July 23rd, 2009
08:15 AM ET

Ellen DeGeneres appears on 'Dance'

It was certainly a memorable night on Fox's summer sensation "So You Think You Can Dance." On the eve of its 100th episode, there was a fourth judge Wednesday night. No, not Kara DioGuardi (and not Paula Abdul either), but comedian/talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres, who is quite fond of dancing on her show, took on the role of judge for a night.

judges

DeGeneres made her role on the show clear from the get-go as she talked about learning how to dance from "the streets... actually it was a gated community, and there was just one street."

As the show wore on, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe seemed underwhelmed for the most part, while DeGeneres continued to pull off some zingers (like "Are you two carpenters, because you nailed it!"). Judge Mary Murphy even remarked that the dances seemed to be going in slow motion at one point.

Later on in the show, Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi performed a very personal routine for choreographer Tyce Diorio about a friend who is facing breast cancer. The soaring performance left Lythgoe welling up as he called this routine an example of why he loves dance and worthy of another Emmy nomination for Diorio. DeGeneres called it the "most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Kayla Radomski and Jason Glover finished off the night with a Shane Sparks hip-hop routine, where the two portrayed zombies. The judges loved it, with DeGeneres saying, "Keep dancing like that and you'll get your own talk show someday."

These last three performances left two fan favorites, Evan Kasprzak and Janette Manrana, seemingly in danger for Thursday night. Then again, it's not really up to the judges at this point in the show, which made DeGeneres' turn as a judge all the more appropriate.

What did you think? Was it great to see a fan like DeGeneres judging, even if it was for comic relief, or is three enough for you? Are you looking forward to tonight's 100th episode with Katie Holmes, and the chance to revisit some favorite performances?


soundoff (76 Responses)
  1. suki

    I am not a person who cries easily and yet while watching Ade and Melissa dance Tice's piece...especially when Melissa shows her anger...so powerful. I burst into tears and was glad I was alone so that I could feel what they wanted us to feel without feeling silly or embarrassed. I felt very justified in my response when I saw the judges and audience reactions. Communication in dance is so personal...everyone sees something different, but the feeling is shared by all who watch, when it is THAT good. Unforgettable!

    July 30, 2009 at 3:33 pm | Report abuse |
  2. viewer

    Concerning those who feel compelled to comment that Ellen's humor isn't funny: Get a sense of humor and humanity.
    Her presence and humor is always in good taste, natural, without foul language, prejudice or derogatory comment, and very often spontaneous and about everyday life that nearly every person can relate to...
    Yeah, I can see how you would find all that just so annoying...

    July 27, 2009 at 10:54 am | Report abuse |
  3. ICan'tBelieveYou

    Jason said "What did that piece have to do with breast cancer. You could have said it was about anything. Nigel’s crying/welling up with sadness routine was very poor acting. yes the routine was nice and beautifully danced, but the mushiness and fake sob story of it all was just fake."

    Are you serious? You can't be watching the same show that I'm watching. The same show that week after week choreographers try to give the dancers something to feel, something to embrace to make their dance more magical, more appealing, more personal. This is what happened here and the dancers did a great job of turning the choreographers vision into a very special reality that touched millions! All the emotions you saw were REAL. If you didn't feel anything, you should probably seek therapy because something is mentally wrong with you!!!

    July 25, 2009 at 6:18 am | Report abuse |
  4. Cherie

    Ellen added a touch of down to earth humour to the show. The biggest improvement to the show would be a large piece of duct tape for Mary. I stopped watching the show as much as I used to because of her absolutely horrific laugh and screams. If i watch now I mute it when the judges are speaking and she is shrieking.

    July 24, 2009 at 6:56 pm | Report abuse |
  5. dmc

    Wacthing Ellen on SYTYCD was the same as listening to dead air on a radio station. What a waste. Folks complain about Idol and what they do to fill time. geesh....There was no good reason to have her. I can't imagine the producers thinking she would be worthwhile. You could see in the judges faces the forced laughter just to be kind. If she ever had a "prime", she has long past it. Time for her to go to one of those reality shows with has-been talent; maybe Celebrity Apprentice or I'm a Celebrity..Get me Outta here. Boy, there's a whole other discussion on waste of time.

