Here's a tip to remember when you become a contestant on "American Idol" or "So You Think You Can Dance": Make sure you do something that involves Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah."
One year on "Idol," that song propelled Jason Castro from also-run to contender. Another year, it nudged Lee DeWyze toward the championship. And now it has brought a "Dance" triumph.
Sonya Tayek composed a gorgeous piece to that song. Alex Wong -- a former Miami Ballet soloist -- danced it beautifully with his "all-star" partner, Allison. Two of the judges gave it a standing ovation; the third (Nigel Lythgoe) told the people involved: "You have just set a new standard for 'So You Think You Can Dance.'"
It was a great moment. Wong and Billy Bell -- the two people who would have been on the show earlier, except that circumstances intervened -- are major contenders.
Come to think of it, "Hallelujah" should find a way to be in all reality competitions. Cook to it, build to it, model to it; this song seems to make people better. A few of my other comments; please add yours:
1) I thought there was a lot of beauty to Ashley Galvan's number, too. Judges were hard on her, granting only that she's "a very special little bunny," but I thought there was lyrical splendor to the piece.
2) Lythgoe was having a bad-pun night, including "beauty and the weave." This from the guy who once triumphed with "what a difference Ade makes."
3) Lythgoe also made a soccer reference. We knew there was a danger of this, once we started letting Brits into the country.
4) Some of the other top moments were turbo-charged. Bell was particularly good in what he called an "insanely fast" piece.
5) Please remind Cat Deeley to never (that's NEVER) wear her hair up. With it down, she's beautiful; with it up, she's just one step away from Victoria Beckham, two baby steps from Skeletor.
6) Speaking of hair, remember when Tayek was being typecast as an odd-looking person who choreographed odd-looking hip-hop pieces? Not any more. Tayek -- a Wayne State University alumna from Detroit -- has shown she can also create warm beauty.
7) It was a good night overall, boosted by the new notion of an all-star withy each contestant. The only problem is deciding who will be in the bottom three. I'll guess it will be Melinda Sullivan, Adechika Torbert and Cristina Santana. None of them really deserve to be sent home; neither did anyone else.