UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TAKES HOME TOP-PRIZE ON THE SEASON FINALE OF "SUPERSTARS OF DANCE" MONDAY, JANUARY 26 ON NBC

RUSSIA, ARGENTINA, AND USA TAKE HOME GOLD MEDALS IN THE SOLOIST, DUET, AND GROUP CATEGORIES RESPECTIVELY

BURBANK, Calif. - January 27, 2009 - The winners of the first-ever "Superstars of Dance" competition were announced Monday, January 26 on NBC. The United States of America took home the top-prize with the most points overall garnering a total of 530 points. Australia was a close second with 525 points and South Africa came in third with a total of 460 points. "Superstars of Dance" welcomed the world's greatest dancers from Argentina, Australia, China, India, Ireland, Russia, South Africa and The United States to compete in what was a fierce and exhilarating international dance competition.

The United States of America came out on top with the most points overall. Maria Kochetkova an exquisite ballerina from Russia took home the gold medal in the solo category. The dynamic duo of Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo from Argentina tangoed their way to the top, winning the gold medal in the duet category; and the masters of funk, the Groovaloos from the United States, took home the gold medal in the group category. A complete list of winners is below.

Overall points per country:
USA - 530 points
Australia - 525 points
South Africa - 460 points
India - 447 points
Argentina - 410 points
Ireland - 409 points
Russia - 407 points
China - 343 points

Solo:
Gold - Maria Kochetkova, Russia
Silver - Amrapali Ambegaokar, India
Bronze - Robert Muraine, USA

Duet:
Gold - Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo, Argentina
Silver - Victor Da Silva & Claudia Savvides, South Africa
Bronze - Henry Byalikov & Giselle Peacock, Australia

Group:
Gold - Groovaloos, USA
Silver - Shaolin Monks Kung Fu group "Shaolin: Wheel of Life," China
Bronze - FloorPlay, Australia

Hosted by Michael Flatley ("Lord of the Dance") and co-hosted by Susie Castillo ("House of Payne"), "Superstars of Dance" is a breathtaking international dance competition led by executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, two of the masterminds behind "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

"Superstars of Dance" is a Big Red 2 Entertainment production. Nigel Lythgoe ("American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance") and Simon Fuller ("American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance") serve as executive producers on the series.

About Big Red 2 Entertainment

Big Red 2 Entertainment is a joint venture production company from Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller. Lythgoe, who served as executive producer of "American Idol" for seven seasons, is a co-creator and executive producer of "So You Think you Can Dance" and "Superstars of Dance." Fuller, 19 Entertainment Founder/CEO, is the creator and executive producer of "American Idol," and co-creator and executive producer of "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Superstars of Dance." Their work together has garnered 43 Emmy nominations, 5 Emmy Awards and the prestigious Governor's Award at the Primetime Emmys. Big Red 2 Entertainment is inspired by the two producers' favorite soccer teams, which both use red as their team color.