Phew! I am totally cool with tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance elimination results. What about you? It all pretty much made sense and there were no shockers that made me throw the remote at the TV. Progress - hooray! Quick recap and videos (from MJ) ahora mismo:

GROUP DANCE: It’s a night at the museum and our Top 14 dancers are alabaster statue + zombie hybrids come to life. They’re not all in sync and I always have a hard time telling who is who(m?), but the number itself is compelling and “Thriller”-esque. The dancers do a lot of hulky-hulking movements to “Aha” by Imogen Heap (the true genius behind the “mmmmm, whatcha saaay?” song. Yeah children, that isn’t just from a hip hop song). Not surprisingly, it was choreographed by Wade & Amanda Robson. It does makes me miss Mia Michaels because it’s reminiscent of her style, too. But hey,  Wade loves him some drama and I’m down with that. VIDEO

Alright, now let’s find out who our Bottom 3 dancers are! It’s Karen & Kevin versus Ashleigh & Jakob. C’moooonnn, you really think Ashleigh & Jakob were in trouble after their “mmmm, whatcha saay?” Hip Hop last night?  Hell naw! But unfortunately, this means Karen & Kevin are in the Bottom and must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. I like Karen (though someone needs to tell her to stop standing and walking like a beauty pagaent contestant with a stick up her buns), but think it’s Kevin’s time to go - we shall see…VIDEO

Next, we learn that Ellenore & Ryan are safe along with Noelle & Russell. Channing & Victor are at the bottom. Technically, they shouldn’t have been and many of you voted that their playful “Blackbird” routine was one of the best dances of the night. Noelle & Russell’s Foxtrot, on the other hand, really underwhelmed… but they obviously have a lot of fans calling in for them and got lucky. VIDEO

Finally, we learn that our last Bottom 3 couple are Mollee & Nathan - perhaps it was comeuppance for last week, when their nasty Salsa SHOULD HAVE landed them at the bottom. Nigel doesn’t think they should be in the bottom this week though - I disagree with him; their Pop Jazz routine wasn’t better than Channing & Victor’s dance. VIDEO

Resident Bollywood choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan put together an energetic, fast-paced number to “Desi Girl” from Dostana (Original Soundtrack) while the Bottom 3 couples prep to DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. Who doesn’t love Bollywood? VIDEO

SOLOS: Time to watch the Bottom 3 DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES! Karen is in tight leather and tries to show a different side of ballroom by dancing to  ”Break on Through” by the Doors. It’s sassy, but not her best. Kevin does another “ehh” Hip Hop solo to ”Freeze” by T. Pain feat. Chris Brown. I don’t feel the FIRE in it. Channing comes out in a lovely, flowy dress and (as usual) dances competently, but not memorably (song: ”The Face” by RyanDan). Victor stretches and pirouettes for 500 years in an elegant solo to ”Baby’s Romance” by Chris Garneau. VIDEO

After the break, Mollee dances and manages to not act TOO immature, but it’s a lot of… I dunno, cheerleader-y, gymnast trick stuff, imo - well, who are we kidding, I am just over her and want her eliminated (song: ”Let Me Think About It – Radio Edit” by Ida Corr vs. Eddie Le Grand). Like Victor, Nathan also does many pirouettes and incorporates some isolation shtuff to ”So Insane” by Discovery. VIDEO

While the judges deliberate, we see a performance by guitarist-turned-rocker Orianthi. The song is called “According to You”. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Channing Cooke & Kevin Hunte

Well, I wanted Mollee out, but this elimination makes sense. Both of these dancers were lacking the X factor in their routines. I still don’t know where Channing was hiding her bubbly personality that she showed during auditions… Kevin seemed like a really sweet partner for Karen, but she regularly outshone him, and in his own element (Hip Hop), he was overshadowed by the skillz of Legacy and Russell. VIDEO

I guess that means next week’s Top 12 will merge Karen and Victor into a new partnership. Yikes, will they find chemistry? I hope so! Catch So You Think You Can Dance next Chooseday– I mean “Tuesday” (got Cat’s wonky British accent stuck in my head).

