Why did Allison Holker regret rejecting Arianna Santos? 'So You Think You Can Dance' judge makes history with decision change

'SYTYCD' Season 18 contestant Arianna Santos breaks into tears as she moves ahead to next round
PUBLISHED MAR 12, 2024
'SYTYCD' judge Allison Holker decides to change her decision concerning Arianna Santos (@FOX)
'SYTYCD' judge Allison Holker decides to change her decision concerning Arianna Santos (@FOX)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Allison Holker made history in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 by reversing her judgment. Initially, she rejected Arianna Santos but later changed her decision to a yes.

In Audition Round 2, she confessed to her fellow judges, "I'm kind of questioning one of my decisions." Allison added, "I feel like I made the wrong decision with Arianna." Meanwhile, Arianna expressed to her friends, "I feel like a part of me let people down."

Acknowledging that they expected more from Arianna, Allison emphasized that it was the judges' responsibility to help contestants overcome their flaws. She stated, "But isn't what we are supposed to be doing giving them an opportunity to show us more."

Comfort Fedoke concurred with Allison, stating, "Yeah, she has the ability and the quality in the movement; I saw that in her." Allison opted to give Arianna another chance, expressing her desire to see her in the Choreography round.

When Maksim Chmerkovskiy asked, "Are you gonna go get her?" Allison sought approval from her fellow judges, who confirmed they had no issues, allowing her to proceed. 

'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 judge Allison Holker changes her rejection for Arianna Santos (FOX)
'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 judge Allison Holker changes her decision for Arianna Santos (@FOX)

'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 contestant Arianna Santos left in tears after Allison Holker gave her another chance

As Allison took aside Arianna to have a talk, she said, "As I was in there thinking I felt like I made the wrong choice and I changed my answer to yes."

Arianna broke down into tears, asking, "Are you serious?"

Allison further said to Arianna, "I want to see you in the next round." Arianna hugged the judge, as she found it hard to gulp the fact.

Arianna Santos left in tears as 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 contestant moves ahead to next round (FOX)
Arianna Santos left in tears as 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 contestant moves ahead to the next round (@FOX)

'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 contestant Arianna Santos expected to bring 'fire and heat' to the next round

As Allison agreed to push Arianna ahead to the next round, she asked her, "This means you have to bring the fire, you have to bring the heat, you have to go for it." 

Arianna affirmed the judge, "Absolutely, whatever you guys need me to do, I am here to give it to you guys."

The crew members and other fellow dancers cheered for Arianna's progress to the next round.

Allison Holker expects Arianna Santos expected to bring as she moves ahead to 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18's next round (FOX)
Allison Holker gives Arianna Santos a yes in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (@FOX)

The new episodes of 'SYTYCD' Season 18 premieres every Monday at 9/8c on FOX.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Celeb guests include Singer Zac Brown and YouTuber MrBeast, with Jeff Probst returning as the host
17 hours ago
Season 49 of the survival reality show concluded with Savannah Louie winning the competition
1 day ago
Savannah Louie, Sophie Balerdi, and Sage Ahrens-Nichols were the final three contestants who competed for the title of 'Survivor' Season 49
1 day ago
The milestone 'Survivor' Season 50 is all set to make its debut on Wednesday, February 25, 2026
1 day ago
Aiden Ross claimed victory on 'The Voice' Season 28, marking Niall Horan’s undefeated streak as coach
2 days ago
The Top 6 who competed for the win were Aiden Ross, Jazz McKenzie, Ralph Edwards, Max Chambers, Aubrey Nicole, and DEK of Hearts
2 days ago
14-year-old Chambers entertained fans with his strong vocals after making a wild card entry into the 'The Voice' Season 28 finals
2 days ago
'The Voice' Season 29 is slated to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026
2 days ago
While Niall Horan's team members, Aiden Ross and DEK of Hearts, shone in the finale, he was unfortunately unable to perform
3 days ago
"I wrote you last night; I told you you are the light … this is it," Michael Bublé told one of his finalists, Jazz McKenzie, after her performance
3 days ago