Critics are mixed on Katie Holmes’ Judy Garland-inspired performance on last night’s So You Think You Can Dance.

“When all is said and done, it was a competent job,” Robert Thompson, the director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, tells Usmagazine.com.

“She has long legs, she had a couple of moves — although most of the real movement was done by the real dancers,” he continues. “It was by no means Michael Jackson on Motown 25. It wasn’t even a real triumphant senior performing in her high school talent show.”

Adds Mediaweek’s senior TV editor Marc Berman: “It was absolutely a ratings ploy.” Her appearance spiked viewership by 17 percent.

“Truth be told, this is not really her kind of thing — she’s an actress, she’s not known for her singing and dancing. It’s sort of like saying Simon Cowell is going to make a guest appearance on CSI and be a dramatic actor,” he went on.

Even though her appearance was “a little bizarre,” her “intentions were good,” Berman says, pointing out that she brought attention to Dizzy Feet Foundation, which provides dance scholarships to underprivileged kids.

(But, he adds, “I’m surprised Tom Cruise wasn’t in the audience clapping and jumping off a couch!”)

Us Weekly TV editor John Griffiths wasn’t too hard on Holmes.

“She can sing, she can do a high kick, she’s got great gams, she looked fantastic!” he enthuses. “But I was very disappointed it was canned. Why even bother with the headset — it was obvious it wasn’t live!”

Thompson didn’t slam Holmes for lip-syncing, although he did point out she wasn’t “terribly good” at it.

“In a production like that, it’s relatively standard,” he added.

Holmes performance doesn’t compare to another dance disaster.

“I have not seen the kind of vibe after Britney Spears VMA performance,” Thompson says. “There’s some people griping about it, but a lot of people are giving it a general, ‘alright, whatever.’”

In the end, Berman says he doesn’t think Holmes moves will “help or hurt” her career.

“Does she want to be the next Judy Garland?” questions Griffiths. “Let’s hope not!”

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Katie Holmes brought more than her dance moves to Thursday night’s So You Think You Can Dance.

Some 8.4 million people tuned into the 100th episode of the FOX competition, an increase of 17 percent in total viewers. SYTYCD was the highest-rated show among adults 18 to 54, teens and females, according to network stats.

Holmes showed off her legs while stepping through a pre-taped Judy Garland tribute on the show.

She donated her performance fee to Dizzy Feet Foundation, which offers dance scholarships to kids.

“I don’t think she’s ever looked more beautiful,” judge Mary Murphy told Usmagazine.com last night. “I bet Judy Garland’s giving [Katie] a standing ovation in heaven.”

Added show producer Nigel Lythgoe: “She put herself out there and she didn’t have to do that, so I’m very delighted in her performance.”

What did you think of her performance?

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Katie Holmes paid homage to the legendary Judy Garland in a big way on Thursday’s So You Think You Can Dance, performing her much-anticipated song-and-dance tribute to “Get Happy.”

“I don’t think she’s ever looked more beautiful,” judge Mary Murphy told Usmagazine.com after Holmes’ performance as part of the SYTYCD results show in Los Angeles. “She reminded me of regal Old Hollywood.”

As Us previously reported, Holmes danced and sang to Garland’s “Get Happy” from the 1950s musical Summer Stock, wearing an all-black ensemble similar to one Garland once wore. The routine was conceived by Emmy-nominated choreographer and Holmes’ pal, Tyce Diorio.

At one point in the routine, Holmes — who also pranced around in a black velvet fedora, nylon stockings and body-hugging skirt — was lifted over three dancers’ heads. For her finish, she tossed her hat in the air, and one of the other male dancers — which included SYTYCD alums Mark Kanemura and Joshua Allen — caught it.

Garland’s son, Joey Luft, was in attendance at Thursday’s taping and saw Holmes’ tribute to his late mom.

“I bet Judy Garland’s giving [Katie] a standing ovation in heaven,” Murphy said.

Holmes signed on to perform for the show’s 100th episode after judge/executive producer Nigel Lythgoe approached her to join the board of directors for his Dizzy Feet Foundation, which offers scholarships to underprivileged youth.

“She put herself out there and she didn’t have to do that, so I’m very delighted in her performance,” Lythgoe told Us of the actress, who donated her full performance fee to Dizzy Feet Foundation.

“I think it is important to experience music and dancing and singing and the arts and sports,” Holmes said on the show. “This is the next generation. I think it is important to give them every opportunity to grow and discover what it is that they like and to have access to the best. ”

After her TV performance, Lythgoe says Holmes has been bitten by the dancing bug.

“Katie’s really taken to dancing,” the judge said. “She is filming a movie in Australia and called me and said, ‘I have found some great classes to take in Melbourne while I’m here.’ She got really hooked on it!”

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Katie Holmes says she is “very excited” about her upcoming singing and dancing homage to Judy Garland, airing on the 100th episode of So you Think You Can Dance Thursday.

“I like to sing and dance so it is really fun,” she tells Entertainment Tonight.

As Usmagazine.com previously reported, Holmes will dance and sing to Garland’s “Get Happy” from the 1950s musical Summer Stock, wearing an all-black ensemble similar to one Garland once wore.

At one point in the routine, Holmes - who also prances around in a black velvet fedora, nylon stockings and body-hugging skirt - is lifted over three dancers’ heads. For her finish, she tosses her fedora in the air, and one of the other male dancers catches it.

The spot is directed by show producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe and is choreographed by pal Tyce Diorio.

Holmes agreed to the dance after becoming involved with the non-profit Dizzy Feet Foundation, which provides assistance to talented underprivileged youth.

“It is to give scholarships to these young kids,” Holmes tells ET. “I think it is important to experience music and dancing and singing and the arts and sports. This is the next generation. I think it is important to give them every opportunity to grow and discover what it is that they like and to have access to the best.”

Source, Bauer-Griffin

Katie Holmes takes a break with her daughter Suri Cruise and fellow cast member Bailee Madison on the set of “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” in Melbourne. In the film, a young girl is sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.

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Katie Holmes looks much more relaxed and happy than usual during a break of filming “Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark” on location at a property in Mount Macedon in country Victoria, Australia on July 21, 2009.

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