So You Think You Can Dance is no stranger to controversy. This season alone has featured a flasher, the loss of Billy Bell, Noelle's free pass, two weeks of eliminations left solely up to the judges, and that gigantic disaster of a new stage. But none of those events have inflamed the passions of So You Think You Can Dance fans as much as last week's controversy: Nigel's two minute diatribe against Nathan Trasoras and every fan who dialed in for his dimples.

Clearly angry that the decision on who stays and who goes is no longer solely up to him, Nigel gave Nathan the most thorough tongue lashing in the history of So You Think You Can Dance. While I'm apt to agree with what Nigel was trying to say--this is a dance competition and that is clearly not what your fans voted for this week--it was the way that he said it that had everyone so upset.


Instead of telling Nathan gracefully, "you survived this week based on your popularity with the ladies," Nigel took the chance to severely crush the kid's soul. Yes, Nathan needs to know in the real world of dance, no one cares if you're the cutest thing since kittens. But it seems to me such a reminder, if it had to be done so harshly, could have been done off camera. Sure, Nathan seems a bit cocky, but watching Nigel prattle on about how he didn't deserve to be saved for a full two minutes was painfully uncomfortable to watch. It was public humiliation to the Nth degree, and as bad as Nathan's salsa was, he didn't deserve the full weight of Nigel's wrath.

Here's what you had to say about Nigel vs. Nathan:

marcis: "Nigel is getting to be annoying. It was bordering on abuse what he said to Nathan and Molly. It is not their fault that viewers voted for them. If Nigel will not abide by who the viewers pick, they should just pick those who should be kicked out and not ask for viewers to vote anymore. This season is boring. They hyped it too much just like the Katie Holmes dance and both are way short of expectation."

anotherxfan: "Congratulations Nigel - you are now almost as hated as Mia. Your comment to Nathan was shameful. The kid was trying to make the best of an embarrassing situation and performance. He wasn't being arrogant - you misunderstood and carried it to another night. If you will watch the fans everyone was laughing - they felt for him. You took his comment incorrectly. What he was doing is called comic relief. We have never missed this show - if you and Mia continue with your rude ways none of us will watch another season. What you did tonight was wrong and embarrassing not only for the kids on stage but the fans at home. Apologize to him and keep such comments to yourself. That memory will live on with he and his family forever. None of us can believe you acted in such a fashion. People turn off the program when Mia is on the pannel - continue such behavior and the same will happen with you. You can be constructive and still be encouraging. No one wants to see or hear what you did to that young man."

Vickies_Do: "Well, they did SUCK, but Nigel treated him like a small child. Not cool."

jilly03: "I was shocked by Nigel's blatant public humiliation of Mollee and Nathan. That ego needs to be checked! This show has lost it's charm and I would venture to guess that there might not be another season. Sponsors must be aware that the viewing public is outraged by Nigel. I was hurt for Mollee and Nathan, looking at the confused look on their faces, one moment so excited about the vote and then destroyed by Nigel's tirade. The man is such an egomaniac that he actually believed that viewers would follow his misguided lead and vote the way he wanted. I am guessing, right now, he is one of the most hated men in America. Absolutely the most shocking input one can imagine. How can that team continue on with a clear head and a great attitude. So Karen went to the bottom, that was what set Nigel off. She is not America's sweetheart, but she was Nigel's."

Not everyone disagreed with Nigel though:

squarehead: "What show were you watching, unfortunately I have to agree fully with Nigel, Nathan & Molly put on one of the worst performances in SYTYCD history it was so bad that should not only have been in bottom three but eliminated he was spot on when he said people voted for them for the wrong reason a cute smile and teeny bopper fans don't make you a good dancer. Ive seen a one legged man in an arse kicking contest do better."

TashPush2 "As harsh as Nigel was, I kind of agree with Nigel's sentiment that that was something Nathan (and even Mollee) needed to hear. Last night, I actually felt the judges' comments on their salsa were generous, because I have never felt so uncomfortable watching a dance routine since I started watching in Season 2. Such a shame, because those two seemed so promising, and I hope that they'll bounce back next week and prove again to the judges why they made it to the top 20. Right now I'm not really seeing the same potential from Nathan as his earlier solos reflected. As for the eliminations... so much for the "year of tap"... :( Such a shame, Peter was really starting to grow on me... and I have to say, I didn't want any of these guys to go yet. Is it too late for a recount? :S"

Lana_Reina: " No I think Nigel was absolutely right to call Nathan out, and I only hope Nate heard him and will take it to heart."

I think I am most apt to agree with regular So You Think You Can Dance commenter SummerGlitch who had this to say about Nigel's critique of Nathan: "Nigel was right. Based on dancing, Nathan & Mollee should have been 'Bottom Three'. But his manner of saying so? NO."



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