The Top 14 were off to a slow start tonight on So You Think You Can Dance, but there were a few numbers that excited me. Last week, you voted for Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson’s Afro Jazz number as the best routine. What about tonight? Be sure to vote in the poll below! Videos of the performances (from MJ) and my recap NOW:

MY BOTTOM 3 COUPLES: Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte, Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson, and Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr – Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Whatcha Say” by Jason Derulo (VIDEO): Mmmmm, whatcha saaay? Did Ashleigh & Jakob sell this number? I thought it was a very standard, angsty Tabitha & Napoleon Hip Hop routine on betrayal: pained, heartbroken looks of anguish, the “snow angel” arm swings out, the spazzy explosions of emotion - much like the famous “Bleeding Love” dance that Chelsie Hightower & Mark Kanemura did Season 4 (Re-watch it!). Now I’m not as in LOVE with Ash as the judges suddenly are (I mean they LOOOVE her now), but she was great at emoting the hurt expressions of “Ya good fer nuthin douchebag! I can’t believe you’re cheating on me!” They both did a good job and have become a couple that I look forward to watching.

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte – Broadway by Spencer Liff - “If My Friends Could See Me Now” from Sweet Charity 2005 Broadway Revival (VIDEO): Okay, so this was not good choreography or music. No disrespect to Christina Applegate who sang it, but it was just such a small, understated, simple song and the choreography was pretty blah to watch. I thought both dancers did fine with what they were given, but they were given a drab routine. Who is this Spencer Liff guy? He’s pretty cute, actually, but this was not an impressive choreography debut. I’m worried about them, well about Karen especially…

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson – Foxtrot by Eddie Simon - “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)” by Michael Buble (VIDEO): The judges really went batty for this, but I thought it was another unmemorable number of the night. And Hair and Makeup did not do Noelle any favors because they managed to age her normally exhuberant smiley face into a matronly, Plain Jane look. Russell did have some lovely moments, but for me they were a bit sloppy in the choreography AND the choreography itself bored me.

Channing Cooke & Victor Smalley – Jazz by Tyce DiOrio - “Blackbird” by Bobby McFerrin (VIDEO): The rehearsal footage really reminded me about why I cannot stand Tyce DiOrio. He’s a a-hole with a gnarly dental floss-thin beard who relishes being an a-hole because…I dunno, maybe because he likes to imagine himself as some fabulous, brilliant, demanding choreographer like we see in movies. Ugh. TANGENT, sorry. Like Adam, I was really distracted by the song choice. I loooove “Blackbird”, but this version by Bobby McFerrin was too odd and the a capella styling didn’t bring any life to the otherwise quirky number. I also agreed with Nigel that this is the first time you could tell that Channing enjoyed the dance because you saw a glimmer of her (otherwise huge) personality come through. Dancers should be actors though, and if she can’t stop being so guarded, then I dunno if she should stay in the competition. I didn’t even notice Victor, really - but the judges did…they noticed that he may be plateauing in his talent, and want him to push harder to avoid getting lost in the crowd.

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez – Paso Doble by Tony Meredith - “Pursuit” from Ka Cirque du Soleil (VIDEO): Whoa, what was that plotline, Tony Meredith? Did I hear that Legacy is an Admiral returning from sea and Kathryn is his concubine?? That is hilarious - I love it! I’ve said many times that I’m a Paso Doble fan cuz of the drama and the hot, hot heat sexiness. Well this dance should be an example to the previous choreographers that I griped to: the music was perfect for this routine. Legacy was really damn excellent in his role - very stern, brooding and shirtless (a shame his voice is high-pitched, but he’s growing on me - I admit it). Kathryn also hit her moves with a POW, flinging her dress around with the right amount of flair. Nigel pointed out that she redeemed herself for her cornball Broadway performance last week. Erin is pleased, si. Me gusta.