    July 24, 2009 at 10:55 am | Report abuse |
  6. Jason

    What did that piece have to do with breast cancer. You could have said it was about anything. Nigel's crying/welling up with sadness routine was very poor acting. yes the routine was nice and beautifully danced, but the mushiness and fake sob story of it all was just fake.

    July 24, 2009 at 12:01 am | Report abuse |
  7. Screaming!

    Cannot watch the show until that screaming nut is no longer part of the judges. Mary Murphy is the most annoying person on television. GET HER OUT OF THERE! She is killing the show.

    July 23, 2009 at 9:49 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Julia, Pacific Palisades CA

    lauren g said, "Ellen is a waste of time — no talent, poor delivery of scripted lines, unfunny — always.
    The screaming, crying female judge is ridiculous.
    Nigel is all right, altho he likes to hear himself talk and his comments are often overdone and silly.
    The dancers are interesting, but the choreography often emphasizes “art” over technique. Why do we need a pre-story of what the dance is about? If the cancer survivor dance had been exactly the same, but we told it was about being wrongfully accused of stealing an old lady’s purse, would the reaction be the same? Seems that the emotional draw of the story has more to do with people’s reaction than the excellence (or lack of it) of the dancers. This show milks the audience to the point of nausea. Maybe it’s good for summer ratings when nothing much is new, but I find it tedious and disingenuous."

    Gee Lauren: tell you what. DON'T watch if you don't enjoy the show. That's what the remote is for. Just stop wtaching. Why torture yourself and then complain?

    July 23, 2009 at 8:58 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Julia, Pacific Palisades CA

    Ellen DeGeneres is a breath of fresh air wherever she is. Last night's show was GREAT. I love that show, but last night's was especially fun. Having guest judges is cool Would love to see them have other people do this just to mix it up a little! Great idea to have her there and last night's performances were all great.

    July 23, 2009 at 8:55 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Cathy

    I am a breast cancer survivor. When they were introducing the Tyce choreography I was thinking to myself ... this might be interesting. Well, as soon as it was over and I wiped away my tears I began listening to Nigel, and I came to one word. Powerful. The choreography, the dancers, the lifts, the emotion, the depth, the lines, the jumps, I can't find enough of the right words ... I keep going back to powerful. Thank you SYTYCD for showing the world how wonderful and how powerful dance truly is.

    July 23, 2009 at 8:17 pm | Report abuse |
  11. KimberleyDancer

    It's a shame most of you don't know what a talented dancer Katie Holmes is. I realize it's not what she's famous for but she was dancing long before acting and Tom Cruise. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

    July 23, 2009 at 7:05 pm | Report abuse |
  12. susie c

    Missed the first half of the show last night but apparently caught the best part, the last three dances. Loved Ellen's input and Tyce dance left me speachless too... don't want anyone to go tonight! 🙁 Last week was tough, this will be even worse...

    July 23, 2009 at 6:35 pm | Report abuse |
  13. Travis

    I enjoyed Ellen being there.

    At this point in the show, the judges opinions only go so far, so now is an appropriate time for guest judges to be on the show, since now it's up to American voters, I see nothing wrong with having guest judges and Ellen was a great addition to the show last night, especially considering the first 60% of the show was kinda boring, she is what got me through the rough spots of the 1st round of routines.

    July 23, 2009 at 6:30 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Fabulous Phil

    I love Ellen, I think she brings laughter and smiles to any venue that she comes in contact with. Her humor is contagious.
    Mary Murphy's screaming on the other hand, extremely annoying!
    I'm a guy and I cried at the cancer number. It was very moving. My pick to go home tonight would be, Kayla and Evan. But, you never know what America will choose? We shall soon find out !!!

