SYTYCD Season 11: Spencer Liff

Can I tell you how much we love Spencer Liff? I can't rave enough. He was our first big guest back on SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV during Season 9 and we are thrilled he comes back each season. His honest and constructive comments on the contestants was so helpful for us to listen to. We are down to the Top 4 and he explained why each contestant should be there.

There is a lot of Zack love brewing at just the right moment. Don't forget to vote, vote, vote for your favorite contestant. It's so important for next week and the final results on Sept. 3.

Next week, our guest is choreographer Dave Scott.

If you missed the show, watch it here:

SYTYCD Season 11: Audrey Case

Season 9's Audrey Case was back in the house! It was so good to see her and get the inside scoop on Choreographers' Showcase for SYTYCD. Don't know what we are talking about? Make sure to watch the episode below.

We talked a lot about choreographers being accountable for their work as much as the contestants are each week. Nigel Lythgoe had no problem saying some to Benji Schwimmer and Spencer Liff this week. Do you agree?

We also chatted about Malene Ostergaard's exit and Nigel's comments to her. I think we all agreed it was a bit harsh, but I hope she realizes this is just the beginning of good things to come…just ask Brittany Cherry!

Derek Hough: Your Thoughts On The BuddyTV Article

Yesterday, I was forwarded an article (Thanks, Catherine!) from BuddyTV entitled "Should Derek Hough Retire from 'Dancing with the Stars'?" Let's be honest, this author knew that a controversial article would draw a ton of attention and comments. I wanted to hear what the Twitter audience had to say and I was surprised that many of his fans wanted him to go on to bigger things.

The one quote that stood out to me was, "The point is that Derek has become bigger than the show…" I purposely cut out the second half of that quote which was "...and it seems like an unfair advantage" because when has DWTS ever been fair? Never. I actually agree with the first half of the quote because he is bigger than the show in many ways…popularity, talent and an Emmy win. This season his star wattage does seem bigger than the ABC show.

Many of you told me that you thought it should be his choice to stay or go, but I think argument is a moot point. Derek is welcome on the show as long as he wants to stay and ABC wants (needs?) him to stay on the show.

A part of me would like Derek to go on to bigger things while keeping a presence on the show. I think of SYTYCD's Spencer Liff. He has a great career outside of the FOX dance show, but he still comes back to choreograph numbers for the contestants. He is currently the choreographer for the revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch that's headed to Broadway with Neil Patrick Harris and he's NPH's go-to guy for awards shows and dance pieces on How I Met Your Mother. I would love to see Derek choreographing a Broadway show or film, but somehow come back to mount opening numbers or artist performance pieces on DWTS.

On the flip side, fans wouldn't get to see him dance each and every week with a celebrity partner and that's the draw to many viewers who watch the show. If Derek isn't on, DWTS loses a bit of its magic. Even with Val, Karina and other longtime pros bringing their fans to the table, ABC probably wants to hang onto Derek for as long as possible.

I thought I would share with you some (There were a ton!) of the responses that resonated with me on Twitter. Do you agree? Let me know in the comments below:

@KristynBurtt I never think it is a good idea for someone to leave a good situation, maybe he'll do better maybe he'll fade away. I'd stay.
— Mathieas (@Mathieas) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt @allisgood4ever If he has other offers he should do them if he wants but come back in between if the schedule works.
— Perri Parks (@perriparks) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt yeah Derek Hough has won a lot, I think after this season he should retire whether he wins or not he should do other things.
— John Walker (@Walkerjoh) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt NOOOOOOO! Derek can't retire, if he leaves I won't watch...
— jacqui gerritsen (@shrinkyydink) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt I certainly hope not. His choreo is always amazing and he's a great partner.
— Matty (@LilMatt9889) November 7, 2013

AfterBuzz TV SYTYCD: Neil Haskell

Ahhh, the season is over. After a lackluster Season 9, I thought it was going to be difficult to get revved up for Season 10. Boy, was I wrong. This has been one of the most exciting seasons in a long time. While I have been in the Jasmine camp for a long time, I am still happy for Amy. The Top 10 contestants are all incredibly talented and I think we are going to see many of them working post-tour.

I want to thank all of the SYTYCD guests who joined us this season because they made our show extra-special. Besides our epic tWitch and Allison Holker episode, Spencer Liff continues to be one of my favorite guests. I am excited to watch his climb to success as he choreographs his first Broadway show Hedwig and the Angry Inch with Neil Patrick Harris.

Team AfterBuzz TV will also be supporting Courtney Galiano's Beat MS Dance Walk on Sept. 22. If you would like to support us, here is our donation page. A big thanks to Kaitlyn and Lois for their generous donations. We appreciate it!

Thanks for a great season! Let me know in the comments below who your favorite AfterBuzz TV guest was for Season 10.

Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala: The Interviews

I decided to try something new here on my site, so definitely give me your feedback and let me know if you like it. I'm going to be updating this page over the next few days with a couple of the interviews I did on the red carpet at the Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala. I think there are some fun soundbites for fans of SYTYCD.

First up, it's tWitch who gives his thoughts on his role in dance, being a judge during the audition rounds and the importance of the Dizzy Feet Foundation:





Come back to this page later, I will continue to update it for you. Up next, Travis Wall!

If you missed my Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala photos, click here.
This week's ABTV interview with Spencer Liff, click here.
Or take my quick survey on Dance in the Media, click here.

AfterBuzz TV SYTYCD: Spencer Liff

What a show! I think I learned more about SYTYCD dance in this hour than in the last two seasons of covering this show. Spencer Liff gave us a real insider's look at the pressures the choreographers and the contestants are under. It's a time crunch each and every week. Doesn't it make you admire the work everyone puts in even more?

I hope you all take note of Spencer's career because you are going to hear his name a lot outside of SYTYCD. It's really exciting to see choreographer's emerge from this show. It also makes me excited to have Lindsay Nelko on as a guest on Aug. 14. We will get the opportunity to talk to someone who is just breaking out.

I have also updated our guest list for August, it's a great line-up this month and I like the variety that we have.

Finally, it was definitely time for Alexis and Curtis to exit, but I think this is going to be a great stepping stone for them. They both said they wanted to head to New York to Disney's Newsies. I hope to see them on the Great White Way soon.

Watch the show below or you can download the show in iTunes here.

Magic Mike Casting Rumors: Is Derek Hough Headed To Broadway?

Have you seen this tweet yet? Yep, this social media message and photo (see below) are sending SYTYCD and DWTS fans into a frenzy. So, I did a little sleuthing around to see whether this was a fun joke with some good casting ideas or if this is the "good news" Derek Hough and Travis Wall were tweeting about.


Well, it's not true. You aren't looking at the new cast of Broadway's Magic Mike. I think they are smart to put the idea out there because having Derek Hough, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Travis Wall and Nick Lazzarini is a great way to sell tickets and put butts in those theatre seats!

Here are a few reasons why:
1. The project was just fast tracked as of Friday, July 19. It was revealed by Deadline that they have come up with collaborators Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey to write songs and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa to write the book. Nothing is written yet. No story, no songs.

2. Channing Tatum just confirmed the news on his site on July 22. That was the first official news that the show is definitely happening.

3. Without songs or a story...you cannot cast just yet. It too early in the process. There isn't even a director who is definitely announced before the cast or choreographers.

4. I also spoke with a Broadway insider today who told me, "Heard nothing about him [Derek Hough] here. And seems way too early for casting."

5. Even though this show is fast-tracked, it takes so much time, effort and money to get a show mounted. While casting will happen in the future...it's not happening right now.

So, I think this was a fun shot with five hot guys and one smoking girl...perfect for a Magic Mike photo.  Perhaps it puts a bug in the casting director's ears that some of these amazingly talented dancers/choreographers might be interested in doing the show. As an artist, it sure never hurts to throw your name in the ring.


Don't forget that tonight we have Spencer Liff on SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV at 9pm PT. Watch here.

SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV: Top 14 Preview

What a great weekend for dance! If you missed some of my Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala photos, be sure to check them out here. I've been working hard on booking some good guests, so be sure to check out the updated list here. There are two dancers in particular who I sweating over to get into our studios. If it happens, I am going to make sure Chloe, AJ and Jake buy me a cocktail after the show.

Our guest this week is one of my favorites from last season, Spencer Liff. He's so talented as a choreographer and just an incredibly nice guy. I hope you are all following his career because he star is on the rise in the Broadway world. He also just choreographed a number honoring Chita Rivera at the Dizzy Feet Gala.

Get those questions for Spencer...you know what to do, questions go in the comments section below.

I will see you all on Wednesday at 9pm PT on AfterBuzz TV. Watch here.

The Inside Scoop on the Oscars...So Far

I'm in love....with these gowns. They are currently being sold at the divine vintage store Decades on Melrose.  They are both Christian Dior from the Autumn/Winter collection in 1963 and 1962, respectively.  I actually took these photos last night on my iPhone while I was passing by on my way to an event.  After doing a little research, I found out that they are a size 0 and there is no price listed...which means they are expensive, but this might be my dream Oscar gown. Which one do you like better?

I'm going to give you a little Oscars round-up today since there is a ton of news coming in from every direction.  So, pick and choose what you would like to read and view:

Fanboy Comics:  This so far is my favorite interview of the awards show season.  I sat down with Bryant and Barbra Dillon and chatted about the Golden Globes and what it means for the Oscar season. Take a listen, I think you will fall in love with their podcast.