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello – Contemporary by Travis Wall - “Your Ex-Lover’s Dead” by Stars (VIDEO): Sassy Ellenore and ripped Ryan gotta worrrrrk this because their Hip Hop stank so badly last week. This is more up their alley, and Travis Wall doesn’t disappoint. The camera work is more cinematic, Ryan’s shirt is off - this should be good. At first, I was enjoying the song more than the routine because it was just a mix of a bunch of Contemporary moves that I’ve seen before (she jumps into his arms and stops; he cartwheels slowly over her and lands so it’s like they’re doinnn it; etc). But THEN, it really picked up in the middle when the music crescendos (again, there’s so much credit to be given to musicality and song choice, choreographers!). I mean, these two just totally committed themselves and threw themselves into the synchronized dancing, ending with a bang as Ellenore made that gigantic leap (of faith) into Ryan’s arms. Wow. I gotta re-watch that. Ellenore is praised for being a chameleon and being uhh-mazing at everything. The judges love them and say they are one of the first “WOW” dances of the season.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras – Pop Jazz by Laurieann Gibson - “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): Dear Tyce, follow Laurieann’s lead to see how a REAL diva choreographer acts. I love her with the shouting and the pink headphones, and the “Boom KAT!” beat counting. Whip these whippersnappers into shape, Laurieann! She wanted them to be fierce and give goosebumps. I didn’t get goosebumps, but it was an okay number. Not the worst of the night, but not really something to write home about. Nathan was wearing suspenders like a Newsie off of work and Mollee was wearing a bad 80’s party dress - wtf? The routine was also peppered by odd little moves like *piano playing gesture*, *boxing fists*, *hippity hoppity in one place*. And um, these two are the “youngest couple” and painted to be very PG-rated, so I threw up a smidge when I think they were simulating doggie style or some other such bedroom behavior. Grossssss. Can I just point out that for all of the judges’ talk that Mollee & Nathan are soo young and immature at barely 18 and 19, but hello? Jeanine Mason - yknow, last season’s winner? She was also barely 18 at the time and she was super fantastic and mature. So no excuses! Age ain’t nuthin but a number. I’m falling off the Nathan wagon, y’all…He’s so cute, but he’s been underwhelming. Boo.

Tomorrow night, one lad and one lassie will be cut from the competition on So You Think You Can Dance. Tune in and be sure to fill out the poll on your way out: WHICH TOP 14 COUPLE GAVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE?

Oh geez, watching So You Think You Can Dance tonight reminded me of how Ameriker (as Cat says) and I don’t really ever agree on reality TV voting. Four of my favorite dancers were part of tonight’s Bottom 6: Karen Hauer, Pauline Mata, Peter Sabasino, and Ellenore Scott. (Kevin Hunte and Ryan Di Lello were also in the bottom).

That’s not to say that Pauline & Peter and Ellenore & Ryan weren’t technically weak and didn’t deserve to be there, but I was still *frowny face*. Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras really should have at least been in the Bottom. They were supah dupah poopahs last night with that weaksauce Salsa (get it?).

Videos (by myduckbears3) and recap below - zoom zoom!

GROUP DANCE: The show opens with our Top 16 performing a “tribal” Hip Hop dance by Dave Scott. What was going on here? Chichen Itza was projected on the background screen (still HATE this new, flashy-flashy, massive stage btw), suggesting they were Mayan warriors, but then they held up these Polynesian, tiki mask things– ehhh, best not to read too much into it. I’ll learn history from Wikipedia instead. VIDEO

We learn that the Bottom 3 couples who must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES are: Pauline Mata & Peter Sabasino, Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello, and Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte. VIDEO

Nigel tears Nathan a new bunshole for skating by the Bottom 3 solely because giddy tween girls are like OMG I <3 NATHAN 4EVS!!!! XD and not judging him fairly on his dancing. I mean he and Mollee were a STEAMING. SLOPPY. MESS. last night. Nigel was actually very fair about it, and I got some sick satisfaction out of him telling Nathan he was immature and wasn’t going to grow as a dancer if he thought fangurl love = accomplished dancer. You could tell the comments really sobered Nathan out of his usual nervous defense mechanism - like his *flirty eyebrow arch-arch* and “I felt HOT! *guffaw*” sorta comments. VIDEO

We are treated to an increeeeeedible performance by a trio of dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It was tremendous: compelling, strong, passionate, sensual - all of the things ya know I love in a dance. And did you see that first gal’s calf muscles? Hello, doctah! Totally inspiring. VIDEO

