Category — Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy really does have the best job in the world. She gets to fly around and be a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance franchises around the world.

Mary is known for her loud scream and putting people on her hot tamale train. Yes she is nice, but she is not afraid to tell the truth if she thinks the routine sucks.

Adam Lambert will also be singing on an episode of the show, I don’t think it will be tomorrow’s night one,  if so he will be a tad jet lagged. The go this year with the special guest performers is pre-recording them.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia is on Channel Ten tonight at 8.00pm.

In this week’s TV Week Mary Murphy, who was a guest judge last week,  gave her thoughts on the Australian version So You Think You Can Dance.

There is no soft copy as yet so here is the hard copy:

You were  a guest judge last year. What’s the biggest difference with this year’s contestants?

The pack is closer – if you ask me who the frontrunner is, I couldn’t tell you. It’s going to come down to whether you connect with their personality because I don’t see a weak dancer among them.

What did you think of last week’s show?

There were a few ups and downs, which makes it really exciting. It’ll become even more of a roller-coast the more times they change partners. You’ll see some strong dancers stumble.

Did that happen last week?

Loredo is on of the strongest dancers in the whole show, so it’s a shame he fell a bit short, and Charlie was a little weak in the Viennese waltz…. but they  all created such a great vibe in the studio that you didn’t really care.

Who was the biggest surprise of the night for you?

Timomatic. Even though, yes, he had 17 lifts, he captured the feeling and the chemistry that made him totally believable. He was fascinating to watch. And Danny wasn’t anywhere close to being one of my top 10, then in that Joker performance I thought, “Wow!”. He played it perfectly. Gianne’s been strong every week, too, but I couldn’t believe how amazing she was.

In hindsight, do you wish you’d put her on the hot tamale train?

I think she certainly deservesd to be on the hot tamale train. Whe I watched it back, I was like, “Dang, she was good!”

Have you enjoyed your trip down under this time?

I’m exhausted and I’m flying straight back into the American auditions, but I’ve had a great time.

Australian Idol Competition – You Could Sing With One Of The Idols.
To coincide with Xbox 360 launching a new title calle Lips there will be competition starting this Sunday on Australian Idol (well in the ad breaks) where the prize is singing with one of the Idol’s.

Lips is a singing game, it measures both your performance and vocal ability, with wireless motion-sensitive microphones so you can jump around the room as you belt out your favourite songs.

I would advise not mixing this with a drinking game as things could get veeeerrrrrryyyyy ugly. I won’t be entering this comp, I will just concentrate on winning the MacDonald’s $50,000 Top 10 song comp.

Denise Richard’s: It’s Complicated Has Been Picked Up For A Second Season.
Charlie Sheen’s won’t be very happy that his ex-wife will be pimping her kids on TV for another season of her hit show Denise Richards: It’s Complicated. Prior to the first season Charlie went to court to stop her from putting the two girls on the show, however he lost.

The show is a staged reality show shown on E.

More information about the show can be found on Reality Heaven./

Interview With So You Think You Can Dance Mary Murphy.
Canada is currently screening their first season of SYTYCD. Mary Murphy is guest judging on the show. Here on Dose is an interview where she gives her thoughts on the Canadian version plus other SYTYCD background information. Apparently Nigel Lythgoe has the final say in who goes home in the US Version.

Kirk Pengilly To Mentor On Australian Idol This Sunday.
Former Inxs musician Kirk Pengilly will be mentoring on Idol this week. Are there going to be mentors each week? This could be overkill.

Anyway he will be able to catch up with his former mother-in-law Marcia Hines.

Ricki-Lee and Sophie Monk Face Off Over Tummy Controllers
Ricki-Lee has been named the face of Hold Me Tight shapewear range, whilst Sophie Monk will also be launching tummy tuckers this Tuesday.

I know which one I will be believe the product works for considering Ricki-Lee is size 14 whilst scrawny Sophie wouldn’t even need to use these products.

A Unfunny Mary Murphy So You Think You Can Dance Parody.
Well I thought it was not amusing but then again maybe I don’t have a sense of humour.
Click the link here and you decide.

Lisa Mitchell Has Completed Her First Album
Lisa Mitchell, the Australian Idol contestant, who was in the best season with Bobby Flynn and Damien Leith, has completed her first album.

Full details on Popdirt.

Project Runway – When they said they were taking it to LA, they meant it.
With Project Runway going to LA it was not just the location. First Lindsay Lohan is to be a guest judge but now Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria Parker will be as well.

It is currently being filmed in LA, however there are issues on when it will screen as Bravo who originally had the first five seasons has gone to court to stop the producers from swapping it to Lifetime.

Here is an interview with Heidi Klum regarding the delay. Please note there is a spoiler regarding one of the Season Five designers in it.

