2011 Emmy Awards (Kelsey Richards)

Nominated for its first “Outstanding Reality-Competition Program” Emmy, “SYTYCD” stepped up and outperformed the rest of the competition this past year.

“SYTYCD” previously won Emmys for its choreography, costumes and lighting, but now it’s time to award the show itself.

“SYTYCD” was everything that a T.V. show needed to be to keep things fresh, yet still be successful.

This past year, the “SYTYCD” format just … worked. Producers chose to combine the All-Star format of Season 7 with the traditional format, bringing an element of new to an otherwise great format.

The contestants were extremely talented, and the champion, Melanie, was easily one of the best contemporary dancers ever on the show. The show also featured some standout routines, especially those from Melanie and runner-up Sasha.

In short, “SYTYCD” kept it great and fresh when other shows didn’t.

Most shows in the category were all innovative and great when they started, but now might be past their expiration dates.

“The Amazing Race,” a favorite to win the category, has been on-air since 2001. It’s won the “Outstanding Reality-Competition Program” award 9 consecutive times, from its premiere in 2003 to 2009. Its streak was only broken by “Top Chef,” which is nominated again this year.

They’re obviously judges favorites, so either could win.

“American Idol” tried to save itself with new judges, but it deserved the Emmy years ago, not now.

“Dancing with the Stars” is entertaining, but hasn’t done anything particularly exciting. The same goes for “Project Runway.” It’s good, but without a Christian Siriano, it’s not great.

As “SYTYCD” is finally getting the recognition it deserves for what a great show it is, it should be rewarded for keeping things fresh and entertaining.

Tune in to the Emmys tonight to see if “SYTYCD” can upset “The Amazing Race” and “Top Chef.”

Shows nominated for “Outstanding Reality-Competition Program” are:

“The Amazing Race”

“American Idol”

“Dancing with the Stars”

“Project Runway”

“So You Think You Can Dance”

“Top Chef”

 Reach writer Jennifer Schultz here or follow her on Twitter here.

For complete coverage of the 2011 Emmy Awards, click here