Since this has been a season of reapportioned Broadway musical numbers, it seems fitting that the only thing that I can think after last night's results show comes from Rock Horror Picture Show. And that is? "Dammit Janettte, I love you." It's true. America got it horribly wrong last night by not voting for sexy salsa queen Janette Manrara.

In a season that has lacked personality and star quality, Janette oozed it. Despite lacking the formal training of most of the Top 20, Janette managed to dance each new style with aplomb. For me, she was the Joshua Allen of this season. Think about it, last year's winner Joshua Allen may not have had the technical expertise and training of the other finalists, but she managed to excel at just about everything thrown her way and she never took to the stage with less than 100% commitment and an immense sense of fun and passion. While I see Joshua Allen when I look at Janette, with her elimination many of you are comparing her to Season 2's Allison Holker who was eliminated at just the same unfortunate time as Janette, despite being a vision on the dance floor.



And it's not just the fans who are upset over Janette's shocking, untimely elimination. Last night Cat Deeley called it "the shock of the season" and seemed close to tears when talking about Janette. Nigel Lytghoe took off his objective judges hat and said that Janette had been his favorite dancer all season and that he was hoping for her to win it all. He said her elimination ruined his 100th episode, and it kinda of ruined ours too.

Mia Michaels, who the previous night had called Janette her "favorite favorite favorite dancer,"  stayed rather mum about Janette's fate, perhaps out of guilt. A number of you have pointed out and blamed Mia's praise for Janette's elimination. Here's what BuddyTV commenter BrianTooley2 said: "Mia sealed Janette's demise by telling her that she was her favorite dancer. When I heard that Wednesday, I knew she was a goner. This happens on Idol, too. A judge tells a contestant that they are the "winner' and no one calls for them and then they get voted off. SYTYCD should have in place what Idol has.. a judges save." Even Shanks made an Idol comparison, calling Janette the "Daughtry of So You Think You Can Dance."

One does have to wonder if Janette was a victim of her own popularity. Considering the praise that was heaped upon her and the fact she'd never been in the bottom before last night, you have to wonder if people didn't bother voting because Janette's safety seemed secure. Either that or the curse of the ballroom solo came back with a vengeance and claimed it's brightest victim.

Sadly, last night, So You Think You Can Dance seemed more like a popularity contest than a dancing contest. Worst of all, the person who was most affected by it was quite possibly the most deserving contestant of Season 5. 

As sad as I am to see her go, only good things await Janette. As we've long stated, there's probably a line around the block of eager and willing professional partners for Janette and  it wouldn't surprise us one bit if that OTHER dance show came a calling on Janette. She's an unforgettable talent, dancer, and personality and we look forward to whatever is next for her. Do I wish that was the So You Think You Can Dance finale? Absolutely, it seems we all do.




--Abbey Simmons, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)