Yesterday, we told you that "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is leaving the singing competition to focus on his other show, "So You Think You Can Dance." I only wonder why he didn't do it sooner. I've never been a fan of "AI," but I can't get enough of the summer dance show, which is airing its season-four finale tonight and tomorrow on Fox. Here are nine reasons why the dancers put the singers to shame.
No theme nights — A bad theme can ruin an entire episode. "SYTYCD" fans can rest assured that if (God forbid) "Music of the Night" pops up in a routine, it'll be the only Andrew Lloyd Webber song they hear all night.
Wider range of music — The dance show makes its share of musical missteps (using "AI" contestants' tracks in the name of cross promotion, allowing a certain choreographer to indulge in her baffling Celine Dion obsession, thinking that kids might better appreciate a foxtrot or jive if the Brian Setzer Orchestra is involved), but it also acknowledges artists too small for mainstream radio. Millions of people have heard tracks by Hot Chip, Junior Boys and Mirah thanks to routines on the show. On a related note, don't get me started on the way "Idol" turns a blind eye to hip-hop.
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