True Life: I Was at the "SYTYCD" Finale

Thousands of you entered our “So You Think You Can Dance” finale sweepstakes. When all was said and done, Paisley Haddad was the lucky winner, and she jetted off to Hollywood for the Season 12 finale, lots of sight-seeing and her first In-n-Out Burger. We caught up with Paisley after her trip to L.A.—read on to find out about the finale, the studios and more!

Dance Spirit: What was your reaction when you learned you’d won the sweepstakes? 

Paisley Haddad: 
My reaction was complete shock! I couldn’t believe it. I called my mom and she couldn’t either. I’ve been watching SYTYCD since Season One, so it’s always been a dream of mine to go to a taping, let alone the finale!

Paisley on Hollywood Boulevard! (Courtesy Paisley Haddad)

DS: What were the coolest parts about the trip? 

PH: 
We were treated like VIPs from the moment we got there—I was led into the VIP room, with lots of food and dancers! I met so many of the dancers, Paula and Cat Deeley! We also got to sit right behind the choreographers, which was awesome. They were also taping Dancing with the Stars on the stage next door, so all of the cast members were coming in and out—I got to meet some of them, too.

 

DS: What’d you think about L.A.? 

PH: 
It was my first time there, and I loved it. I had my very first In-n-Out Burger, which was amazing. I also got to see a bunch of landmarks, like the Walk of Fame and the TLC Chinese Theater.

 

DS: What was the live show like versus watching it on T.V.?

PH: 
It was so different. There was so much energy in the room and I felt like I was a part of it. I also got to see all the people who make the show happen—the cameramen, the lighting assistants. It’s crazy to watch the cameramen try and follow the dancers and keep up with the choreography!

Paisley with Virgil (left) and Jim (right)

 

DS: Who was your favorite dancer this season? 

PH: 
I wanted Gaby [Diaz] to win the entire time. She’s such a great dancer, so I was really happy to be there for that. It was crazy when they announced her name—there was confetti everywhere and lots of fire erupting from the stage!

Paisley with Season 12 champ (and upcoming December cover girl!) Gaby Diaz