So You Think You Can Dance: Who Won?
Credit: Adam Rose/Fox/PictureGroup
Who is the season-8 victor on So You Think You Can Dance?
And America's favorite dancer -- winning $250,000, a sponsorship deal and bragging rights -- is. . .
Melanie Moore!
On Thursday night, the Marietta, Ga. native, 19, won 47 percent of 11.5 million votes cast for the FOX hit. Moore beat out fellow powerhouse female Sasha Mallory (who garnered 32 percent) with the two remaining men Marko Germar and Tadd Gadduang in third and fourth.
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An early favorite on the show, Moore pulled off one flawless routine after another throughout the season -- morphing and disappeaering convincingly with each style, and staying humble and grateful despite the raves from judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy...and Katie Holmes, who was a guest judge on Wednesday's final competition night.
"You're so energetic and I believe the story that you're telling," Holmes, 32, gushed after Moore and All-Star partner Robert Roldan performed.
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Moore's reaction after winning, as confetti streamed from above? A teary "thank you."
After her big win, Moore spoke to Us Weekly about her triumphant night.
"I was ready to take second very graciously!" she told Us. "In my head I really thought Sasha was going to win, just because she has improved so much over the competition and she's an inspiration to me...When [Cat Deeley] called my name I lost it, I just started crying!"
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What's Moore going to do with her prize money? "Hopefully go back to school. That's what I really want to do... There's really a lot to learn. And I'm not a choreographer and I want to learn more and I want to learn how to do that. I admire and respect them so much."
Before she starts sending out those dance school applications, however, the champ is ready for some R&R. "I'm looking forward to spending time with my boyfriend! I'm really excited to just hang out."
Tell Us: Did the right dancer win?
Tell Us What You Think
10You can catch it probably on you tube or go right to the network site that aired it, google it, you'll see it. Great show, great finale, one of the best yet.
We had a bad storm and a small tornado & lost power so we missed it. We are so bummed as it was the finale! Wish it was on prime time on demand!
One of a kind dancer, i could watch her do anything, i try and name the reason why but cant, she just is. PERFECT.
Yay Melanie! I knew she would win from day 1!
The final four were wonderful. Melanie was absolutely spectacular. She and Allison, of the females, will be my favorites of all time. Very good show.
I loved each of the top four this year, but Melanie is spectacular!
Glad she won. Very talented. All were good, she was outstanding.
Yes yes yes! Melanie's audition was the first of the whole season, and she was breathtaking from the beginning. Something special happens when she dances; her soul shines through. Love all the top four and they'll all have great careers.
She was my favorite way back in the auditions. Sasha was also excellent, but Melanie was terrific!
Absolutely ! She is adorable and sooo talented ! Loved all the top 4 but Melanie shined throughout!