ROY, Utah -- Almost every year, there's at least one contestant from Utah on the hit FOX show "So You Think You Can Dance", and this year there are two locals vying for the top spot.
Last week we took you to a watch party put on by family and friends for Alexia Meyer of Orem, and this week we joined those supporting Hailee Payne from Roy.
Payne took on a salsa routine this past week, as the competition was narrowed down from 20 contestants to 18. Back in Hailee’s hometown of Roy, friends and family gathered to cheer her on.
“We’ve been waiting for this for years, all of the years of working so hard and spending all the money,” said Hailee’s father, Steve Payne. “It’s made it come true finally.”
The Payne family says Hailee has wanted to try out for the show since she was 8 years old.
After auditioning for the past three years, her family says there's no doubt she's prepared to go far this season.
“She’s worked so hard for this moment, and she’s just living her dream,” said Sharla Payne, Hailee’s mother. “She’s scarified a lot, and so did I and her dad as well, so it’s just amazing to see her doing what she loves.”
After her routine Monday night, family and friends waited anxiously to see if Hailee would make it to the next round.
“They announced her name, and we just jumped up screaming and clapping,” Hayden Payne, Hailee’s brother, said. “I’m like still shaking from it.”
Sharla Payne said: “I’m just excited that she's alive for another week. Can’t wait, can’t wait!”
Hailee’s family said it's a great feeling knowing they have the support of the whole Roy community.
“It`s so great to see everyone come out and support her,” Sharla Payne said. “Everybody loves her as much as I do, so it’s so great.”
The family said they have no doubt Hailee is America’s favorite dancer. To find out if Hailee and Alexia make it through the next round, catch "So You Think You Can Dance" Monday at 7 p.m. right here on FOX 13.
