World of Dance judges Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Ne-Yo crowned The Lab the show's Season 2 champions over runner-up dancer, Michael Dameski, during Wednesday night's finale on NBC.
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The Lab, a hip-hop act of children from Los Angeles, CA, won the $1 million grand prize after defeating the three other division winners, including Michael, a 22-year-old Australian contemporary dancer.
After thousands of hours of practice and hundreds of impressive routines, the following four acts competed in World of Dance's Season 2 finale: The Lab on behalf of the Junior Team division, Michael on behalf of the Upper division, Charity & Andres on behalf of the Junior division, and S-Rank on behalf of the Upper Team division.
"The World Final" featured the top dance act in each of the four divisions -- Junior (1-4 people) under the age of 17, Junior Team (5 or more people) under the age of 17, Upper (1-4 people) age 18 or older, and Upper Team (5 or more people) age 18 or older -- battling it out to win the competition.
Each finalist performed twice to receive an average total score from the judges, which ultimately decided the winner. Each judge scored a routine between 1-20 points in five different categories, making the highest possible score for a dance 100 points.
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The Lab conquered the competition with a grand total score of 97.5 points for their two routines of the night. Michael's combined average score for the finale was 96 points. Charity & Andres finished the night with 94.3 points. The combined average score for S-Rank was 93.5 points.
In Round 1, the dance acts performed to a song selected for them by one particular World of Dance judge, and in Round 2, each act got to pick its own song to dance to.
Charity & Andres rehearsed under the guidance of Derek, who served as their mentor for the finale. They received a score of 94.3 points, which included a high score of 96 points from Jennifer.
S-Rank practiced under the leadership of Jennifer. The group earned a score of 93 points, which included a 95 from Jennifer.
Michael performed after receiving advice from host Jenna Dewan. He walked away with 95.7 points, which included a 97 from Jennifer.
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The Lab was coached by Ne-Yo and they received a standing ovation from the judging panel for their first performance. The group racked in a score of 97 points after receiving the same score of 97 from each particular judge.
In Round 2, S-Rank performed a routine with motorcycles and their heart and passion made Jennifer cry. The group earned 94 points after earning that same score from all three judges.
Charity & Andres received a standing ovation for their performance received 94,3 points, which included a 96 from Ne-Yo.
Michael's "amazing display," according to Ne-Yo, earned 96.3 points -- including a high score of 98 points from Ne-Yo.
And finally, The Lab delivered a happy-go-lucky routine with a message about love and acts of kindness that got the judges on their feet and touched them all. The routine made Jennifer cry, and while it was a departure from their usual "choreographic formula," Derek said it really hit home.
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The Lab received 98 points for their second routine, which included a score of 100 from Ne-Yo and 98 points from Derek.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski