Just as "American Idol" is bringing America its favorite singer, Fox is gearing up to bring the brand new season of "So You Think You Can Dance" into the spotlight. Who will be the top dancer of the summer? Well only you can decide! Before this season kicks off with some effortless pirouettes and fresh gravity-defying break dancing, let's take a walk through what surprises were in store last year for season 3.

The third season premiered on May 24, 2007, with Cat Deeley returning as the host of the show. Choreographer Mary Murphy joined Nigel Lythgoe as a permanent judge, and the third spot was reserved for a guest judge. The format is fairly simple: After the top ten girls and top ten boys are chosen, they are paired up as dancing partners and pick their style of dance out of a hat. Couples can be voted for at the end of the performance show, and the bottom three have to "dance for their lives" on the following night. Afterwards, the judges decide amongst themselves who will be eliminated. If one partner is removed from a couple, the remaining dancer will be paired with the partner of the other dancer asked to leave. Maybe this is more complicated than it originally seemed! Once the top ten are chosen, there are no permanent partners and everyone picks partners and routines from a hat.

Various dance styles are represented and in a wide variety, anywhere from classical, contemporary, ballroom, or hip hop. The dancers must prove themselves capable of many different types of movement as well as steal the audience's heart by their personalities and ambitions. Last season the top 20 saw a great deal of different dancers. There were three 'B boys' (break dancers) and one 'B girl.' This was supposedly the first year a B boy made it to the top ten (Dominick), and the first B girl in the competition (Sara) was also in the top ten.

Here is a quick run down of some of the favorites last year:

Danny and Anya lit up the screen by being a sexy and very talented duo, but the audience did not seem to love them as much as the judges. They landed in the bottom of the group three weeks in a row! Anya's real-life ballroom partner Pasha was horrified when his partner Jessi was rushed to the hospital and then sadly eliminated the following day. He went on to great success in all his shirtless wonder! Goofball Neil amused everyone with his gymnastic-heavy "tricks," but it was his personality that made him a fan favorite. B Girl Sara was taken out in the top eight, but in the season finale she showed up for three separate dances that the judges chose as their favorite, so all kudos go to her!

Hok and Jaime said they were stopped on the street by people gushing at them about the "Hummingbird and Flower" routine which may remain one of the most beautiful pieces ever seen on the show. Lacey showed up her brother - winner of season two Benji - by never being in the bottom three once, but she ended up being passed by tiny darling and surprise winner Sabra! No one was more proud of her than her partner Dominick, and he probably still feels bad about dropping her on the head constantly when rehearsing.

Season three was not without its controversies. Cedric was primary among them as a fascinating dancer that drew the judge's undivided attention...in his own style. However, he never was able to really keep up with the other dancers, and his lack of technique became a problem. Cedric was offered a full scholarship to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy while she was on the show as a guest judge, and he accepted after being eliminated. Jessi was rushed to the hospital before a performance, and she had to dance for her life the next nights despite not being in the bottom three officially. Unfortunately, she was eliminated from the competition. There were two controversies involving political messages on the show: one due to a pro-peace dance routine created by Wade Robson and a jacket choreographer Mia Michaels wore during the show. Michaels apologized for wearing a Marine Corps jacket in an incorrect fashion, and Lythgoe apologized if the dance routine by Robson was offensive to anyone in the audience. He did not seem pleased to apologize about a dance meant to celebrate peace and compassion.

The top four turned out to be contemporary Danny, joke loving Neil, graceful sweet Sabra, and sassy Lacey. Both Lacey and Danny were considered favorites due to their long history of dance competition wins, and their families are both strongly connected to the dance world. It was the choice of the fans, and they decided upon the big haired - and hearted - Sabra.

Now that season three is in the past and season four is in the future, a whole new batch of contestants is going to show America that they really can dance! Tune in Thursday, May 22, at 8 pm EST for the two-hour premiere of "So You Think You Can Dance!" Just remember to wear ear plugs in case Mary Murphy gets too excited.

Story by Chelsea 'Dee' Doyle
Starpulse contributing writer