SYTUCD judge Paula Abdul on Kylie Minogue free dancers saga
Apr 30th, 2014
SO You Think You Can Dance Australia judge Paula Abdul has weighed in on the controversy over claims Kylie Minogue’s video team asked dancers to work for free, says the request only adds to the myth this art form is a “hobby.”
With the embattled Channel 10 series pulling out all the stops ahead of tomorrow night’s grand finale of So You Think You Can Dance, the former LA Lakers cheerleader went into bat for the show and dance community, which continues to fight hard for recognition and its just reward.
So You Think You Can Dance judge Paula Abdul with finalists Jay Johns, Lauren Seymour, Michael Dameski and Renelle Jones. Picture: Daniel Aarons Source: News Corp Australia
“Anyone who has tuned in just a little bit to this show knows it’s a gem which sheds a beautiful light on dancers and what they go through and sacrifice. Some people aren’t educated on what it takes to be great at what they do and think dancers do it because it’s a hobby,” Abdul said.
While Minogue “has a great rapport with dancers” Abdul said it was “extremely important to acknowledge the effort and training that goes into being great. You wouldn’t ask a director to direct for free or a singer to sing for free, so why dancers?”
The US superstar blamed an early programming blunder for SYTYCD being dwarfed in the ratings by rival blockbusters, My Kitchen Rules and The Block, defending her show as “the Little Engine That Could” — posting its season high audience of 446,000 people last week.
“To me this show is a jewel box that deserved to have its own place in the starting line. It doesn’t need hand holding, or anything like that, but it needed a clear shot like everybody else.”
Ten is yet to confirm whether the series will go to a second season, but if it goes again, Adbul said she would be “honoured to be part of it”.
On one condition ... the show gives her time to “find the right man.”
After emerging a hit with local kids and our wildlife she said: “now I’ve got to get the love life working in the right direction.”
“Next trip, God willing, the time I get here I want to actually see outside of the three mile radius of Fox Studios where I’m living.”
The final four — Michael Dameski, Jay Johns, Renelle Jones and Lauren Seymour — will pay tribute to Abdul in a special dance routine tonight; with guest musical performances including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Jason DeRulo.
The Tap Dogs will perform with judge Aaron Cash, with the top 20 reuniting for a final dance spectacular.
So You Think You Can Dance, 7.30pm Thursday on Channel 10
PAULA’S VERDICT ON ...
MICHAEL
“You feel so proud, man this is going to make history as one of the best contestants we’ve ever seen. Every week he would just give a killer performance. This kid is extraordinary, he knows how to focus and do whatever he has to do to give it his all. As much as he is driven, he is hilarious, a comedian and I don’t think we’ve seen that side of him on the show.
Favourite . Michael Dameski, of Yagoona, Sydney, on So You Think You Can Dance. Picture: Channel Ten Source: Supplied
JAY
There’s something about Jay that just strikes a chord and you just want him to do well. He can make me cry just from smiling because he’s so transparent and he allows himself to be that beautiful, vulnerable man. When he’s able to show that in dance it’s so disarming. He came back every week better, more reliable, more open. He has been a true student.
Real heart ... SYTYCD contestant Jay Johns, of Ludenham, in Sydney. Picture: Channel Ten Source: Supplied
RENELLE
She has the greatest ability to really grasp a character and how she’s going to portray her dance movement in that character. And she just gets it. Her instincts are always correct. She’s able to really give a whole meaning and dimension to dance by the smarts about her. That’s her magic, her Kryptonite.
Kryptonite ... SYTYCD contestant Renelle Jones, of Bundaberg, Queensland. Picture: Channel Ten Source: Supplied
LAUREN
She is one of the most reliable dancers. Week after week we knew she would deliver the goods. When you go to McDonalds, or buy a pair of Nikes, you know what you’re going to get. It’s the same with Lauren. It’s all quality and consistency with her. Whatever is given, in a short amount of time, you know a world class performance is coming out of it.
Solid act ... SYTYCD contestant Lauren Seymour, of Peakhurst, Sydney. Picture: Channel Ten Source: Supplied