    July 23, 2009 at 6:15 pm | Report abuse |
  15. peg

    I am looking forward to seeing Katie Holmes tonight, she is doing this for charity from what I hear, I'm sure she doesn't need the money. I hope they don't read these reviews, very hurtful for no reason, She is a beautiful girl and I'm sure she can dance or she would not be getting up in front of all of us, can't be easy. I think Ellen is a crack up and liked her on the show. Tyce is a doll, love him as a judge too. And Evan, I love that kid and I think he is so cute. Don't know why Nigel has to say mean things, that says something about a person. I miss Randi's smile. This is the best top 20 so far.
    Lets try to build people up not tear them down, we all have feelings.

    July 23, 2009 at 5:56 pm | Report abuse |
  16. Jeri Karwacki

    I loved Ellen on Dance. I am very excited about Mrs. Cruise tonight and bet she will be wonderful.

    July 23, 2009 at 5:42 pm | Report abuse |
  17. bella

    I thought the show was great last night ~ as always. Ellen added some funny to it, but I found myself thinking 'get on with it' most of the time. I watch the show for the dancing, not the comedic relief. Mary's screaming is bad enough!!

    That piece by Tyce was amazing, but not appropriate for the competition. It is unfair to hold the voters hostage by such an emotional performance. Even Melissa said they can't be judged on their dancing. What?? It is a dance competition!!

    I think it would have been better as a group piece or for the tour. Not for the top 8.

    I felt the same way last year when Jean Mark and his wife choreographed the waltz for their daughter, and when Mia did the piece for her dad.

    Dancers who may have not gotten votes for the dancing got votes because of people's ties with the topic of cancer or death.

    July 23, 2009 at 5:12 pm | Report abuse |
  18. Mark

    They need to put a muzzle on Mary. It's not amusing. She is loud and very unprofessional and takes away from the overall integrity of the show.

    July 23, 2009 at 5:03 pm | Report abuse |
  19. Amanda Walton Fort Erie, Ontario

    Enjoyed last night show, but I was upset at Nigel for putting down Evan about his eyes, that's not something he can change unless he wanted to go to a plastic surgeon. I was so happy Ellen said what she said about Evan's eyes. I think he has beautiful eyes. I really have a hard time deciding who I would vote for, they are all so amazing. I really like Kayla and Jeanine, Jason and Brandon. Brandon is amazingly strong.

    I'm so looking forward to tonight except for the disappoint on the one's that must leave, that is always heartbreaking

    July 23, 2009 at 4:47 pm | Report abuse |
  20. Munotte

    Love to watch SYTYCD until last night,Nigel is out of place criticizing Evan's eyes.... thought Evan is the most personable male dancer of the Top 8..hope he still got a shot next week,although it seems that all Nigel & mary really would just like to thtow him out of competition.

    Evan performed very well last night even Ellen loved it!

    Mary Murphy's screamm is very annoying and my remote control is already getting tired of flipping channel wheneve she is about to criticize. Very obvious she got her pick: Brandon and nothing but Brandon!
    Hope Paula Abdul replace Mary Murphy next season ! never mind the contract, get rid of Mary Murphy and her annoying tactic..SCREAM!\

    July 23, 2009 at 4:40 pm | Report abuse |
  21. lauren g

    Ellen is a waste of time - no talent, poor delivery of scripted lines, unfunny - always.
    The screaming, crying female judge is ridiculous.
    Nigel is all right, altho he likes to hear himself talk and his comments are often overdone and silly.
    The dancers are interesting, but the choreography often emphasizes "art" over technique. Why do we need a pre-story of what the dance is about? If the cancer survivor dance had been exactly the same, but we told it was about being wrongfully accused of stealing an old lady's purse, would the reaction be the same? Seems that the emotional draw of the story has more to do with people's reaction than the excellence (or lack of it) of the dancers. This show milks the audience to the point of nausea. Maybe it's good for summer ratings when nothing much is new, but I find it tedious and disingenuous.

    July 23, 2009 at 4:39 pm | Report abuse |
  22. susan wells

    i love the program and adding ellen-i cannot stand katie holmes-think i will watch something else tonite-i cannot stand the new judge on american idol (kira is trash) simon is the most important judge-i hope the dance program does not follow the same thing as american idol, be careful producers you might end up hanging yourselves!!!

