Myrtle Beach woman home after reality TV competition

By Rusty Ray
WBTW Anchor/Producer
Published: July 21, 2008

Jessica King of Myrtle Beach can’t find the words to describe the experience on FOX TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“For me to be even considered the best of the best was truly an honor,” she said. “It was an incredible learning experience.”

That experience came to an abrupt end last week, just after King made it onto the show’s top ten. She had injured her ribs, and now is at home as the rest of the dancers compete for the show’s top prize.

“For me, getting better is the main goal,” said King. “The finale is in two weeks, so if I can heal up and dance in that, I’ll be super-excited.”

King will also get to participate in a nationwide tour with the rest of the show’s top ten.

During the five-week stretch where the show’s top 20 competed, Jessica was paired with Will, one of the show’s best dancers.

“I wouldn’t have had a different partner, but as the show goes, it was constantly difficult to be compared with the greatest dancer on the show,” she said.

As for her injury, lots of online speculation surrounded FOX’s announcement last Monday that Jessica would not continue on the show, but she said she doesn’t let it bother her.

“I don’t get on the internet because a lot of times it just hurts my feelings,” King said. “So I’m going to just keep going and do what I do best.”