- How did it feel to find out that the Ziegler's were
leaving the way you found out?
Well, I expect more from Melissa.
You know, I just think it's very odd.
I did it through the proper channels.
Just like when you have a contract on Broadway and say,
you know what, something comes up better.
You go in and say, I want to give my two weeks notice,
something came up better. - That's what you do.
MELISSA: OK.
But you don't lie to the director and the producer
for months on end, going into it.
They all know there was an audition and you went to it.
You told them.
The director and the producer and the lawyer and everybody
knew about it.
You can think whatever you want.
I know the truth.
But what have you heard, Abby?
Just between us girls.
Come here.
My student is going to go on and judge
"So You Think You Can Dance."
[applause]
And I am thrilled beyond belief because I
will be able to get tickets every single week to that show.
I am proud.
[applause]
They're not allowed to talk about it.
JAI RODRIGUEZ: Jess, you look like you're
about to say something. What are you thinking here?
JESSALYNN: Well, I want to go back to Abby's reaction.
Because Abby cried for hours when Melissa told her.
This woman sat in my mother's hospital room.
JESSALYNN: Right, I get it.
Like we're all happy for her.
Day after day after day.
Why would I not be happy?
Right, OK, but I agree with that.
We're all very happy.
But like when we said, should we plan a party?
Should we do something?
You were like, no, nothing.
Well, because all that I was asking for when I said,
and still continue to say, is there should have been a press
conference with you, me, Maddie, and Mackenzie sitting there,
telling the world that this was a positive, wonderful,
great thing happening.
That's what we're trying to do.
And that this had nothing to do
with Pittsburgh or the ALDC LA.
The girls would continue their training and their work
under their teacher and under my tutelage.
How many times have I said that the last week?
ABBY: That's what should have been done.
It should have been done properly.
I feel that it was through my attorney.
I don't think so.
Holly, you're an original team member.
So I mean, do you feel that she handled it correctly?
Intellectually, I totally understand it and respect it.
Well, as do I.
But on a personal level, it was hard,
I think, for many of the moms when we were reading it
in the tabloids, when Melissa would continuously say,
it's a lie.
It's a lie. You're gossiping.
We're like, Melissa.
Because it was gossip then.
Melissa, it really was not, Melissa.
And I think that's the-- - Yeah, it was.
--wasn't as truthful.
One of the articles was Maddie actually doing the interview.
Whether it was true or not, the tabloids printed it that it
was a quote from Maddie.
She didn't say she was leaving the team.
I was the one who brought it up
because I read it for myself on my--
Well, because you're like a troublemaker.
You like to cause drama. - No.
And it was real.
And you did call me a liar.
Melissa, as your friends, we're telling
you it wasn't quite fine.
It is what it is.
I just feel that I should always be the first to know,
not the last.
Let's take a look at that moment when
Melissa shared that she, Maddie, and Mackenzie would be leaving.
MELISSA: I appreciate you and everything
you've done for my kids.
But after the season, we're just going to not
be on the elite team anymore.
My question is, Maddie is signed, sealed, and delivered
to shoot the Sia movie.
MELISSA: Yeah.
So she's not doing anything else between the movie and now?
Um.
I don't want to see them on "So
You Think You Can Dance Kids."
I don't want them doing anything like that.
Don't worry.
Maddie's not going to be--
dance on "So You Think You Can Dance Kids."
Maddie is not going on that, so.
All right.
We have four more competitions.
ABBY: And then it's over.
Yeah, but we've been here for a long time.
I didn't want to even think about it,
to be honest with you.
I just always want you to be proud of them.
I'm proud of them.
I know you are.
Abby, I mean, look, you're getting emotional about this.
There's a lot-- clearly a lot of love for these girls
and a lot of passion behind it.
MELISSA: Of course loves them.
ABBY: This is not to take away from Maddie.
But they would not have the life that they have
today if it was not for me.
And I put aside my personal life, my own income, my
own everything, for those kids.
You have to be happy for Maddie
moving on going to do that.
ABBY: I've said that a hundred times.
I'm thrilled.
Because you don't seem thrilled.
No, I am still trying to keep a studio in Pittsburgh alive
and going.
And the public just doesn't understand
the difference between the show and our real life.
So when they see the kids leaving the ALDC, that's wrong.
HOLLY: But right there you're thinking of yourself.
Yeah.
Give them their due.
They have given a lot to be a part of this.
And they deserve more than what they were given.
Well, they're going to go get more.