All the Season Four crews trickled back into Cali this week to reconnect with each other and rehearse a special number for ABDC's live finale. The excitement revved up immediately after finding out that they'd be split into three different groups for a Judges Choice performance. Check out the lineup:
Shane Sparks' group - Beat Ya Feet Kings, Massive Monkees, Southern Movement
"I Do (Represent)" Lil Jon ft. Swizz Beatz & Snoop Dogg
Lil Mama's group - Artistry In Motion, Vogue Evolution, We Are Heroes
"Girls On The Dance Floor" Far East Movement
JC Chasez's group - AfroBorike, Fr3sh, Rhythm City
"Fire Burning" Sean Kingston
Last week we showed you ABDC's final dance cypher of the season -- or so we thought. The number of dancers has dwindled, but at the end of Sunday night's show, the remaining two crews still did their thang on stage. And so did Lil Mama ... (Hey, at least she's got a sense of humor about that whole VMAs thing!)
In seasons past, we've seen final performances so great they made it nearly impossible for America to pick a winner - and we're happy to say, this year is no different. The top three crews (Massive Monkees, We Are Heroes and AfroBorike) left it all on the floor last night, and delivered some amazing highlight reel-worthy routines! Here are just a few of the many show-stoppers you'll be seeing on Sunday night's ABDC:
- One crew receives a standing ovation so loud it actually shakes bleachers!
- A drum circle like you've never seen!
- Stage reaches sweltering (hot, hot, HOT!) temperatures.
- All remaining male crew members are shirtless by night's end!
- Lil Mama displays a sense of humor about her VMAs "performance"!
So what exactly DID the royal Pratt have to say 'bout all the awards show action? After the jump, check out a few of his best one-liners. Team Taylor, y'all!
It was no shocker that Jay-Z and Alicia Keys blew up the stage at last night's VMAs. It's what they do. He spit fire and her fingers inspired magic during their performance of "Empire State of Mind." In fact, ABDC judge Lil Mama felt so magical that she jumped on stage with the duo and struck a pose at the song's finish. Now that was a shocker.
Lil Mama's rep issued a statement of apology to MTV News earlier today -- cuz you know, stage-invasion only leads to next-day regret:
"I did not mean any disrespect towards Jay-Z or Alicia Keys," the statement read. "I admire them and look up to them as role models. "Empire State of Mind" had my emotions running high. In that moment I came up onstage to celebrate my two icons singing about NY."
Lil Mama's rep said she may have more to say about the situation later, and ABDC Insider will be checking in with her this week to ask for further comment. Stay tuned, and in the meantime, check out Mama's ??? State of Mind all over again in the video clip below:
Phresh off the plane from Philadelphia this week was Phresh Select's Smart Mark, who did us a solid by holding it down as our latest ABDC guest blogger. Listen to what he was able to squeeze out of the judges pre-taping:
Last night's Dance Craze Challenge kept all the crews on their toes - well, actually the mini-tramp kept all the crews in the air! You're in for a real treat this Sunday night when you see how creative all the crews got with their challenge(s), but for now, here are a few of this week's show-stoppin' moments:
- Massive Monkees take full advantage of a photo op with host Mario Lopez!
- The entire audience (including JC Chasez) get to be featured dancers!
- Lil Mama & Leiomy officially clear the air - Pheww!!
- Shane Sparks compliments one crew for not "watering down" their performance.
- A fire extinguisher goes off mid-routine! (See what we did there?)
So what else happens? Guess you'll have to watch this week's show to find out! Tune in this Sunday at 9pm to catch the rest of the high-flying ABDC action!
Lil Mama's already stepped up and said she was sorry for coming down so hard on Leiomy last week. But what'd Leiomy's crew think about Mama's verbal jabs? Turns out, they had their girl's back all the way (hey, they're a team, after all!). Earlier this week, Vogue Evolution had a little fun at Mama's expense while rallying behind Leiomy (and her amazing Death Glare). Viva la Evolution!
Lil Mama's never had a problem speaking her mind on the ABDC panel. But last week, she might've spoken a little too freely when she chewed out Vogue Evolution's Leoimy for her un-ladylike behavior at rehearsal. And since Mama's not out to hurt anyone's feelings, she's issued a sincere apology to Leiomy -- and to all the members of the LGBT community -- in a statement released to GLAAD yesterday:
"I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday's show," Lil Mama wrote. "My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy's gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors. However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution."
Thanks for clearing the air, Lil Mama! Now let's put all this drama behind us and focus on what's really important: the dancing! Only five crews left vying for the ABDC title ... and this week, things are about to get craze-y ...
Last week, the judges came hard with criticism for the remaining crews, and apparently it lit a fire under everyone's ass. At last night's ABDC taping, the dancers fired back with some seriously smokin' performances. Here are a few highlights:
- A crew romance is revealed!
- More than one crew has some choice words for Shane Sparks
- One crew's undergarments end up on JC Chasez!
- Lil Mama scolds one of the girls by telling her to 'act like a lady!'
Sorry, that's all we can say for now. You'll have to tune in Sunday night for the good stuff. And we mean it: REALLY. GOOD. STUFF.