Jack Chambers from So You Think You Can Dance Australia Is Networking in New York.
Season one’s winner of SYTYCD Au, Jack Chambers, is currently in New York networking to try and make it on Broadway. He will be back in Australia soon to fulfill some SYTYCD Au requirements, and also to organise his US work visa. Full story here.

Darren Hayes Disappointed With His Idol Pick Sophie Patterson.

Darren Hayes who will be mentoring the Australian Idol’s this Sunday where the performers will have to sing Australian hits. What are the chances Luke Dickens will do a Barnesy number? However in an interview he said Sophie had become too ‘slick’. Hayes had been at the London audition where she was found.

Personally I think Sophie is trying to be sexy when she is not. I don’t get why Dicko goes the whole Bridgette Bardot route with her. She needs to go back to be a bit more the folk singer like Brooke White was in this years American Idol.

Hayes says he is impressed with Roshani Priddis and Wes Carr. Full interview on News.com.au

Charlotte Dawson In Talks To Become The Host of Australia’s Next Top Model
In non surprising news Charlotte Dawson will be meeting with Brian Walsh, the head of Foxtel today to discuss her future with the show.

After stepping in at last minute to host the live finale when Jodhi Meares choked she deserves to be first crack at the top job. Anyway Jodhi never really made a success of that role she was far too scripted something Jennifer Hawkins should learn from. Full story here.

Speaking of Jennifer Hawkins…
In tomorrow nights show of Make Me a Supermodel the wannabe models will be training with AFL footballers, Brodie Holland and Ryan O’Keefe. If you want to see a nice picture of Shanina Shaik click here.

This year’s Idol’s and Bobby Flynn to Meet Up At The Basement tonight
Bobby Flynn will be playing at The Basement tonight and tomorrow night to promote his new album. If that Idol fix is not enough this years Idol contestants will also be there tonight with cameras in tow.

In other Idol news – Carl Risley will be singing at The Vanguard at Newtown tonight. Shannon Noll is also releasing a Best Of Album. Can you do that if you have only been around for five years?

Also the Australia contestant from this years American Idol, Michael Johns, will be in Perth as a guest star on a telethon.

For the truly Obsessed US So You Think You Can Dance Fan
Yes I am one of them. Here is an excerpt from the LA Times about them hanging out at the post Emmy party.

The “American Idol” / “So You Think You Can Dance” table was in a festive
mood despite “Amazing Race’s” continued dominance of the reality television
category. “Idol” / “Dance” overlord Nigel Lythgoe reported that he used his
first few moments without a show on the air this year to launch the dance show
franchise in South Africa. Telling of his travels, he marveled about that
nation’s talent.

Across the table, “SYTYCD” judge Mary Murphy was asked if the
party rates a ticket on the Hot Tamale Train (her highest level of praise on the
show).”Oh, no,” she drawled in a deep Southern pitch, “You can’t get a ticket on
the Hot Tamale Train if there’s no dancing.” She gazed out forlornly at the
empty patch of dance floor in front of the bandstand. So why are these things
called balls if there’s never any dancing? “Maybe because there are so many more
losers than winners,” she said.”A party with Mary Murphy is a scream!” Lythgoe
said from across the table, referring to his colleague’s penchant for
full-volumed praise on the show.

But Murphy didn’t take the bait; no piercing trademark shout came forth to crack the chandeliers across the ballroom.Making his way out of the party, Ryan Seacrest stopped by to greet his “Idol” family.

The famously early-to-bed, multiple-job-holding hosting titan is out awfully
late, maybe his latest ever? “Well, let’s see,” he said, looking at his watch,
“the big hand is on the 2 and the little hand is on the, what’s that number?
I’ve never seen that before, 1 and 0 . . .” He looked up and gazed around the
room. “So this is what normal people do at night . . . I’ve got to try this
again.”

• Tonight Mary Murphy from the US version of the show So You Think You Can Dance was a guest judge, and she was just fabulous. It was like a breath of fresh air had blown in and brought some freshness to the show and the judging panel.

  We need to organise for her to be kidnapped and send back Matt Lee and Bonnie Lythgoe instead. Well Bonnie was talking about a reconciliation with Nigel.

  A few quick comments on the show:

• Natalie Bassingthwaite either had a wig on, or hair extensions. Was she trying to channel the wonderful Cat Deeley, but she just looked like Jennifer Hawkins not so pretty twin sister (Picture of Jen in this link) ;
• Bonnie and Jason Coleman were competing with each other to see who could show the most cleavage, and which is the most tanned and freckly;
• Bonnie needs to learn how to speak in soundbites, she repeats herself. Take some lessons off Jason;
• Matt Lee needs to gain some tv presence – insipid an adjective I would use to describe him; and
• Natalie continued to look like a zombie when she read from the autocue.