    July 23, 2009 at 4:35 pm | Report abuse |
  23. Frankie

    First Part of the show slow, the last 3 dances were excellant. I loved Ellen being on the show...She added what was needed.....lots of humour. I hope she makes more appearances. I am extremely tired of Mary's screaming. I have NO interest in Katie Holmes, I will probably mute and read a book until the results are announced.

    July 23, 2009 at 4:14 pm | Report abuse |
  24. Janet

    I thought Ellen was very happy to be there last night. Funny when she was suppose to and very complimentary to the dancers. She may not be a dancer, but after being in this business for many years, knows talent.
    I think ALL the dancers are great making it very hard to eliminate. Although, when the judges don't like the choreography they should judge the dancers performance and not say it is boring. It is not the dancers fault for the music that was chosen nor the tempo to which they had to perform.
    As far as Katy, I think she would have been much farther ahead in her career had she not married Tom. I'm sure her performance will be great1

    July 23, 2009 at 3:48 pm | Report abuse |
  25. Ginny

    I cried so hard over the Tyce's dance, thanks Tyce! I'm rooting for Evan, America needs more dancers in the old school format. I'm getting very tired of the jerky "dance" movements of many of the dancers. I'm anxiously awaiting Katie's performance. She's dancing for her and Nigel's charity: Dizzy Feet Foundation. The foundation is to be able to provide dance classes to underprivileged children. Please give her a chance before making judgement!

    July 23, 2009 at 3:10 pm | Report abuse |
  26. B. Moore

    Last night's show started off slow and had me thinking there has to be more. More is definitely what was given with the second round of dances. By far the most memorable dance of all 5 seasons was Melissa and Ade. My aunt is a breast cancer survivor and it truly hit home to me. I lost my paternal grandmother to stomach cancer, and my paternal grandfather to lung and brain cancer. Thank you Tyce for touching the homes of many of us who try our best to be strong for our loved ones whether friend or family. Thank you Tyce. Having Ellen on the show last night brought humor to the night, and I thought she was great...would have been better if they would have let her dance. Now that would have been worth watching too.

    July 23, 2009 at 3:01 pm | Report abuse |
  27. Ms. Way

    Last night was awesome and so was Ellen. I can't wait for the show tonight. Tice is amazing and I cried because I was so moved by his piece. This has been an amazing season, and I can't wait for next season. It just keeps getting better and better

    July 23, 2009 at 3:01 pm | Report abuse |
  28. Melanie

    Ellen: Blah, Blah, Blah, Blahblahblah...

    Mary Murphy: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHAAAAAAHHAA HAAA HHAAAAA HAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Mary, funny speaks for itself, and it was not funny, no matter how hard you forced a laugh.

    July 23, 2009 at 2:47 pm | Report abuse |
  29. Conny Van Dyke

    Ellen was a terrific choice as she spiced up the evening and gave the judges jolts of humor which seemed to spice-up the show. Having a guest "Judge" like DeGeneres adds a welcome dimension. It is not likely that KH will deliver the level of entertainment quality that Ellen does so effortlessly. I wouldn't watch the show because of Holmes; I will watch because of the many excellent dance/creative moments the contestants deliver each week and because of the three unique and gifted judges who really know the art of dance and what it takes for dancers to excel.

    July 23, 2009 at 2:39 pm | Report abuse |
  30. melissa

    Anyone who thought Ellen wasn't funny is a square. She wins constant awards for a reason. The woman is hilarious and I'm floored there are a FEW people who didn't think so. Plus, it was great for the dancers to help loosen up a bit. Also, she wasn't supposed to make sound crtiques on the dancers, um, she's not a professional dancer!

    Katie Holmes has been on and off Broadway for years. She's a "special" guest and people will watch. That is why, for those asking.

    Anyone who didn't think the routine by Melissa and Ade wasn't moving has A) definitely never had anyone close to them suffer from any type of cancer and B) NO reason to watch the show if you can't appreciate art...unless you're just shallow and watching for the costumes, etc. I've been a dancer on and off for years. Anyone who knows dance and knows art would have appreciated the dance.

