Surprised Melanie Moore Crowned As ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 8 Winner Including Finale Dance

And the 2011 ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ crown goes to… Melanie Moore!

The frontrunner for most of the season for the judges, Cat Deeley and even Lady Gaga, this 19-year old from Marietta, Georgia earned 47 percent of the vote, defeating second-plane finisher Sasha in the process.

Melanie Moore was prepared to come in second, she said in a post-win interview.

“In my head I really thought Sasha was going to win,” the So You Think You Can Dance champion told reporters after she was crowned last night. “Just being up there and being named one of the final two I was like, ‘Wait, is this really happening?’ I just started crying.”

In fact, all Moore could muster on stage was a “thank you” in between tears. But she had more to tell reporters after the finale aired.

Saying she hopes to use the $250,000 to go back to school, the 19-year old was also excited about one particular aspect of the competition being over:

“I’m really looking forward to spending time with my boyfriend. I haven’t really got to see him very much. I got to see him and give him a really quick kiss and then ran out here.”

What’s next for Moore? Aside from touring with the other top 10 finishers? Kenny Ortega, who will helm the upcoming Dirty Dancing remake, served as guest judge this season. Melanie laughed and said at the director, ”Give me a call.”

Apart from this Melanie Moore has also been invited by Lady GaGa to perform at her shows. We wish Melanie the best of luck for the future!!

Watch the So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 Finale dance by Sasha and Melanie below!!