Now I know Australia was one of the first places to embrace fusion food, but this fusion dancing is doing my head in. Tonight we had Indy jazz, Contemporary Disco, Soul Swing, and Bollywood Hip Hop . WTF?????

First dancers for the night were Demi and Jack dancing a jazz routine by Kelly Aykers. However she told them it was Indy jazz, no idea what it is. Even jazz dancer Jack looked confused.

They danced to a pop/punk/rockabilly tune which was quite frenetic. Just another whinge Natalie is inconsistent in telling the audience what the music is called.

I really wanted to like it, but it was a bit stilted in parts. Also points must be given to Jack for keeping his hat on throughout the routine.

Mary Murphy said ” Demi I didn’t feel you were really quite on it at times – not hitting is as hard as Jack was.”

“Loved the energy and excitement”

Jack received the Mary M seal of approval.

“Jack dude you are hitting out there for me – the whole package.”

Matt Lee said “Demi – a little bit hard” and “Jack a bit cheesy, but hit it great”

Bonnie gibbered “You work well together” and “Sexy, fun and great”

Jason said “Routine was hard”, and “Demi got left behind – didn’t have jazz mojo“

Next up were Vanessa and Henry dancing a contemporary disco routine by Sarah Boulter.

The pre dance filmage showed Henry showing up to rehearsals late, he apparently slept in. Bonnie after the dance took a swipe at him and Jason asked how late he was and it was revealed he was 5 minutes late. You could almost feel the audience rolling their eyes. Bonnie if you are going to get tough get tough on the dancing. Lucky for State Rail the lateness was not caused by them, as they really don’t need anymore bad PR.

Vanessa and Henry looked fabulous, even though Henry looked like he had been attacked by a hair straightener, and I quite enjoyed the routine. However there were all these contemporary routine moves, but where was the disco? There might have been a little bit of disco beat in the music….

Mary M concurred “Bit bizarre, didn’t see much disco – fusion for me not quite working.

“Just left feeling – don’t know what I am feeling – fun to watch brought me joy – but will it be memorable?”

Mary M then gave Henry the seal of approval “Henry one of the strongest dancers here”

Matt Lee “Vanessa – comfortable and nice” and “Henry – versatility you brought it”

Bonnie blabbered about Henry’s lateness.

Jason “Henry for the 3rd week in a row has stolen the routine”, “Nothing disco this is a reflection for Sarah” and “Vanessa not good enough.”

Camilla and Sermsah danced a contemporary routine choreographed by Shannon and Simon from Project Moda.

The dance was based on an asian fight scene. Camilla in her pre-routine film said ” I feel I am stepping up to the mark.” and “I don’t think partnership is quite reaching where it could”.

I think her and Marko really want to swap partners.

It was an intriguing routine, and actually had an understandable story to it which ended in her stabbing him in the end. Sermsah looked much more comfortable this week, however Camilla again outdanced him.

Mary M said “More stage presence then I have seen tonight”, and “Very strong from both of you” and then she gave a small scream.

Matt Lee said “Real, and connected”.

Bonnie said “Great routine.” And then she gibbered to Sermsah in a slightly condescending manner.

Jason said “Didn’t get fight routine all the way through”, “Getting stronger each week”, and “Sermsah did a great job”.

Next was one of my faves Rhys and Jemma dancing the Pasa Doble choreographed by Jason Gilkison. Rhys was told he must be masculine (what gay wants to be told that on Mardi Gras week?).

Of course Rhys stepped up to the plate. It was a pretty good routine, but it was not flawless. One lift went pear shaped.

Mary M said “There’s one way I like my Pase Doble – and that’s how I like it done”. She then raved on about how good Jason Gilkison was and how he is world renown.

“Rhys strong, passionate, fiery – you young man are going places” and she has not even seen him in the children show The Fairies yet.

Matt Lee – “Engaging, real and dramatic”.

Bonnie – “Rhys – really fantastic” and “The top routine so far”

Jason – “Great dancing, great routine”

Next up was the Mark and Stephanie dancing a Krump routine choreographed by Travers Ross. Clearly the segment was edited by the producers to try and get her in the bottom three this week. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

We had Stephanie lying on the floor, Stephanie whinging about injuries, and then Marko said “It is harder and harder because having the same partner, it is harder to work together to pull each other through.” What? I thought having the same partner each week was meant to make it easier? What he was really saying was “Stephanie is a dog”.

The routine was meant to channel their inner guerrilla militia, it was not the complete train wreck it was going to be but it was not great.

Mary M “Said well you can tell just by what I am wearing (gold lame dress) at me that I am a Krumping specialist.”

“Steph not hitting it hard, Marko a bit stronger”.

Matt Lee said to Mary Murphy “Can you come every week?” Oh yes please Matt, and while your at it watch and learn. It is called having a personality.

