My roommates pretty much despise me every single time I put on repeats on Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew 2. And often, they have every right to. After all, JC Chasez uses the same four criticisms to critique the crews, Layla Kayleigh pretty much serves no purpose whatsoever, and now that he's usurped Matthew McConaughey as the shirtless spokesperson for hot men of the world, Mario Lopez just isn't that enticing with clothes on (not that he ever really was in the first place).
However, this season ABDC did have its merits. The first being Lil' Mama, who at 19 provides better advice and wisdom than Mary Murphy's screams from So You Think You Can Dance ever could (take hint Mary: Lil' mama wears a sequined baseball hat every week and is still more toned down than you).
The second thing that has made ABDC essential viewing this season, even in the begrudging eyes of my roommates, was Fanny Pak, the dance crew selected from the West Coast. Bringing with them an 80's vibe without a hint of irony, as well as the most unique choreography of the season. So why aren't I watching the season finale, which is currently on as I write this? The answer, and a clip, after the jump!
It's simple, Fanny Pak got shockingly booted two weeks ago when they were one of the final three, leaving SoReal Crew and Super Crew (can you tell the difference? Neither can I) to duke it out for the title of America's Best Dance Crew To Come Along Since Season One Ended Four Months Ago.
Now I must disclose that this article has nothing to do with my bias towards Fanny Pak (which in turn has nothing to do with my mild crush on Fanny Pak leader Matt Cady), and mostly about voting competitions coming down to popularity contests. Throughout the competition, Fanny Pak was totally, to quote Lil' Mama, slept on. Every week they came out with a mind-blowing, self-choreographed number that left the judges ecstatic and the audience chanting their names, something that didn't happen with other crews on such a consistent basis. So what happened?
Well, it seems the two Crews (SoSuper and Real... er.... I mean...) had more friends in high places, because they got into the final two on what seems to be popularity and not necessarily talent. Even though the judges were ultimately the ones to let Fanny Pak go, it seemed like they almost felt they had to, after weeks of them being in the bottom two while the other two consistently placed at the top. But did it mean they deserved to be there?
Judging from the final showdown last week, not so much. When it came down to more skilled dancing and choreography, both teams failed in the eyes of the judges for being unable to keep up with the challenges and "blow us away". You could see Lil' Mama and Shane Sparks feeling as if they had really bitten themselves in the ass with this one.
But alas, sometimes this just happens. Sometimes the people who don't deserve to win end up succeeding, and the people with real talent end up getting eliminated. But who knows, sometimes there's a silver lining that proves you didn't even need to win to be successful in the first place. Just ask Chris Daughtry. So while the two remaining crews duke it out tonight, I'm content with knowing that the deserving champions will somehow find a way to succeed. It'll happen Fanny Pak, you wait and see. After all, as JC says (in every episode): "You guys are artists".
Need further evidence? Check out their dance during Janet Jackson week below, or go to muchmusic.com to check out more clips.
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