Christina Perri's "SYTYCD" Fairytale

August 5, 2014

Christina Perri

(photo by Yu Tsai)

You probably remember Stacey Tookey’s contemporary piece “Jar of Hearts” on “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 7—partly because of the ultra-gorgeous choreography, and partly because the song’s been in your head ever since. (Click here in case you need a refresher.)

At the time, Christina Perri’s song “Jar of Hearts”—and Perri herself—were virtually unknown. Cue the best Cinderella story ever: After it played on the show, “Jar of Hearts” was downloaded so much that it made iTunes’ Top 20 song chart—that night. Two weeks later, “SYTYCD” invited Perri to play “Jar of Hearts” live (accompanied by Allison Holker and Neil Haskell), and the song took off—hitting number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on Amazon’s digital singles list.

Fast-forward four years, and Perri’s career has been on a roll. Her newest album, Head or Heart, is available now; she’s currently touring with One Republic; and this fall, she’ll hit the road with Demi Lovato. Tonight, Perri will perform her latest single “Burning Gold” on “SYTYCD,” and Tookey has choreographed a special performance for their four-year reunion.

Dance Spirit
spoke with Perri about her second big night on “SYTYCD.”

How did Stacey Tookey first find your work?

Keltie Colleen
is the fairy godmother in this story. She and I have been friends for a long time—she dated my brother, and when they broke up, we kept hanging out. Up until “SYTYCD,” she was one of very few people who had heard my music. She was always supportive and encouraging, and she was actually the one who helped me get a manager by posting a video of us on YouTube back in 2010. Three months after that, I emailed Keltie a song called “Jar of Hearts.” I’d just recorded it, I and wanted to show her what I was working on. I asked her to keep it between us, but she immediately emailed Stacey Tookey—they grew up together and were friends—and suggested it for the show. Stacey replied, “How about this week?” I had five days to do a photo shoot and put the song on the internet. It was crazy. The night it debuted on the show, Keltie and I were in the audience. I quit my job as a waitress the next day, flew to NYC and my adventure began!

Billy Bell and Kathryn McCormick in “Jar of Hearts” on “SYTYCD”

(photo Kelsey McNeal/FOX)

What’s your relationship with Stacey like?

She realized how much of an impact her work and the show had on my life. When I needed a choreographer for the “Jar of Hearts” video, I asked Stacey to work on it with Keltie and the cast of “SYTYCD” dancers. Since then, Stacey has used more of my songs on the show and we stay pretty close. I always send her champagne and flowers on June 30 (the date I was on the show). I can’t wait to come back and perform “Burning Gold” with her choreographing.

What’s the best part about choreographers using your music?

It’s a magical combination. Dance elevates the emotional level of the song. It makes it into something brand new. I’ll hear a song over and over, but when I see someone dance to it, it comes to life. I’m honored when someone dances to my music.

Do you have any advice for
DS
readers?

Say “yes” to the things that scare you. I was shy and lacked confidence, and there were always so many reasons to say “no”—excuses. But the moment I started saying “yes”—for instance, letting Keltie post that video online, or agreeing to play on TV—all of my dreams started to come true. “Yes” can change your life.

Be sure to watch Christina Perri tonight on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and come back tomorrow to read our recap of the Top 10 episode!