SYTYCD

View Date: 12/16/09

We started out with a group number with the entire top 19 to start off this, the last show of the season. The number began with everyone except the top 6, who then made a grand entrance in the middle of the song and were the focus for the remainder. Choreographed by Kelly Abbey. We also had 6 judges at the table tonight, and they were all dressed up for the finale. The other choreographers were in the audience and looking quite spiffy as well.

Next, as always, we get to see the choreographers' favorite dances of the season. Up first was Lil' C requesting the hip hop dance from the first episode where we got to meet the top 20. You can really see in these guys just how much they have all grown, but none more so than Legacy. It was great seeing three guys from three different branches of hip hop work together so well, and it was great to see them all go so far this season.

Adam Shankman chose a Sonya routine, namely Ellenore and Jakob from just last week (I believe). Adam loved seeing Sonya come up with a number for Ellenore as they very much have the same quirky style.

Nigel was up next, and chose the tap number from the episode to meet the top 20. Even though these three are all tappers, they each have different styles. Phillip has a classic tapper style, while Peter reminds me more of Savion Glover or someone who would work with him. Bianca, being the only girl, can both compete with the guys, but can also bring a sexiness that the guys couldn't.

Mary wanted to see something new, so she asked to see Ryan and Ashleigh dance together in their own style. They danced a jive that they choreographed, and it was very high energy. I do agree with Nigel that Ashleigh seems to have more dance chemistry, at least on the dance floor, with Jakob.

We were then serenaded by Leona Lewis with the theme song from James Cameron's Avatar. We also got to see a dance performance number by The Groovaloos of some great hip hop.

Nigel was up again, and this time he picked the contemporary number from last night featuring Kathryn and Jakob, and choreographed by Desmond. It was a gorgeous number, and I totally expected to see it here. It got yet another standing ovation from everyone, and it was well deserved.

Next up was Tyce DiOrio, who wanted to see Bollywood, particularly Nakul's number performed by Mollee and Nathan. It was a great routine, and earned a standing ovation tonight.

The top 6 were then invited on stage with some delays from both technical difficulties and Russell hurting his leg. It was announced that Ryan was in 6th place after the vote, and that is exactly where he deserved to be with these dancers. This was then followed by a musical performance by Adam Lambert. After a montage, the top 5 were back on stage with Russell sitting on a stool. Ashleigh was next voted off and finished in 5th place this season. I though this was very fitting, and I totally feel this was the right order.

Adam was next to choose, and he picked the number I've been waiting to see: Travis' table routine with Ellenore and Legacy. That flip over the table is just mind-blowing, then to go into the moves on top of the table right after was unbelievable. Another standing ovation rightly deserved.

Debbie Allen picked a routine featuring Russell and Noelle and presenting a new choreographer for African jazz dance. With Russell being injured tonight, they showed the tape of the original performance. That worked out really well for us at home. That number was so much fun, and it's a shame we couldn't see it live again tonight.

Time for more results, with 4th place going to Ellenore. I expected that one. I love Ellenore and her style, but with the remaining dancers and the internet buzz Ellenore was ranked right where she should be.

Lil' C chose the contemporary routine from the first episode. It really highlighted each of the dancers beautifully, and Tyce did a wonderful job on the choreography. Mary then picked another of her favorites, this time Russell and Kathryn's hip hop from last night. It was great seeing Russell in his own style for a change.

Mary J. Blige gave a wonderful performance of her new single, then it was time for the last judges' pick. Nigel picked the first number from the original show, choreographed by Wade Robson and his wife. Love the music and love the routine. Wade does such a good job choreographing group routines, I wish they would use him more. After, the third place dancer was announced to be Kathryn. I pretty much thought it would be Jakob here, but this makes sense too.

So now it comes down to my favorite guys, the big personality in Russell vs. the huge talent in Jakob. And as a side note, Russell looks sooooo upset that he got hurt tonight. I think part of it may be due to not being able to dance, and another part is that he's probably in pain.

Jennifer Lopez performed her first single off her new album, and the girls from this season as well as some past seasons performed with her.

The time for the final vote was upon us. Jakob helped Russell walk onto the stage for the announcement and helped support him during the last bit of the show. The judges were already standing before the vote was read.

America's favorite dancer for this season was:

RUSSELL!

And he was feeling no pain when his name was read.

10 words or less: Personality can beat out talent on any given day.