Next, our Bottom contestants DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES in solo numbers. Ellenore’s solo is a little too gimmicky and character-focused for me. Reminiscent of her Vegas audition, but I want more dance content and less of her “oh, teehee, one minute please!” pantomiming. Ryan’s next doing a Jive in a soldier’s uniform. He has charisma, but I dunno if it was a DANCE FOR YOUR LIFE sorta solo. Pauline comes out like a little firecracker! She’s able to pull off cute and sexy and is giving it everything she’s got. It’s stronger than Ellenore’s solo. Peter tippity tap dances a capella, which is awesome, but he has a very stern look on his face the whole time and is lacking that twinkly-eyed charm I know he has - what a shame (Bottom guys’ solos: VIDEO; Bottom gals’ solos: VIDEO).

After the break, Karen lets loose with excellent musicality and flingy-flingy hip shaking. There is a bit of haughtiness to her though, and this may indeed turn off younger female voters, as Nigel mentioned. Kevin wraps things up with some Michael Jackson-inspired moves and he’s fun to watch. He’s not the strongest Hip Hopper I’ve seen, but better than Peter tonight.

ELIMINATED: Pauline Mata & Peter Sabasino. The Quickstep IS the dance of death, huh? So much for “SEASON 6 IS THE YEAR OF THE TAP DANCERS!” because all three are now eliminated (don’t get me started - Bianca Revels, you should still be in the competition). What a bummer. I thought Pauline did a much stronger solo than Ellenore, but to be honest, I would’ve been sad to see either gal go. Y’all know I wish Mollee was the one to leave instead. VIDEO

Until next week’s So You Think You Can Dance recap, y’all!  Oh and be sure to check out the new poll-y poll below: WHAT DID YOU THINK OF NIGEL’S CRITICISM OF NATHAN TRASORAS?

Tonight’s Top 16 dance-off on So You Think You Can Dance was a mixed bag, baby. Maybe I’m getting cynical on account of the bloggin’, but I wasn’t on the same page as the judges, who seemed to be WOWed and uhhh-mazed by everything. Also, the Top 12 from Season 5 were in the house (saw a lot of Jeanine Mason, Melissa Sandvig, Ade Obayomi, Evan Kasprzak and adorable Kupono Aweau). Unfortunately, they didn’t perform, so we just saw them grin and wave at the camera every chance they got. Videos of the dances (from MJ) and my thoughts ahead:

MY BOTTOM 3 COUPLES: Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello, Channing Cooke & Victor Smalley, and Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte – Hustle by Maria Torres - “Come to Me” by France Joli (VIDEO): Oh fellaaaas, Karen wants everyone to know that she is DIVORCING from her husband (remember they auditioned together?). Smart move, girl. You don’t wanna be tied down during your national debut.  They Hustle which just reminds me of disco and do alright. Kevin was still the weak link of the pair. Judges love them (as do I), but probably give them more props than necessary.

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr – Jazz by Mandy Moore - “Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (VIDEO): Ah, the “cane dance”. Okay, in the words of Tim Gunn, I was “woeful and a bit perplexed” about this dance. The judges were jumping up and down over it (suddenly really fawning over Ashleigh), and I like Mandy’s work, but c’monnnnn, this was just a ridonkulous excuse to use a prop (a cane) to try and get…props. I mean, much like last week’s Hip Hop tennis match, this was contrived and even less relevant to the performance (at least the tennis rackets were tied to the story last week). What was the cane symbolizing? Why was it there? A little backstory could’ve done wonders for me beyond Mandy’s “How can I challenge the crap out of my dancers AND get the judges’ attention - oh look! Aunt Bessie left her cane behind! *inspiration strikes*” The dance was supposed to be a trio of “Jakob, Ashleigh and the cane”. It was more like Jakob & the cane… oh and Ashleigh. She hardly engaged with it. I must admit that both of them (Jakob & Ashleigh, not the cane) looked pretty hot (or hawt) in the androgynous, 80’s glam style. Some of the movements were reminiscent of last season’s Wade Robson “robber” dance between Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant (VIDEO). Be sure to re-watch THAT - tres genius.