    July 23, 2009 at 2:29 pm | Report abuse |
  31. leroy mcguillicuddy

    thank god for DVR . . . fast forward through katie holmes!!

    July 23, 2009 at 2:03 pm | Report abuse |
  32. Kimberly

    Can Ellen (or anyone else for that matter) replace Mary Murphy? Her high pitched squeaky voice and screams are like finger nails down a chalk board. She's beyond annoying. Other than her...I love this show! Ellen had me cracking up as usual. The cancer story piece was powerful and brought me to tears. I am so impressed by all of the remaining dancers, they are so talented and each of them has star potential. Hard to pick a fave of this bunch because every show a new one blows me away!

    July 23, 2009 at 1:50 pm | Report abuse |
  33. Em

    I agreed with Nigel last night. The first half of the show was "blah". Then Jeanine & Brandon started it up with their second routine and the rest was pretty good. I thought Ellen was funny- love her. It probably helped the dancers too, to be able to laugh at her, I'm sure as the weeks go on it gets more stressful.

    I'm looking forward to seeing Katie Holmes tonight. I've heard she really rocks it and is actually a good dancer!

    July 23, 2009 at 1:38 pm | Report abuse |
  34. Donna

    I love watching the show,but that screaming voice is terrible. Someone should tell her to tone it down. That is the worst part of the show. I have to mute it because it is very annoying

    July 23, 2009 at 1:26 pm | Report abuse |
  35. Todd

    I cried, I laughed, and at the going down of the sun, I will remember last night! I will never, ever, forget the moving, fluid, emotionally beautiful piece of art I witnessed through Tyce D! Truly outstanding work by all involved in bringing the suffering of individuals dealing with the unexpected and unprepared for crisis that is Cancer. What a beautiful tribute that was. I can think about it and my eyes well with tears.

    July 23, 2009 at 1:25 pm | Report abuse |
  36. Saganhill

    Ellen is always funny...love her stuff.

    But, real men dont dance. "Bill Hicks" The only reason guys dance is one of three things, they want to get laid, (and Im surprised women havnt figured that one out yet–they are not dancing with you because they like you), they have no idea about rule number one, or they are gay.

    July 23, 2009 at 1:22 pm | Report abuse |
  37. Lisa

    i've been waiting for performances like those at the end of last nights show. i wait all year for "so you think you can dance". what a great program!

    July 23, 2009 at 1:15 pm | Report abuse |
  38. Greg

    My favorite part of the show last night was the routine at the beginning choreographed by TRAVIS. He is my all-time favorite from any season of this show and he just gets hotter and hotter – both in looks and talent.

    July 23, 2009 at 1:11 pm | Report abuse |
  39. Jay

    My wife will celbrate her 1 year anniversary of being Ovarian Cancer free tomorrow, 07/24. Tyce's routine and the way it was danced by Ade and Melissa was truly beautiful and completely touching. there were many tears shed in our house last night. Thank you to all three of them for the job they did

    July 23, 2009 at 1:07 pm | Report abuse |
  40. Kevin

    Katie Holmes is so desperate to get her career back. She's a C or D level actress who elevated herself and her celebrity when she married Tom Cruise. All her appearance does is take away from the contestants. Does she really need THAT much attention? Is she THAT full of herself? At least Nicole Kidman has talent. I watch to see the CONTESTANTS perform, not out of work actresses who need to boost their self esteem. Stay home Katie and stick to what you do best; shopping and having babies and leave the dancing to the contestants on the show.

    July 23, 2009 at 1:06 pm | Report abuse |
  41. Melanie

    It has been reported that the Katie Holmes dance routine has a body double doing many of moves, with the close-ups being Katie herself. That is why she wears a hat- so that the cuts with the body double cannot be distinguished from the shots with her.

    Ellen: Not funny.