He also said “Steph faked it very well”

Bonnie said “You did try hard, and you did move forward Steph“

Jason said “Big, fat, mess”, “Not quality”, “No unison” and “Steph not musical”, “Big fail”.

Popular couple Anthony Ikin and Laura danced a soul swing number by Michael Boyd (failed auditionee). Again this fusion dance was confusing, and it looked a bit like a lindy hop number.

Laura was dressed like an entertainer at a children’s party, and I thought her dancing was a bit awkward in parts.

Mary M was also confused by the dance genre saying “Not sure where the soul or swing was in that”

However she was positive about the dancing “Phenomenal dancers,” and “Anthony – so good – number did not showcase you”.

Matt Lee said “A little lacklustre”

Bonnie said “Got to put comedy into it?” Huh where was the comedy meant to go?

Jason was ambivalent about it ” Didn’t particularly show you off”, and “Sat in the middle for me”

We were still waiting to see if Mary Murphy would hand out a hot tamale train accolade but the only train we got in Rhiannon’s and JD’s routine was a trainwreck.

They were dancing a tango choreographed by Fabio Robles. Rhiannon sizzled in the beginning, then in the middle it all fell apart, and JD was the culprit.

Mary Murphy took the sympathetic approach “Started out well, but halfway through it was like a deer in headlights everything went wrong” and “I’ve been there I know what it feels like.”

Matt Lee agreed.

Rhiannon and JD were teary at this point.

Bonnie asked what happened? Rhiannon flicked the question to JD, and He said “He had a blank and froze up”.

Jason then continued to put the knife in by saying “JD should have been leading,” “You lost the step” and “You let her down”.

I thought the judges should have been looking at themselves. They were the ones who decided to get rid of Hilton instead of JD last week, when he did a shocking routine last week, and then he fronts up again and is a disaster.

Rhiannon should have been dancing with Hilton this week.

So don’t accuse him of letting her down. The judges let the viewing audience down. My poll overwhelming states that JD should have been eliminated last week. That tango was the judges fault.

By the way Rhiannon looked mad as she knows she is facing bottom three tomorrow, she just has to hope Stephanie is in there with her.

Last dance for the night was new pairing Graeme and Kate dancing Bollywood Hip Hop. The choreographer was Farah Shah.

Graeme was wondering if the Kate curse of her partner going home was going to be inflicted on him this week.

It was a dance with Kate dressed in a I Dream Of Jeannie costume. Was it memorable? No. Though Graeme did impress me tonight.

Mary M said “Liked the two of you – hot and sexy”, “You have the x factor” and “Can take the hot tamale train with it” I have to say I thought it was a half hearted hot tamale train – and she thought she better say her trademark line once on the show.

My predictions for bottom three this week are:

JD and Rhiannon;

Marko and Steph; and
Kate and Graeme.

Mary Murphy has hit Sydney to be a guest judge this weekend for the final 16 show on So You Think You Can Dance, she also will be trying to see some of Mardi Gras.

Reality Raver who thought she had her finger on the reality tv pulse must confess she did not even know Mary was here until today. It will teach me to fast forward commercials.

Who Magazine online has a interview with her Click here

I like her openness and the fact she actually eats which she says makes her somewhat unusual in Hollywood. I hope she enjoys her stay.

I wonder which judge she will be sitting next to to here her ear piercing screams.

Matt, Bonnie, and Jason are probably playing rock, paper, scissors now to try and work it out.

As seen in a previous post there was an interview online the Australian TV Week website with Mary Murphy, and Nigel Lythgoe to promote the So You Think You Can Dance Finale.

I later discovered sneaky TV Week had not put all of the interview on line, and the full article was in the hard copy of the magazine.

Nigel’s interview highlights include:

• The top four were his favourites;
• There are now more guys watching the show then previously, not for the perv factor but for the athleticism;
• He will be guest judge for one episode on the Australian version of the show;
• It is harder for a girl to win the show because of teenage girls are the core group of voters;
• Pasha surprised him as a dancer, as did Domenic the breakdancer.
• He was delighted by Sabra, who has this huge magnetism, even though she is not the best technical dancer they have had. But she has the most magic he has seen.
• Danny is now a consummate performer as well as brilliant technician.
• He think Lauren peaked to late in the competition; and
• If Dave “Sex” Soller shows up at the next years audition it will be the first time in Nigel’s life that he is going to say no to sex!

Mary Murphy in summary:

• Adored Danny, and also thought Sabra had this amazing presence and the ability to spread joy through her eyes that connects with viewers at home.
• Favourite choreographer – all had their great moments, but week after week always seems to have something really beautiful and fun, it would be Tyce DiOrio.
• Standard improved this year, and she expects to see more professional dancers next season because of the prize money.