Turns out that America is willing to forgive sloppy technique in favor of pinup good looks.

Even after what was undoubtedly the messiest routine of the show, So You Think You Can Dance fan favorites Nathan Tasoras and Mollee Gray were not in the bottom six.

“I think America’s protected Nathan and Mollee this week. Nathan’s going to have a huge following. But if it’s just based on dance, it frightens me that he will not be learning lessons,” said executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who chastised him for his immaturity. He emphasized that Nathan wasn’t saved for his dancing, but because “a lot of young ladies like him”, calling it “sad” particularly for the dancers judges felt were undeservedly on the chopping block.

Nigel seemed impatient with the audience as well, at one point tell them to “listen up and shut up for a minute!”

But Nigel saved his harshest words for the bottom six dancers — Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte, Ryan Di Lello and Ellenore Scott, and Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino — stating: ”We the judges did not think that anybody gave us a decent enough performance to stay in the competition.”

Nigel went on to say they failed to live up to the caliber of the season 5 finalists. “Anyone who thinks they were (as good as season 5) is incorrect in the judges eyes,” he directed to the viewers.

Still, two had to be chosen and the judges were unanimous in sending Pauline and her partner Peter, the last surviving tapper in the top 20 group, home.

Did Nigel over react? Did the viewers and the judges get it right?

Follow us live on Twitter @Reuters_Fanfare for the east coast airings of the show.

UPDATE: Nigel apologized on Twitter for telling the audience to “shut up”, saying “unfortunately their mindless catawauling got the better of me.”

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Nathan Trasoras (L) and Mollee Gray (R) perform a Salsa choreographed by Gustavo Vargas on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE on FOX. © 2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Kelsey McNeal/FOX

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Host Cat Deeley (C) says farewell to eliminated contestants Peter Sabasino (L) and Pauline Mata (R) on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE on FOX. © 2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Kelsey McNeal/FOX