    July 23, 2009 at 1:05 pm | Report abuse |
  42. Jane

    I love the show because it is not full of want to be's , rather gifted, studied dancers.
    Overall last night was a bit flat until the Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi number and I was in tears. Melissa and Ade were the perfect dancers for the number, none of the others could have achieved the same response.
    Tonight with Katie Holmes it will be a good time to take a break and check out another station. Bad Choice for the show when there are so many great dancers to present and I thought that was the point of the program.

    July 23, 2009 at 1:02 pm | Report abuse |
  43. matt

    Ellen was great. Not sure about Katie Holmes. Why her? Seems like a weird choice.

    July 23, 2009 at 1:02 pm | Report abuse |
  44. E

    Have watched DWTS since the beginning and have seen it live twice. Love the show, love dancing, can't wait for the finale!

    I will save criticism for Katie Holmes after she's danced. Give the poor girl a break. Takes a lot to dance in front of millions, that alone makes me proud of her! Plus half the famous singers that perform on DWTS lip-sync so give it up for Katie for actually singing (well ok TBD)!

    July 23, 2009 at 12:59 pm | Report abuse |
  45. Damien

    I with they would limit the judges discussions. I watch the show for the dancing, not to listen to them ramble on and scream.

    July 23, 2009 at 12:58 pm | Report abuse |
  46. anabel

    Regarding Sue's comment about the screaming – I couldn't agree more. Not just this show,either. When did showing appreciation for a performance require ear splitting shrieks. Looking at the audience, I wonder if it's mass hysteria, because even older ladies like myself are yelling. Has anyone ever done a decibel measurement of this noise? Applause doesn't have to be mild hand patting – clapping can be just as enthusiastic a reward to the performer and certainly easier on the ears of the audience. That said, it's an exciting program and I sometimes wonder whether these performers have any bones at all – they are so supple and fluid!

    July 23, 2009 at 12:53 pm | Report abuse |
  47. ila

    Amazing!!!!! Last Night's show blew me away. I love everyone on that panel. That show always moves me physically and emotionally.

    July 23, 2009 at 12:46 pm | Report abuse |
  48. Jon from Phoenix

    Ellen was great! Way to mix it up a little. All you Katie-bashers are in for a pleasant surprise...she was a dancer before any of you knew who she was and she is gooooood. Best reality/talent show on TV hands down!

    July 23, 2009 at 12:39 pm | Report abuse |
  49. Nick

    Loved the last 3 dances, Ellen was funny at times looked uncomfortable most of the time, Ambivalent about katie Holmes. I watch the show for the dancing and to see the dancers evolve.

    As much as I hate to say this, I think Evan may be gone tonight. A shame at this stage they're all good.

    July 23, 2009 at 12:36 pm | Report abuse |
  50. Ash

    The show was definitely slow moving yesterday. For being the top eight I thought it could have been better. The dance Melissa and Ade did was just beautiful and helped turn the show around. I thought Ellen was stale on the show and too cheesy. I could have done without her comments. Plus she seemed lost and would have rather been in the audience's seat instead of the judge's. I'm so nervous to see the show tonight, hope all goes well!!!

    July 23, 2009 at 12:30 pm | Report abuse |
  51. John

    I usually like Ellen Degeneres, but I thought her presence last night brought absolutely NOTHING to the judge's panel. Her lines were overly prepared and canned, and when she did speak about the dancers' performances, it was just very generic and not constructive. At this point in the competition, they need that and expect it. I found her to a slightly annoying actually! RE: the dance everyone is talking about – the piece about breast cancer – Ade and Melissa stole the show and demonstrated why they have been my favorite couple all season. They were BRILLIANT~

    July 23, 2009 at 12:29 pm | Report abuse |
  52. english muffin

    These dancers have way more talent than American Idol

    July 23, 2009 at 12:29 pm | Report abuse |
  53. Steph

    Having Ellen as a judge was a great idea, she made the show more enjoyable to watch. I'm looking forward to tonight's show to see some of my favorite dances from SYTYCD! But Katie Holmes.. I didn't even know she danced...

    July 23, 2009 at 12:16 pm | Report abuse |
  54. lisa

    As a breast cancer survivor, I could feel myself going thru the motions in that dance. It made my cry. It was a masterpiece and a dance that no one will never forget. Ellen was a nice addition to the show.
    Thank you Tyce for doing a magnificiant job on the choreography.

