By Sandrine Milet
I watched in utter disbelief and shock as Nigel Lythgoe announced on Thursday night's "So You Think You Can Dance" results show that the judges had made a unanimous decision: Alex Wong would be sent home because of his injury. I don't think there has ever been such a heart-breaking moment on the show, as Alex, his fellow contestants and the judges were all in tears.
Alex was automatically put in the bottom three because of his injury, but a glimmer of hope kept me thinking that the amazing dancer would somehow make a comeback. My dreams were quickly crushed when Nigel debriefed the audience, explaining that Alex's MRI results came back last night and that he had a lacerated Achilles tendon, which means the tendon is completely detached from the bone. Although he's getting surgery on Tuesday, he won't be able to dance for three months, which means this is sadly the end of his journey this season.
Not only was Alex probably one of the best dancers "SYTYCD" has ever seen, but I think he was definitely going for the big win. He had dropped everything to be here, including an amazing career at Miami City Ballet, and in the short amount of time he was on the show, week after week he continued to impress the judges. He has great personality, was loved by just about everybody, and to top it off, is incredibly talented. He even received two standing ovations!
But amidst all the emotion, Nigel also gave us some good news: Alex will be able to join "So You Think You Can Dance" next season. Although we'll have to wait a while, I don't doubt that he'll completely blow us away a second time!
As for the other two in the bottom three (Ashley and Billy), they'll get a second chance to prove to America why they deserve to stay in the competition.