Photo credit: FOX/Patrick Wymore
Could J.T. Church win So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation? If you had asked me this question at the beginning of the season, I would have said no. However, the 10-year-old’s rise this season has really been remarkable to watch.
I kicked off the season with an interview with Nigel Lythgoe and he alluded to one All Star who picked the wrong contestant and thought he was just, “cute.” While Nigel never revealed the names to me, he made a similar statement in the first live episode and apologized to Robert Roldan and J.T. for doubting their pairing.
Even when the young dancer struggles with a genre of dance, he still carries himself with a confidence that is wise beyond his years. It’s fascinating to watch because he knows he’s the youngest contestant, but it hasn’t fazed him one bit in this competition.
Photo credit: FOX/Patrick Wymore
The final four contestants are all wildly talented and the title is up for grabs. I can easily make an argument for each of them and why they should win. From the moment Tate McCrae auditioned, I felt like it was her title. However, there’s a little guy with a big heart who’s resonating with a lot of viewers.
I can always get a read on how people really feel about contestants on SYTYCD when I leave my little bubble in Los Angeles. On a recent trip, I was asked nonstop about… J.T. Viewers have fallen in love with him and appreciate the big-brother relationship that has evolved with Robert.
I also posted a photo of the two on Twitter and it blew up. No other contestant resonates in the way J.T. does. He may not have perfected his technique yet, but he has certainly hit an emotional chord with many fans.
Interviewing him each week on the press line is always a revelation because he’s a tiny guy with big thoughts This week alone he spouted off more wisdom that I could even comprehend. It’s hard not to fall in love with him.
Will this J.T. love translate into a SYTYCD win? I know many longtime SYTYCD fans might get upset at that idea. but we have to remember that Nigel describes the show as voting for “America’s favorite dancer.” Is that J.T.? Or is it Tate? Or Kida Burns? Or Emma Hellencamp?
We will find out in two weeks.