Pauline Mata & Peter Sabasino - Quickstep by JT & Tomas - “Hey Baby! (Shake Those Hula Hips)” by Big Kahuna & the Copa Cat Pack (VIDEO): Aw, these two are a cute, smiley, dimpled couple but would they survive the “Dance of Death”? Well, thanks to clever choreography and a simple storyline (Peter’s a soldier who falls for Miss Hawaiian Hula Honey Pauline), these darlings skate by despite weak technical delivery. Adam, who was extra rambly tonight, makes a weird comment that the choreographers made use of Pauline’s “natural ethnicity” by putting her in the role of a hula girl. Hm. Isn’t she Filipina, not Hawaiian? I could be wrong, but Adam was sorta bugging tonight. Tick tock, tick tock - keep your feedback concise and leave unnecessary racial and ethnic comments out of it when possible please, Mr. Shankman.

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez – Broadway by Andy Blankenbuehler - “I Wanna Be Like You” by Swingin’ Fireballs (VIDEO): The judges did pick up on the same distraction I did here - Kathryn’s performance was very corny. She could have brought a lot more to her taken-for-granted housewife character - some sass, some ferocity - but no. She played it with a sort of permanent, “Awww, you scamp! Why I oughta…” smirk. I really liked Legacy’s back somersault into a headstand as he fell back into the easy chair though. Judges are in lurve with him.

Channing Cooke & Victor Smalley – Contemporary by Stacey Tookey - “Be Be Your Love (Live at KCRW)” by Rachael Yamagata (VIDEO): Thank god that Nigel had the sense to give Channing & Victor a dose of reality. It should’ve been an INCREDIBLE performance: they’re both very strong Contemporary dancers, this Rachael Yamagata song is (to quote Adam) uhhh-mazing and it dealt with that classic Contemporary theme of a “toxic” couple who push and pull and “yes!” and “nooo!”… but there was a real lack of chemistry and performance. Channing’s been a real disappointment to me since her audition. She’s very guarded and I prefer my dancers to wear their hearts on their sleeves. If this was their “comfort zone”, that’s not a good sign - it was a very generic dance and I wasn’t…inspired, yknow?

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello – Hip Hop by Lil C – “Lost Boyz Anthem” by J-Squad (VIDEO): Loquacious Lil C (hear that judges?? His name is LIL C, not “Little C”) kind of gave these two a stinker of a number. They were supposed to be robbers/burglars, but they were both dressed in white snowboarding garb, so what was that about? I found Ellenore way more convincing here and thought she deserved more kudos from the judges. There were times when they weren’t synchronized, and it became pretty boring…but I blame the choreography and the obnoxious music which consisted of something like “*siren wail* *keyboard tinking* *beeping*” on repeat. I wouldn’t want to see Ellenore go home though - she has a lot of offer to this competition.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras – Salsa by Gustavo Vargas - “Quimbara” by Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco (VIDEO): Whoa, JANK-O-RAMA. That was pretty damn awful, and y’all know I love me some Nathan. He is getting a little bit too stupid-frat-boy-cocky and needs to reel it in. Dear Nathan, I wanna be your #1 fan, so try to take this piece of advice to heart: HUMILITY. Yes, you’re effin gorgeous (erm, except tonight, when your hairstyle made you look like a 57-year-old uncle), but you have a lot to learn and Jakob is a much stronger Contemporary dancer. If you really want to win, then come back down to earth and win us over with that eager, “I just love to express myself through dance” attitude. The judges won’t shut up about these two being the “dream team” (I dunno about that), but this Salsa was a total NIGHTMARE (see what I did there?). Out of synch, Nathan was doing these exaggerated, bent limb movements, Mollee was a hot (still immature) mess, the shimmying was Jack nasty *sigh*. Can you tell I’m disappointed?

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson – Afro Jazz by Sean Cheesman - “Frog Dance” by Mickey Hart and Planet Drum (VIDEO): Woohoo, last dance of the night! It’s the first time SYTYCD US featured Afro Jazz. I think it was a success. For me, Russell was the star here in the role as the frog. Those leaps! Lordy, lordy! Noelle did great in the really fast-paced part, but I felt she faltered in a few spots in comparison to her partner. It had the judges (afro) jazzed up though - I think we’ll be seeing more of Sean Cheesman in the future. Oh, and Adam made another semi-awkward racial comment when he said sarcastically, “When I think ‘African Princess’, the first person I think of is Noelle!” Get it? Cuz she’s white? Har har har hmmm… :-/

Am I being a Scrooge or was tonight pretty uneven? Do you agree with the judges? I feel like they’re trying too hard to pimp out certain dancers even when they aren’t that strong. So far I’m tiptoeing onto Team Karen Hauer, but will America agree with me? So many questions!

