2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih (Miss Universe L.P., LLLP/Darren Decker)Poise and grace are just two of the qualities you'd expect to see in a beauty queen. But no matter how much these glamorous women prep for their crowning moment, there's bound to be a gaffe here and there.
Before the 2011 Miss Universe competition airs live tonight at 9/8C on NBC, take a look at some memorable beauty queen slip-ups -- from missteps to crown drops -- from previous pageants.
Melanie took the Season 8 "SYTYCD" crown (Adam Rose/Fox)Weeks ago, long before we knew that the "So You Think You Can Dance" finals would come down to four dancers — Melanie Moore, Sasha Mallory, Marko Germar, and Tadd Gadduang — lead judge Nigel Lythgoe noted that Season 8 of the Fox series had some of the strongest women he'd ever seen on the show. And he was right.
Going into last night's finale, contemporary dancer Marko and B-boy Tadd were essentially written off. In fact, Lythgoe even warned the two males of defeat Wednesday night, telling them, "I still think a girl will win."
With the results now in and Melanie crowned America's top dancer, here's a look at her five best routines of the season.
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Sasha and Kent were off the wall (FOX/Adam Rose)Will it be Melanie or Sasha? That's the question on everyone's lips leading into the finals of "So You Think You Can Dance" tonight. Sure, Marko and Tadd are still in the competition, but even the judges are comfortable saying it will likely come down to two female contemporary dancers. (Sorry, fellas!)
While we won't know who will take top honors until Thursday night, here's a look at the most notable performances from last week's Top 6, where we bid adieu to dancers Caitlynn and Ricky. With lead judge Nigel Lythgoe waffling between which woman is his favorite -- one minute, it's Sasha; the next, it's Melanie -- it's sure to be one of the best finals yet.
Read More »from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Top 6 Recap
Honest critique (and real tears) from Lady Gaga, kind words from director Rob Marshall, and quick-witted banter from Emmy-nominated host Cat Deeley — not to mention some of the best dancing we've seen on TV: Last week's installment of "So You Think You Can Dance" had it all. It was a week where the judges followed America's vote, sending home this season's vixen, Jordan, and Broadway-ready dancer Jess, but no matter.
We predict this season will come down to three dancers: Melanie, Marko, and Sasha. With six dancers left in the competition, we'll have to wait to see which dancer earns top honors. In the meantime, here are the week's best performances, including a fierce same-sex number featuring Melanie and Sasha, plus the dance that famously brought Lady Gaga to tears.
Read More »from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Top 8 Recap
Marko and Melanie's routine was a Top 16 highlight (Fox)The big story from last week's "So You Think You Can Dance" wasn't so much about the dancing, or the two contestants who were eliminated. No, it was about the kissing. It all started with this season's power couple, Melanie and Marko, as they performed a routine about a jilted groom who realized the love of his life was actually beside him the whole time. And while we've seen that story play out in dozens of rom-coms, we couldn't help but squeal when we saw Marko fully commit to his role when he planted a big one on his partner's lips. We're pretty sure the judges fell for it, too — but more on that below. Before the Top 14 dancers reveal what's in store this week, here's a look at some of the highlights from the Top 16.
Melanie and Marko
Once again, power couple Melanie and Marko won accolades from the judges for their story of best friends falling in love. Nigel had big words for the pair, calling them the "couple to beat" at this stage in the competition. But the dancers' connection wasn't the big story here. It was the love fest taking place at the judges' table. Responding to the big smooch that Marko placed on Melanie's lips, first Nigel planted one on Mary (much to Cat Deeley's horror), then guest judge Kristin Chenoweth gave a big ol' kiss to Lil' C before Nigel came over to give Lil' C yet another kiss. (Big props to Marko for trying to get a kiss from Cat, too, at the end of it all!)
Read More »from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Top 16 Recap