Official Statement From Billy Bell’s Family
This is all over the place, but I got it from rickey.org. The official statement from the Bell Family regarding Billy’s withdrawal from the show:
Billy’s family would like to thank all of the fans that came out to show their support for Billy this season. It has been an amazing experience for all of us and has really meant a lot to Billy. We feel like Billy made it through all of the tough auditions and now that the fun was beginning, he has to leave the show. We were all very disappointed when we heard the news and Billy was devastated when his doctors told the show that if he continued to dance on the show before he recovered, he could possibly die. It will take several weeks for him to recover and as a result, he will be unable to return to Juilliard as of right now. We are hoping he will be able to return in the Spring. Billy is still quite ill but was released from the hospital today. He’s feeling better but still needs to rest.
As of right now, Billy is hoping to re-audition for Season 7. He really enjoyed working with the show and had a lot of fun. Although he is sad that he will not be a part of Season 6, he hopes that the producers will allow him to return for the next season. If you would like to wish Billy a speedy recovery, I’m sure he would appreciate it. You can do so by posting on the facebook fan page or his facebook.
Thank you so much for sharing your love and support with our family.
The Bell Family
This does raise an important question. In Mary Murphy’s judge interview, she says that once they’re in the Top 20, a dancer is not eligible to try out again for the show. Poor Paris and Tony and the other couples booted first! Billy performed in the Meet the Top 20, but not any official competition. Should that count? Do you think it will? Personally, I hope we get to see Billy Bell back next season.
Oh wow he must be really sick. Im sure Nigel will lets us know asap what they will do for Billy…I hope they let him come back maybe just have him do vegas week again. I hope he gets well soon I really liked him.
Nappytabs said that Bill had Mono. So, pretty rough for sure. Let’s hope he wasn’t kissing any of the other top 20.
I imagine they’d let him compete in the Top 20 again. It’s just unfortunate that he’d have to go through Vegas week again. However, he’ll probably still make it if he does it again.
Honestly I think Billy should be able to compete next season. Billy may have performed with the top 20 but not in a competition setting. Just because you set foot on that stage, doesn’t make you exempt. Philip Chbeeb was ill and could not go to Vegas, but did a showdown with Robert Muraine in the S4 finale (which is probably highly televised) and was clearly fine to compete in S5. I would have thought that Philip’s exposure would put the other dancers at a disadvantage which it did, but I can’t say he didn’t work his way through it. He was amazing at what he did and proved to be hardworking despite the lack of any formal training. Billy clearly has some issues going but if they get resolved by next season, I for one feel that he’s got enough supporters for him to even win the next season. Whether that’s unfair is yet to be seen. All we’ve seen are his Vegas clips, auditions, and a group performance on stage. None of which are any different from a dancer who has gotten cut in the green mile. The only disadvantage the other dancers will have is screen time so blame the editors for that one.
John:
lol Billy Bell was getting around with the contestants 😛
@Amanda, John & Christine: I agree that Billy and Brandon should be able to come back next season. I’d love for Ariana to come back next season, too, but she did officially compete. If Noelle has to leave because of her injury (and Ariana comes back), I want her to be able to come back next season too – no official competition. 🙂 Let’s just give them tickets to Vegas right now, eh?
I really felt so excited and hopeful for this season like never before, but this season’s so full of people leaving and getting sick and all. Really really sad about Billy. Hope he gets well soon. His leaving that was a loss for the show and us viewers. Arghk. I’m so devastated now. Mia Michaels, recover soon too!!!