Ellen DeGeneres steps up to the 'So You Think You Can Dance' challenge

"So You Think You Can Dance" nation: We know many of you are happy that the lone girl in the competition, Lauren Froderman, was crowned America's Favorite Dancer on Thursday night. But chances are the performer you're still talking about is someone else entirely.

Known for her playful dance moves, Ellen DeGeneres appeared in the show's two-hour finale to accompany tWitch in a reprisal of one of the 7th season's most memorable hip-hop numbers. DeGeneres was filling in for injured ballet dancer Alex Wong, who stunned "So You Think You Can Dance" viewers early in the competition with his hip-hop skills. Wong was injured the following week and had to leave the competition to have surgery.

DeGeneres said during the telecast that Wong's injury broke her heart "and as a joke I said this would be fun to do and it became a reality thanks to [husband-and-wife choreographing team] Tabitha and Napoleon."  As ShowTracker tracker Claire Zulkey points out in her recap, it's obvious DeGeneres took the job seriously and was a joy to watch.

After the show, DeGeneres tweeted: "I had 2 goals tonight. Not to trip while I was dancing with Twitch (sic) & to make Alex smile. I think I accomplished both."

You can judge for yourself in the video above.

To see Alex and tWitch's original routine go here.

-- Maria Elena Fernandez

twitter.com/writerchica

Video: YouTube

RELATED:

"So You Think You Can Dance:" Raise a glass of Gatorade--we have a new winner!

"So You Think You Can Dance: A chat with Alex Wong"

Comments

[bettye198]

Very refreshing. Alot of fun. Ellen brought a little humanity to an intense show of competition.

[Gripe]

Ellen sliding her way on to the show COMPLETELY ruined an otherwise excellent series. Is her ego that big? So what is she was moved by Richmond, B.C., Canada Alex's performance. Many of us were. But she gets to showcase herself. Come on Ellen. Maybe you're just having fun, but grow up. Don't take away from the spotlight on these amazing kids just because you want to play. I love this show because the participants are UNKNOWNS. Stick to your own show Ellen.

[Gripe]

I just finished watching the series tonight, thus the date of my post.