Back in August we first heard that queen Madonna teamed up with Smirnoff Vodka to find a new dancer to join her upcoming world tour and in September we saw the first promo for said dance competition – the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project. Last month I was able to share a video that featured the 11 finalists who would compete for the chance to join Madonna on tour … and last night, Madonna herself chose the lucky winner at a live event at Roseland Ballroom in NYC, NY. Click below to see some photos and find out who the lucky dancer is.

At the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project’s Global Dance Search which took place at Roseland in New York on Saturday night (Nov. 12), Madonna chose the winner of a global dance contest awarding one lucky dancer the opportunity to join her official dance crew. With art direction and choreography by Shay Normann, the 11 finalists battled it out in front of over one thousand guests. Beating hundreds of online hopefuls and then competing against finalists live at the event, Lil’ Buck from Memphis, TN was the announced winner of the coveted, life-changing prize. “This has been an incredible journey and a dream come true,” said Lil’ Buck. “The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project has uncovered amazing dance talent from all over the world, but Lil’ Buck was the best of all,” added Madonna. Madonna, who watched the performances with choreographers Rich & Tone Talauega, handpicked DJ and Producer Martin Solveig to headline the event. Solveig has been collaborating with Madonna on her upcoming album. Hardy “Indigo” Muanza and Vikter Duplaix were also at the event spinning custom mixes. The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, including the exclusive dance competition to join Madonna’s dance crew, is the first component of a multi-faceted agreement between Madonna and her partner Live Nation and Diageo, the parent company of The Smirnoff Co.

Yay!! I love that ‘Lil Buck won the competition! He was one of my fave 2 finalists that I highlighted in THIS post. I understand the event last night was really fun … and if I could’ve been in NYC, I’d've been there myself. BUT, with a new album and a new tour on the horizon from the Queen of Everything, I am hoping for more promo events where I might be able to, once again, touch the hem of her garment ;) Congrats goes out to ‘Lil Buck on his big win last night! I hope we do get to see him on tour with Maddy next year ;D

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