By: Mary Cavaliere

The opening dance number, a contemporary piece choreographed to The Rose, was brilliant. Cat Deeley looked gorgeous as usual.  I love this woman as a host.  It’s not just her beauty and elegance that is so appealing to the viewer.  She acts like a big sister to all these young contestants and we love her for supporting them the way she does.  She’s also not afraid to look funny or foolish (i.e. putting on Twitch’s grill and glasses last night).  Her down-to-earth nature along with her mesmerizing beauty and warm personality make her a host that others just can’t compete with.  Kudos to Nigel for choosing her to host the show.

Last week Nigel made an announcement about registering to vote on www.declareyourself.com and the importance of voting in this year’s election.  Well it worked because registration was up on that website 400%.  Nigel you rock!!!

Another announcement was made by this week’s guest judge Alan Shankman.  In addition to winning money and the title, the winner of this season’s So You Think You Can Dance will also win a feature dance role in Alan’s next feature film.  Now that is something really worth fighting for!  I just loved Hairspray – didn’t you?

Nigel delivered a beautiful speech on rejection and Alan delivered a beautiful speech on kindness towards the dancers’ fans.  I thought both were very touching along with Mary’s tears.   Many people tell me Mary’s laugh and voice annoys them but I think her heart certainly outweighs all of that which is why I love her to death as a permanent judge.

Tonight’s entertainment was this unbelievable 6-year old by the name of Neil Demont (sorry if I spelled your name wrong).  He will surely be on SYTYCD in the future!   The follow-up entertainment was a group called Lady Ga-Ga.  I’ve never heard of them before but I thought they were kind of cool.  I’m sure the young viewers loved them.

Eliminated from the finale were CHELSIE and MARK.   I don’t think there is much to be said at this point.  They are both brilliant dancers and I’m sure the gap between their votes and the votes of those who made it to the finale were minimal.

Next week’s winner will be COURTNEY, KATEE, JOSHUA, or TWITCH.  My #1 girl is Courtney and my #1 guy is Joshua.  As for the winner – that is a really tough call.   Best of luck to all four contestants!!!

You can read more of Mary’s television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57