Tomorrow night, we find out the guy and gal who will be eliminated on So You Think You Can Dance. See you then and fill out the poll on your way out: WHICH TOP 16 COUPLE GAVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE?

Thanks for nuthin’, World Series. Because the game prevents a So You Think You Can Dance results show from airing, tonight’s episode crammed the Top 18 performances in and the judges (not viewers) chose the couple to eliminate. Did they make the right choice? Two tappers (Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore) out in the blink of an eye. Recap of the Top 18 and videos of tonight’s dances (from MJ)…NOW:

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson – Hip Hop by Jamal Sims - “Move Shake Drop Remix” by DJ Laz, Flo Rida and Casley (VIDEO): This was Noelle’s first week performing after her bum knee injury last week. While neither dancer did a bad job, the piece itself was a scrambly mess. It was a “tennis hip hop” dance and I thought the props and costumes were contrived and well, lame-o. It was watching like two yuppie squares try to Hip Hop - ick. Noelle hit the moves, but her performance was a little forced and hokey. The judges weren’t so impressed either.

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr – Viennese Waltz by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “At Last” by Etta James (VIDEO): Ashleigh needs to cut her hair. Anyway, this was a sweet number - it was about a newly married couple having their First Dance as husband and wife. Sweaty Jakob got to score two kisses with equally sweaty Ashleigh - hope her hubby Ryan wasn’t threatened *wink, smirk*. It was nice to see Ashleigh more subdued because sometimes homegirl’s pulling all kinds of overly exaggerated “OOOO!” faces or “Ha-cha-CHA!” growls after her moves. She just needs to scale back and be more genuine in her performances.

Bianca Revels & Victor Smalley – Broadway by Tyce Diorio - “Maybe God Is Tryin’ to Tell You Something” from The Color Purple soundtrack (VIDEO): Y’know, now that I know the outcome of the show; that Bianca was eliminated, I am a bit peeved. I thought she carried this routine and I’m now realizing that I’ll miss her exuberant personality from the show. I agree with the judges that Victor was all kiiiinds of pent up in this number and he didn’t TAKE. IT. TO. CHURCH. He’s such a gorgeous dancer, I hope he shapes up and can be more committed in his performances. I disagree with Nigel that Bianca also needed to give more. I thought her performance was way better than Victor’s.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras – Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan - “Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah” Jodhaa Akbar (soundtrack) (VIDEO): It’s the teenybopper couple! Nathan is still a cutie and Mollee is still acting like she’s 5 years old. I don’t get why the judges think she’s suddenly matured into a woman, because I don’t see it. Though he’s young, I think Nathan could soar with a partner who has more emotional depth. Mollee, with her lisp and her cornball giddiness, just ain’t gonna cut it. Needless to say, I tune her out during their performances. Nathan had a really really strong opening to the dance and I MAY have swooned a little during his go-on-forever “hopping pirouettes”. Give him a new partner please!

Channing Cooke & Phillip Attmore – Samba by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “Maracatu Funk” by The Samba Squad (VIDEO): This was not good. I don’t get it: Channing was obnoxiously bubbly during her audition, but since making the Top 20 (or Top 36 even) she just seems hard, rough, angry, dour - I dunno. What happened to that shining personality? This whole Samba pretty much stank. It was shaky, their lifts were “whooOOOAAA” wobbly, the technique was astrosh…yeah, no. And I agree that Phillip should’ve gone home.

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte – Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Ice Cream Paint Job” by Dorrough (VIDEO): Karen’s a flirty J-Lo look-alike who’s switchin’ her hips into an auto shop to work her feminine wiles on Kevin the car mechanic. This was waaay better than the Noelle & Russell tennis number. It was hard hitting, it was entertaining, it was borderline raunchy. I tell ya, Karen is winning me over, but like I said last week - I would like to see her soften up and get raw and emotional, like in a Contemporary number. If she can pull that off, then I’ll root for her 100%. Poor Kevin, he gets overshadowed by her all the time. He better step it up!