    July 23, 2009 at 12:14 pm | Report abuse |
  55. melissa

    ellen was phenominal. people saying "she should have been prepared", etc. isn't true. she is ellen for heaven's sake, and they brought her on there to BE ellen, not a judge seriously critiquing these people. she was brought onto be funny and she WAS. HILARIOUS. i hear the show's rating soared because of her, so to those who didn't like her, you were definitely in the minority. i will agree that the screaming is overwhelming. i always have to turn the TV down so my toddler doesn't wake up. cat's OK, never loved her. she's just the beautiful skinny little thing to look at. doesn't seem to know much about dancing at all but the tyce routine last night – priceless.

    July 23, 2009 at 12:13 pm | Report abuse |
  56. DJ

    I am not a fan of Ellen's, but I think she did a great job last night. She had positive things to say about every dance/team, clearly felt privileged to watch them up close and personal, was humbled in their presence, and seemed to never forget that those kids are human beings. Further, while in my opinion Evan should be eliminated tonight, I very much appreciated Ellen contradicting Len and assuring Evan that his face - everything about him, in fact - is just the way God wanted it to be. I'll look at Ellen a little bit differently after last night.

    July 23, 2009 at 12:08 pm | Report abuse |
  57. Ann

    I thought the show was great last night...at least the second half. Ellen was a great addition for this part of the season. The judges are just talking heads at this point anyway, so let's put an "everywoman" up there to represent the rest of us sitting on our couches watching the show! As for Katie Holmes, I saw her perform on an episode of Eli Stone and she was great!!! I think all the naysayers will be in for a pleasant surprise tonight!

    July 23, 2009 at 12:06 pm | Report abuse |
  58. bevvie

    Kayla and Jason had the two best dance routines. The other couples had one good routine each. While Ade and Melissa's routine was good, it did not move me to tears. Ms. DeGeneres' appearance was entertaining, as it should have been. I don't believe that she should have tried to critique the routines as if she were a "real" judge of dance. Bring back Debbie Allen!

    July 23, 2009 at 12:01 pm | Report abuse |
  59. Lori

    Ellen, as usual, was very funny and a great addition to the show. They aren't really "judging" at this point anyway. I agree that the show started off slow last night, but I really think a lot of it depends on the dance they are given to perform. All of these dancers are amazingly talented – not a bad one in the bunch. On a side note, what was up with Nigel's comment about Evan's eyes last night? I thought that was really uncalled for – like he can do anything about how his eyes are shaped! In fact, if he tried to keep them open wider he would just look surprised and silly. Nigel is no beauty, and Evan is a nice-looking guy, so he should just stick to critiquing the dancing. Just my $.02. Oh, and I'm excited to see Katie dance tonight. I'm sure she's great! I just can't understand why people who really know nothing about her feel compelled to "bash" her for her personal life and think it reflects on her talent. She got great reviews on Broadway – that's not an easy thing to do. The girl is talented, beautiful and seems perfectly well-adjusted to me. She's certainly not out making an a$$ of herself like a good portion of the rest of Hollywood.

    July 23, 2009 at 11:55 am | Report abuse |
  60. Rafael

    SYDYCD last night was a blast. Love the routine that choreographer Tyce Diorio did with the dancers. My Mom & I started to cry. Call me sentimental but this show rocks with all genre of dance. Best reality show b far. The Judges are great also. And the Guest Appereance of Ellen Degeneres was fanatastic and funny. I can't wait for tonight 100th and still strong. By the way Katie Holmes rocks!

    July 23, 2009 at 11:53 am | Report abuse |
  61. Sue

    Love the show but I am sooooo tired of the screaming!!! I have to have to remote control at the ready at all times to hit MUTE! She is so annoying to the point where I don't want to watch the show anymore. I love watching the dancing and watch how the dancers progress in their styles and movements but enough already with the stupid train!
    Ellen did a great job and added some much needed humor to the show. I especially liked when the first judge put his hand over the train wrecks mouth! Classic move sir!

