Season eight of “So You Think You Can Dance” ended Thursday, giving Melanie Moore the title of America’s favorite dancer. According to Us Magazine, the 19-year-old Moore received $250,000 and a sponsorship deal as part of her victory prize.
Moore, a native of Marietta, Georgia, gained 47 percent of the 11.5 million votes cast for FOX’s hit show. She edged out Sasha Mallory, who gained 32 percent, and both women prevailed over the two remaining men. Marko Germar and Tadd Gadduang took third and fourth place, respectively.
The season eight winner told reporters she was shocked at her victory.
“I was ready to take second very graciously,” Moore said. “In my head I really though Sasha was going to win. Just being up there and being named one of the final two I was like, ‘Wait, is this really happening?’ I just started crying.”
Moore also expressed her gratitude that her family was able to fly in to be with her for the finale.
“[The show] sort of has brought us all back together,” she said. “We haven’t really been that close with my dad’s side of the family—especially after he passed away when I was 12—but we’ve heard so much from them and they’ve been so supportive.”
Moore said she has no immediate plans for her prize money, but she does hope to go back to school in New York to study dance and choreography.
