'So You Think You Can Dance': Russell Ferguson explains his finale night injury, celebrates being America's Favorite Dancer
What a finale for krumper Russell Ferguson.
He experienced the highest of highs, earning the "So You Think You Can Dance" season 6 crown. However, the night was no fairytale for him.
Suffering an injury at the end of the hip hop number he performed with fellow finalists Legacy Perez and Kevin Hunte, Russell lost control of his emotions when he realized what had happened.
So what did happen?
"When I was coming up, back onto the stage after jumping off and being all in the camera's face, I landed wrong," Russell told us. "And I guess something got like shifted or like stretched out of place in my leg... It got real numb and swollen."
So why was he able to jump for joy when he found out he'd won the competition an hour later?
As Russell explains in the clip below, he could walk and he could bend his leg, but he was unable to do what his dance pieces required. And knowing that he'd be benched for the rest of the night wasn't easy for him to accept.
Having his parents in the audience for the first time, Russell was devastated that they wouldn't be able to watch him perform again. But ultimately, it was his father's presence that calmed him down.
"I got myself together once I saw my dad and once I did a little praying, so I'm fine. I'm fine, America."
Indeed you are, Russell Ferguson.And you're also America's Favorite Dancer.
Well deserved, my friend.
It's been a pleasure watching you kill it week after week.
And your magnetic personality -- which clearly came out to shine during our one-on-one time with you, post-finale -- didn't hurt you either...
He's unhateable, no?
So tell us, are you as psyched for Russell as we are? Or did you have a different finalist in mind for the title?
-Additional reporting by Marisa Roffman
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'So You Think You Can Dance: Nigel Lythgoe thinks Jakob or Russell will win season 6
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Photo credit: FOX
My brother has that same charismatic smile, there is no way a person can not be moved by it! His growth was phenomenal KUDOS upon kudos to this young talented man
The best one won, fantastic, he is an fantastic
I wanted Russell to win from the start! He's a wonderfully gifted dancer who always gives 100%! Because he is enjoying what he is doing, he makes everyone enjoy watching him!
So HAPPY for Russell! He is so charismatic and joyful! As a dancer he grew SO much, it really was amazing to watch. Congrats Russell, can't wait to see you at The Oscars!
I was overjoyed for Russell from DAY ONE of his audition and screamed at the top of my lungs when he we finally annouced the WINNER!..He really feels the beat &Krumps like nobody's bizness..yet very humble! this Win was Well deserved!! Holla.
SOOOOOO HAPPPYYYYYYY!!!!!! I WAS JUMPING ON MY SEAT WHEN CAT ANNOUNCED THAT HE WON.
CONGRATS. RUSSELL!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!!!
I was hoping that Kathryn would take home the prize but I'm OK with Russell winning.
I can't dispute that Russell is America's favorite dancer, and he had the most growth and heart of anyone on the show - I would have loved to see Ellenore win. She was clearly the best technical dancer and had the best personality in my opinion - but I can't fault Russell's ability, growth or spirit.
I like Russell but definitely thought that Jakob deserved to win. While Russell only had one memorable routine from the finale performance show, all three of Jakob's were great, not to mention throughout the season he didn't have one bad routine and most of my favorite routines were his! I get that it's America's Favorite Dancer, and not America's Best Dancer (which Jakob clearly would have won), but I really do think Jakob deserved that title. Because he wasn't only technically great, he was also a really great performer with such passion, talent and character in his dance unlike Russell who definitely had the passion but really wasn't as into the characters every routine. So like I said, really like Russell, but like Jakob more and if you look at the season honestly think he was robbed. Jakob was just a joy to watch and I know will go on to do great, great, great things. Perhaps more than any other contestant thus far.
I, typically do not watch shows like this. However, I turned to this show one day and was hooked after I saw Russell. His style and dedication is phenominal. He was the most diverse and emotional dancer in the competition. It was so difficult to vote the last night as the lines were busy for the first hour but I stayed persistent. Congratulations Russell.