with former rival Braylon Browner. The duo was joined by choreographers Tucker Barkley and Kayla Radomski for a performance that showcased Madison’s strengths — a jazz-funk-inspired performance. Madison still struggles with hip pain, but she says, “I don’t let my hip affect me in any way. I can’t give less than 100, especially on the day of a show. Trust that.”
On the day of the show, Madison and Braylon gave it their all. The judges were impressed and told Madison she was the most consistent dancer this season. But they also had concerns, asking whether the routine would be competitive enough for Madison to continue competing.
Next we stopped to rehearse with Anthony Curley, who was also joined by Maria Hawkins for his routine. The pair had the opportunity to collaborate on choreography with Diana Matos and SYTYCD Season 2 cast member Ivan Kumayev and jumped right into a Western-inspired performance.
After rehearsals, we had the opportunity to see Anthony and Maria perform. The judges gave them lots of praise, with judge Allison Holker telling Anthony, “You are a true dance warrior. You are now ready to be hired.”
Finally, we rehearse with Dakayla Wilson, who works with Easton Magliarditi, who we just saw eliminated in last week’s episode. The duo had the opportunity to work with Talia Favia, who choreographed a classic contemporary routine for them.
Finally, it was time for Dakeela and Easton to perform. They received well-deserved praise from the judges and received their third standing ovation of the night. Judge Jojo Siwa told Dakila, “I’m very proud of you,” and all of us in the family said “Wow”.
It’s safe to say that the final performances from our final three members were all stunning. But in order to advance to the next round, we had to say goodbye to someone. So the judges announced Madison as third place and, you guessed it, dancers and performers Anthony and D’Akyla moved on to the final round. “On So You Think You Can Dance, no couple has ever gone head-to-head for the title,” Cat said.
Anthony gave his final performance first, telling the crowd “I can’t believe I’m competing against the love of my life right now.” Honestly, we feel like we might have missed something. But Anthony didn’t miss a step in his final performance, performing an emotional solo to “Better Alone” by Aaryan Shah.
After Anthony, we see Dakayla take the stage to perform a solo set to Rosalía’s “A Palé”. It’s safe to say that Dakeira’s training routine is very effective. Guys, this girl is here to win. “I didn’t think I’d be competing against my boyfriend, but secretly, I wanted to win,” Dacela said.
Finally, it’s time for results. Finally…anthony! Cat told the finalists it was the “closest result in the show’s history” and Anthony was named the Season 18 winner. At this point, the crown of “SYTYCD” has been passed on to the next generation.
