Singer-songwriter talks season finale, 'DWTS' and more

By Bret Federigan
MSN TV

For three seasons running, "America's Best Dance Crew" has showcased the funkiest dance moves on TV. And now, the dance competition series is ready to crown another champion. The finale of "America's Best Dance Crew" airs Thursday, March 5, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. This year, the finale pits Beat Freaks against Quest Crew. MSN TV caught up with judge JC Chasez to talk about the show. The singer-songwriter, known best as a former member of *NSYNC, shared his thoughts on this past season, the final two crews and other projects he's working on.

MSN TV: How excited are you for the final showdown?

JC Chasez: You know, I've enjoyed all of the episodes. But as far as getting the two best groups in the finals, this is the first season in my mind that that's happened.

Not only that, but we have two groups in the finale who have definite contrasts.

Follow up:

First of all, the finale is really a battle of the sexes. It's an all-girl group versus an all-male group. In the show, we've had mixed groups. We've had guy groups go up against guy groups and girl groups go up against girl groups. But, this is a true battle of the sexes. They both have had very strong performances during the season. So, it's really anybody's game.

What is it about Quest and Beat Freaks that have set them apart from the other crews this season?

I just think these two groups just really did an exceptional job of performing. They were able to build on something. The first couple of seasons, people were just kind of figuring out what the show was. These two groups have had a chance to observe and have taken it upon themselves to improve upon what they've seen.

What are some things you hate to see crews do onstage?

I can't stand people being lazy. There's nothing worse than sitting in my chair and watching someone not want it, not work for it, when there are so many other people there who actually want to be there.

So, who has the edge going into the finale?

I really think it's anybody's game. Both crews were the top two crews. It's a matter of whether you judge them on performances during the season or on the last performance. I think that during the season, two of the best performances were put on by Beat Freaks. When they did the levitating ball performance, that was outstanding. And the robot routine, that was just awing and mind-capturing. But I think in this most recent show, Quest Crew really outdid themselves and put on a phenomenal performance. Both crews deserve to win.

Why has this show been such a hit with young viewers?

The reason it's popular is, first of all, the talent. These people are so athletic and so creative and so passionate about what they do. When you're dealing with "Dancing With the Stars," it's not to say they're not passionate. But it's a hobby; it's more fun for them. These kids, however, really are at a time in their lives where it's all or nothing for them. It means everything to them, and that passion conveys on the show when they're performing. I think that's part of it. The other part is that they connect with a generation and an audience that is just as passionate as they are. That's what makes the show special.

Now, how did you initially get involved with the show? Was it executive producer Randy Jackson who first approached you?

I got involved because Randy gave me a call.

We had been talking about working together for a while. And when he told me about this show, we just thought it was the perfect opportunity for us to work on something together.

Any chance for a celebrity edition? Will we ever see you or fellow judges Lil' Mama and Shane Sparks get up there and perform?

You know, we're just there to share our opinions with everyone. Really, the show is about the crews. To do the celebrity thing, I don't know. It'd be good to have a celebrity guest. But I would never want to take away from what the show means. This show is about young people going up there, showing what they're passionate about and performing to the best of their ability.

What's it like to work with Lil' Mama and Shane?

The three of us together bring three very different and dynamic opinions and perspectives. My perspective is obviously that of a world-traveled, world-cultured performer. I know what it's like to put a show together, to be in front of an audience and to have to try to impress them every night, but on a global perspective. I've been on some of the biggest stages in the world. Lil' Mama is the voice of a young generation. She brings street cred. She was raised in the streets of New York. And Shane, he's a choreographer, outright. He's helped put together some of these shows. We have very different backgrounds, all three of us. When audiences watch the show, they get three different opinions to formulate their own opinion.

You've dabbled with some television projects in the past. Might we see more projects in the future?

I'll always kind of pop in. I got my start in dance competitions, but my first big break was in television shows. TV is always close to my heart. But the thing I've been working on most recently is actually film. I've shot a couple of films, and I've really enjoyed myself.

What have you been working on?

I just finished up a project a couple of days ago called "Kerosene Cowboys." That's the tentative title. It's a fighter pilot movie, and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed doing an action movie. It was a chance to experience something completely different, and I really enjoyed it.

A couple of your former bandmates have had pretty successful turns on "Dancing With the Stars." Any chance we'll be seeing you on the ballroom dance floor?

No. I'm not really interested in doing "Dancing With the Stars." I think it's a fun show for everybody to watch, but it's just not for me.

We know you're staying pretty active in the music business as a producer and writer. What projects are you working on now?

Well, the last thing I worked on that came out was David Archuleta's record. Now there are more artists in the pipeline from different labels. I'm working with those guys. I'm sure I'll have some records come out from artists this year.

I've read that you've worked with new "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi.

I worked with her on a couple of things. She's a great writer.

Her addition to "Idol" still seems to be a point of controversy with fans of that show. Is her on-air personality what she's really like?

You know, I haven't actually watched her that much on TV, so I don't know how she is onscreen. But as far as what she's like every day, she's a great, great person.

Anything fans can expect in the season finale?

The finale's going to be an amazing show. The final two crews are the two best crews from the season. Who America voted for was right on the money. You're going to see two really, really good crews go head to head. But, we're also actually bringing back all the crews from Season 3. They're going to be performing together to put on a spectacular show. People at home are really going to like that.

Who's been your favorite crew from all the seasons?

That's a tough one. Each one has brought something to the table. I have different favorites from all different seasons, and not necessarily just the winners. Of course, JabbaWockeeZ were the first of their kind; they were really inspiring to a lot of young people. The next season, there were some other really talented groups, like Fanny Pak. I think Fanny Pak was great. I think Kaba Modern was really exceptional. People have gotten to enjoy some really talented groups on the show. I'm excited to see the finale and see what the groups will be doing in the future. You know, it was great to see JabbaWockeeZ at the NBA All-Star game. It was great to see them in a Super Bowl ad. These groups are so exciting and bring a lot of personality. They should be celebrated.

Any last words for your fans?

I hope everyone at home is enjoying what they see. I'll keep working really hard to make the best product that I can for you. Continue to enjoy it! [source]