    July 23, 2009 at 11:51 am | Report abuse |
  62. LiLa

    Ellen was funny, as always, but I thought that she looked a bit uncomfortable at times.

    July 23, 2009 at 11:46 am | Report abuse |
  63. Dot

    Ellen added very little – this is about the dancers not her.

    Meilissa and Ade's dance also had me crying – beautiful.

    July 23, 2009 at 11:45 am | Report abuse |
  64. Mandy

    I too enjoyed SYTYCD last night. I loved Ellen on the show. She's so hillarious and made great comments all night - i'd love to see her join the judges more. There def. wasn't a dry eye in my house last night when Melissa and Ade danced. It was def. one of the best dances on the show, EVER! REally looking forward to tonights show!

    July 23, 2009 at 11:45 am | Report abuse |
  65. VICKI

    THE NUMBER ABOUT THE CANCER, WAS OUTSTANDING. THE DANCER'S CAPTURED THE FEEL OF DEALING WITH CANCER – IT WAS OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY, FOR A VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT, AND THE 2 DANCERS "NAILED" IT. IT WAS FUN HAVING ELLEN ON THE SHOW, SHE GOT SOME GOOD ZINGERS IN AND HAD EVERYONE LAUGHING.

    July 23, 2009 at 11:39 am | Report abuse |
  66. Meg

    I loved the show last night..but I thought Ellen could have been better prepared to give at least her own opinions on what was good, or whatever instead of relying on canned lines that got stale real fast!

    Tice's routine and Melissa and Ade's interpretation of it had me in tears as well. I'm becoming a bigger Tice Diorio fan every week. Not only a fantastic choreographer and teacher, but a man who's not afraid to let his big heart show to the world. Fabulous!

    I'm looking forward to Katie Holmes' performance tonight, if only because I'm sick of everybody being so mean to her! I hope she knocks it out of the park!

    July 23, 2009 at 11:21 am | Report abuse |
  67. Sue

    No more Ellen! Her tiresome me-focused shtick added nothing to the show. Not funny, not entertaining...waste of air time.

    July 23, 2009 at 11:16 am | Report abuse |
  68. cd in DC

    could this show possibly get any lamer? Bring on Katie Holmes. It is kind of creepy to see that Cat drool over all the black male dancers.

    July 23, 2009 at 11:13 am | Report abuse |
  69. Suzanne VanRandwyk

    I lost my mother-in-law to breast cancer and my father to lymphoma. God bless Tyce Diorio for creating such a wonderful dance routine that moved so many of us who have lost someone to cancer. Love you Tyce!

    July 23, 2009 at 10:50 am | Report abuse |
  70. Tina

    Last night was awesome. Ellen added flavor to the show and hope to see her again. And, the dancers this season are truly the best. It will be very sad tonight whichever dancers are eliminated. They are all so talented.

    July 23, 2009 at 10:35 am | Report abuse |
  71. DaveM

    Ellen DeGeneres is genuine and funny wherever you see her.

    July 23, 2009 at 10:24 am | Report abuse |
  72. Kay

    Love the show last night... can't wait to watch tonight

    July 23, 2009 at 10:07 am | Report abuse |
  73. JGB

    Better than her trying to do a Cover Girl commercial..........that just doesn't cut it.

    July 23, 2009 at 10:03 am | Report abuse |
  74. TC

    I loved the last three dances of the night. Loved Ellen!! Katie Holmes on tonight's show, don't know how I feel about that??!! I'm like Wendy, I'll wait and see.

    July 23, 2009 at 9:54 am | Report abuse |
  75. Leaptad

    Tyce's routine was absolutely gorgeous. Katie Holmes? I'll probably fast foward through it.

    July 23, 2009 at 9:36 am | Report abuse |
  76. Wendy

    I love "Dancing" and last night the show was awesome! This is the best season yet! The dancers are so good. Ellen really adds to the show and it was fun having her on. I'm looking forward to tonight's show but Katie Holmes??!! I'll wait and see.

    July 23, 2009 at 8:57 am | Report abuse |

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