My next album cover AKA me in 3D glasses at Wreck-It Ralph

The Paperman:  This is Disney Animation's Oscar-nominated Animated Short in this year's race.  I saw it before a screening of Wreck-it Ralph and it is so sweet, you just might fall in love. Watch it in full below:



Oscar Nominees Luncheon:  I will be back on the scene on Monday at the Oscar Nominees Luncheon where the nominees get their official certificates and they get...a sweatshirt??? Read this insider scoop on the gifts each nominee gets at the luncheon in The Hollywood Reporter. It's pretty fascinating.

Oscar Performances:  I've scoping out the show and I think it's going to a long one.  Already we have performances by Barbra Streisand, Norah Jones, Adele, 3 movie musical tributes, and more to come. I can confirm that SYTYCD choreographer Spencer Liff will be in the show along with some familiar SYTYCD faces. I'm also hearing rumors that Streisand might be doing a Marvin Hamlisch tribute.  Hhhmmm, it's going to be a musical extravaganza of a show! I'll keep you posted if I hear any updates or get any confirmations on the rumor.

Oscar Presenters:  The announcements are starting to trickle in with the first presenter announced today and it's kind of an obvious choice:  Mark Wahlberg and his co-star Ted voiced by Seth MacFarlane...who is also your Oscar host.  I'm hoping we see a few outside-the-box choices announced soon.  That always makes for an interesting show.

Have a great weekend!  If you are up early on the East Coast tomorrow, I will be on Cocktails and Conversation talking all about entertainment, the Super Bowl, and more! Join me here at 8am ET.  



 

KB News Network

After all of my hard work this week, I promise I did have fun.....The Book of Mormon at the Pantages was just the kind of dirty laughs I needed!

What a week it has been!  I've been all over the place working and talking about the Emmys plus wrapping up a long season of SYTYCD.  In order to keep everything straight for me and for you, here is where you can find all of my entertainment scoop from the week. You can pick and choose your adventures along the way.  You guys are awesome and I appreciate all of the support.  It's been a crazy ride to get here, but I feel like it is all coming together.  If you comment somewhere, let me know......I always respond back!

Spreecast:  Emmy Predictions in the Comedy and Drama Categories with me, AJ Gibson, and Stuart Brazell:

AfterBuzz TV: So You Think You Can Dance Finale with Emmy-Nominated choreographer, Spencer Liff.  This was my favorite broadcast all week because Spencer has done four Broadway shows.....I'm such a musical theatre nerd.



AfterBuzz TV:  The New Normal with me, AJ Gibson, Lauren Leonelli, and Anna Koppel.  We break down two episodes on a series I am not completely sold on yet.  There are an awful lot of stereotypes being thrown around here.  Do you agree? Watch here.

Spreecast: Behind the Red Carpet Live with Cheeks, creator of the online series, Husbands.  We did a lot of comparison between his show and The New Normal.  His show was created first and originally dubbed "the new normal" by This American Life back in October 2011.  Interesting, no?  Watch here.

SheKnows. com:  I began my first week on the job!  Here are a few of the articles I wrote:  Amanda Bynes is a mess, Demi Moore is a mess, and oh yeah, Chad Johnson is too.

Tom Barnard Podcast:  Tom is a legendary broadcaster in the Minnesota area and I was fortunate enough to make an appearance on his show this week talking all about Emmys Week.  You can listen here and I will hopefully be on another show soon.

I will be covering the Emmys official gifting suite this weekend plus I'm off to the NBC, HBO, and The Awards Lounge parties, so follow me on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt, Twitter, or Facebook for all of the updates.  

So You Think You Can Dance Receives 6 Emmy Nominations

It was a big morning for So You Think You Can Dance as the Emmy nominations were announced.  The show walked away with 6 nominations including Best Reality-Competition Show and finally one for Cat Deeley for Host, Reality or Reality-Competition Show.  In addition, here are the choreography nominees:

Choreographer: Stacey Tookey: 
In This Shirt
Turning Tables  
Heart Asks for Pleasure First

Choreographer:  Christopher Scott:
Misty Blue
Velocity

Choreographer:  Spencer Liff
Whatever Lola Wants
Please Mr. Jailer
Where Do I Begin

The show also received a nomination for Lighting Design/Direction, Variety, Music, or Comedy Series.

I've been having such a blast hosting the after show of SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV, so I hope you will take a look at last night's episode where we got the inside scoop from Season 7's Ashley Galvan.  She told us about the differences between her season and what is happening to the contestants this year.  If you are a fan of the show, you will definitely want to watch.  If you prefer to listen while you workout, download the show from iTunes here.

To see a photo from our show last night, click here.




My first episode of Behind the Red Carpet launched yesterday as I give you the inside scoop on what is happening in Hollywood behind the scenes.  I would love your feedback as I grow my little show!  View it here.