The B-boy, the Gentleman, the Warrior Princess, and the Sweetheart left it all on the floor.
I dont know if I can say the same about the judges.
Except of course Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Credit: James Dimmock/FOX
I can always use some more JTF.
Did I mention that he was on the panel?
Because he was, and it was awesome.
He even teased the dancers that, since America had voted, they should be crazy nervous.
Not that Melanie needed permission.
Less than 10 minutes in, and she was already crying.
The question was never whether the dancers were exceptionally skilled.
With everything boiled down to a few, high-octane minutes we were able to see their outstanding moments.
There are some things you cant unsee.
Like Tadds opening number costume.
It appeared to be made out of the cups from a mega-padded silver bra.
Or a painted turtle shell.
Who knows with that Sonya?
Also in the fashion file: Sonya was wearing a killer acid green tutu dress.
Alexander (unwisely) bleached his hair.
And Cat liked Tadds red shoes so much she made them into a dress!
But in the end, it all came down to a Georgia peach.
Like much of this season, the result wasnt entirely shocking.
But that didnt mean it wasnt satisfying or earned.
So, congratulations, Melanie.
Youve got Travis Wall, Kenny Ortega, and Cat Deeley, among others, on your side.
Not a bad place to start.
NEXT: So You Think you could Redeem Yourself?
Before any of the dancing began, though, Nigel made a public apology.
Frankly, Nigel, I probably would have said the same thing myself.
That thing was a mess even in the midst of an overwhelmingly messy night.
But we were not here to quibble.
We were here for some damn good dancing.
The first of two original numbers throughout the night opened the show.
The other original piece was, for me, a highlight of the season.
Perhaps a highlight of the entire series.So You Think you’re free to DanceU.K.
NEXT: And now for the hit parade.
Throughout the night, the judges picked their favorite routines from the season.
Sonya seemed to be the popular favorite for most memorable pieces this season.
Tyce wanted to see her Pop Drop & Roll Geisha piece for the Top 10 Girls again.
But perhaps most impressive, Sonyas numbers opened and closed the show.
Nigel tapped Top 2 Melanie and Sasha to performGame Onone last time before the winner was announced.
Mary picked TycesFool of Me(a.k.a.
And Mary wanted Melanie to leap to her death once more inTotal Eclipse of the Heartwith Neil.
For hip-hop, Nigel yanked tWitch off the set ofStep Up 4to return and perform Christopher ScottsMisty Bluewith Sasha.
Sonya also gave Chris props for hisAdjustment Bureau-esque Top 10 Guys routine Velocity.
The Kiss, a.k.a.
another chance for Nigel to be skeevy).
And, before he even knew he was toast, Marko was weeping at the start of the number.
Stop crying, Marko!
Youve already broken my heart a million times!
The openness in his eyes and heart were inspiring.
Apparently they also inspired Nigel to sit in JTFs lap.
), and Mary requested a reprise of Travis WallsTurn to Stoneby Melanie & Marko.
NEXT: All the dancers, save one, took their final bows.
In between all of this, Cat announced how America voted.
Predictably, Tadd came in 4th place.
As the sole non-contemporary/jazz dancer to make it past week 4, the deck was stacked against him.
But Tadd isnt one to get weepy.
He told Cat, Ive had the time of my life (translation: cast me, Kenny Ortega!
Always in good humor, that one.
Third place went to Marko.
Hard to say who was more upset, Markos family or Melanie.
Maybe it was all that making out.
He cheered on Melanie and Sasha, and Cat congratulated him for being the last man standing.
The panel rose to applaud him because hes a class act.
Ive got to say, of all the eliminations, this one got to me the most.
He made Lady Gaga cry, yall.
But after a night of outstanding performances, it was between the cherub and the warrior princess.
They watched as the season passed before them to Hurts beautifulIlluminated.Then Cat broke down the numbers.
The runner-up received 32% of the vote, and the winner received 47%.
That winner was Melanie.
