Must-See T.V.

Tiffany Maher Is America’s Least Memorable Runner-Up

Almost immediately after last night’s So You Think You Can Dance Season 9 finale began, it was clear that the night was not so much a choice between the top two girls, Tiffany Maher and Eliana Girard, so much as a coronation of Eliana, who was told again by judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe that she was his favorite female dancer from the whole series and that Desmond Richardson had made her a job offer.

Next to that, all of the praise of Tiffany felt a little thin — a lot of “you’ve done everything that’s been asked of you”s and “your spirit is so beautiful”s. I’m admittedly not the biggest Tiffany fan (I like her quite a bit, I’m just sort of perplexed that she made it so far without a real breakout number or a huge personality) but I felt a bit bad for her, and almost hoped that the voters would flip the script and crown her the winner.

That unfortunately didn’t happen (although it did for the boys — what up, Chehon Wespi-Tschopp! You and your sculpted chest are number one!!) and Eliana did a very good Taylor Swift-esque “Who, me?” at the news. Tiffany was super gracious but clearly disappointed. I can’t help but wonder what her future will be like, since the show tends to bring back former contestants that were huge stars or fan favorites during their season…neither of which seems like a good description of Tiffany.

So while Eliana is certainly celebrating today, let’s pour some out (metaphorically, via YouTube) and think of Tiffany too. Here is a rumba she danced with Chehon in last week’s performance finale, and to my mind (though maybe not Desmond Richardson’s) it’s one of my favorite pieces of the season. Take a look:

TAGS: So You Think You Can Dance | Winners

• 20 Sneaky (and Easy!) Ways to Save
• 8 Things Your Boss Doesn't Need To Know
• Pinching Pennies: Wash and Save on Laundry
• Will Echo Boomers Save the Economy?