Fan Outrage Prompts Change in SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Format

By: Jul. 05, 2013
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So You Think You Can Dance executive producer Nigel Lythgoe took to Twitter yesterday in attempt to quiet fan outrage following the July 2nd live broadcast.

The backlash began at the top of Tuesday night's elimination show as head judge Lythgoe announced the six dancers who were at risk to be voted off the show, based on America's votes. He proceeded to promptly send two of those contestants to safety, reveal the four dancers who would be "performing for their lives" and cut contestants Carlos Garland and Brittany Cherry from the dance competition.

Viewers became angered when the two eliminated performers were then asked to return to the stage and perform with their former dance partners. Not only did fans feel this was an insensitive request on the part of the producers, they also questioned whether Carlos and Brittany might take their hard feelings out on their partners and attempt to sabotage their chances of continuing on.

The Following day, Lythgoe announced a new format on Twitter which he hoped would calm viewer outrage. "We're taking your advice by revealing America's vote in the beginning and judging at the end," he explained. "I hope it will inspire the bottom 4? Thank you."

With the new plan in place, Lythgoe will now announce the lowest 6 vote-getters at the start of the broadcast and immediately send two of them to safety. The Bottom 4 contestants will then perform their "Dance For Your Life" solos, before the couples' routines, featuring all 18 dancers, take place. The show will end with the elimination of two of the bottom dancers.



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