By Kathleen Newman-Bremang
The search for America's favorite dancer is back! "So You Think You Can Dance" kicked off its fifth season last week, and last night, we got the chance to see the Miami and Memphis auditions, where thousands of pointy-toed contemporary dancers and bright-eyed poppers and lockers showed up for the chance to dance their way into America's heart and to go on to a life of fame and fortune ... or not.
Wait — where are all the former "SYTYCD" contestants? As Kris Allen basks in the glory of his "American Idol" win, we couldn't help but wonder what life after "SYTYCD" looks like.
Since focusing on the competition's winners would be a tad depressing (where is Sabra Johnson?), we decided to look back at what the show's most successful, or at least most visible, graduates are doing now — and where you can find them next:
Blake McGrath, Season One: Shy guy Nick Lazzarini may have been America's first favorite dancer but the breakout "star" of season one was definitely the bold, brash, runner-up Blake McGrath. He went on to star in that short-lived Jennifer Lopez-helmed reality show "Dance Life," and he's currently a judge and choreographer on Canada's "So You Think You Can Dance." If you need a Blake fix, just head north of the border, the show's second season is currently in the audition process.
Benji Schwimmer, Season Two: He won over audiences with his sunny personality and sizzling swing moves, but Benji's fame seems to have faded out quickly. Aside from appearing in Christina Aguilera's "Candy Man" video and revisiting "SYTYCD" as a guest choreographer, this reality-show winner has really stayed out of the spotlight. But hope may be on the horizon Benji fans! Schwimmer is reportedly set to star in and produce an upcoming untitled dance film.
Lacey Schwimmer, Season Three: She dated fellow season-three dancer, Hok (who himself went on to win this past season of "America's Best Dance Crew" as part of Quest Crew), and possibly engaged in a crossover reality-show romance with "Idol" winner David Cook. Let's just say, Lacey's been busy. The fourth-place finisher is a regular on "Dancing With the Stars" (along with other "SYTYCD" alums Chelsea Hightower and Dimitri Chaplin), where she partnered Lance Bass and Steve-O. She even appeared in Adam Sandler's movie, "Bedtime Stories." Looks like she's finally overshadowing big brother Benji.
Neil Haskell, Season Three: Despite his uncannily spot-on Wookie call, Neil won't be playing Chewbacca in the next "Star Wars" movie. He landed a spot in last year's MTV's musical "The American Mall" and played Luke in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical "Altar Boyz." Looks like Haskell is having good luck sticking to the stage: The quirky contestant is also appearing in Dolly Parton's Broadway musical "9 to 5."
Kherington Payne, Season Four: The petite, bubbly blonde was kicked off the show way too early, but we doubt she's complaining. Kherington has the potential to become the most successful contestant ever after scoring the coveted role of Alice in the upcoming "Fame" remake. The film is scheduled to be released in September 2009.
Did we miss your favorite "SYTYCD" contestant? Do you know where the rest of the show's former dancers are hiding? Sound off below!