FOX's SYTYCD Reveals Winners; Announces Tour Dates

The ninth season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE came to a conclusion tonight when Eliana Girard and Chehon Wespi-Tschopp were crowned the winners during the live two-hour season finale on FOX. Girard, 21, from West Palm Beach, FL, and Wespi-Tschopp, 23, from Zurich, Switzerland, received the most of America's votes and danced off with the cash prize of $125,000 each. Fellow finalists Tiffany Maher and Cyrus Spencer were eliminated as host Cat Deeley revealed the voting results.

"What I have imagined winning would feel like was like winning the lottery," said Eliana Girard. "I hoped for it every single day and when it actually happened I felt like my life was complete. Whatever happens afterwards doesn't matter because all my dreams have come true! And I want to take the time to thank all the fans for their support, because they don't realize how much they helped me get through this! And of course my family too! I love you guys and thank you a bazillion times over!"

"Winning SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE gives me the most unbelievable and rewarding feeling," said Chehon Wespi-Tschopp. "It is a truly special ending to my journey, far beyond anything that I thought possible. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment that all the hard work that I've put in since starting ballet at 13 was completely worth it. I'd like to thank this show for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and to all my supporters who have made me believe in my talents, and most importantly, my parents, who have always been there for me and sacrificed so much for me to pursue my dream!"

In addition to naming America's Favorite Dancers, the Season Nine finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE featured performances by this season's Top 20 dancers. The celebration also showcased the judges' favorite routines from the season - including a special performance by Dragon House Crew, who were introduced, along with fellow member and runner-up Cyrus Spencer, in the Atlanta audition episode. The season finale also featured a special appearance by Carly Rae Jepsen who performed her new single, "This Kiss."

Last week, Nigel announced the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Experience, a three-day dance convention filled with classes, seminars, a mock audition and performances during which participants can learn, watch and be inspired by their favorite SYTYCD dancers and choreographers. The first clinic will take place from Sept. 21-23 at the Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. For details, please visit www.fox.com/dance.

Also, this season's Top 10 dancers will participate in the 30-city SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Tour 2012. Tickets are on sale now for the tour, which kicks off in San Diego, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 23. More details can be found on www.fox.com/dance.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and comes from 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark productions. The series is executive-produced by Simon Fuller, Nigel Lythgoe and Barry Adelman. 

Photo credit: Mike Yarish/FOX

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