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez – Contemporary by Stacey Tookey - “2 Steps Away” by Patti LaBelle (VIDEO): Okay, so this was a lovely number and yet I couldn’t help but feel like I’d seen it before…hmmm… This Contemporary dance was about Kathryn fighting “the Fear” (a.k.a. Legacy). Yeah, it was EXTREMELY reminiscent of last season’s powerful Mia Michael’s “Addiction” dance performed by Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau (VID). Though Legacy had some great tricks and it was nice to watch, I kept thinking back to Mia’s addiction piece and how strong it was and how raw Kayla & Kupono were in comparison. Watch it again!

Pauline Mata & Peter Sabasino – Jazz by Wade Robson - “Little Green Bag” by George Baker Selection (VIDEO): Oops, I missed this number. It looks interesting - typical Wade stuff. I’m glad they were safe. I think little Pauline is adorable.

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello – Argentine Tango by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo - “Violent Tango” by Astor Piazzolla (VIDEO): Nigel is right - I had a hard time appreciating the complexity of this number, but apparently Ellenore & Ryan SMASHED IT. And Ellenore did so with her dress caught on her heel for a large portion of the number. Kudos, kudos.

The judges call the Bottom 3 couples: Noelle & Russell, Channing & Phillip and Bianca & Victor. The Bottom 4 dancers are Noelle, Bianca, Phillip and Victor. They must all DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES before the judges eliminate two dancers. Unfortunately, the tappers have a tough time making a strong impression, although Bianca puts more pizzazz into it than Phillip, imo. It’s clear to me that Victor’s strong Contemporary solo bested Phillip, but the gals are neck-in-neck for me…  VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore. Awww, booo, so much for this HISTORICAL Top 20 with 3 Tap dancers that the judges boasted so much about. It’s only the second week and 2 out of 3 of the tappers are gone. Like I said, I’m bummed that Bianca is out because she was a lot of fun, but Phillip has bored me from the beginning. I will, however, admit that I got a little verklempt when he mentioned his dad’s recent passing and how moved he was that some of the Top 18 went to the funeral. Why, he even got Miss Cat Deeley crying! Very sad, but the show goes on.

Next week on So You Think You Can Dance, our Top14 perform and viewers can finally have a say in who’s eliminated.

The competition began tonight and already two dancers are cut! Farewell Ariana DeBose and Brandon Dumlao, we hardly knew ye!

So You Think You Can Dance threw our Top 20 right into it, but not before we got confirmation that 1) Yes, Contemporary dancer Billy Bell indeed withdrew from the competition due to illness. He was replaced by Hip Hopper Brandon Dumlao. 2) Noelle Marsh (a.k.a. Mollee Gray’s BFF) hurt her knee so she was also out for the evening (awaiting MRI deets). That meant her poor partner, Russell Ferguson had to dance with old– er “seasoned” flame-haired choreographer, Melanie LaPatin (awkwaaaaard).

This new cast has potential, but I wasn’t completely won over on many of the performances. Maybe that’s because the stupid local news kept interrupting the show on account of, oh I’unno, the Bay Bridge’s rod snapping. Ignorance is bliss - I want Dance, not breaking news! I’m guessing so do you so check out videos from tonight’s dances (from MJ) and my thoughts.

Channing Cooke & Phillip Attmore - Jive by Jason Gilikson - “Rockin’ Robin” by Jackson 5 (VIDEO): Meh. Channing discusses her tomboyish upbringing, and uh, I still see it. There is serious “dude” in her, and some times she reminds me of Melissa Etheridge so I think she can still work on the ladyness. I love the Jive, but this number was not that coo’. Their legs lacked the *snap* - even Phillip, who should’ve been amazing with his strong tap background. In my opinion, Phillip may have been one of the Bottom 2 guys. These two need to find chemistry ASAP. They seem pretty uncomfortable with one another.

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr - Broadway by Tyce Diorio - “Hit Me With a Hot Note (and watch me bounce)” Sophisticated Ladies (original soundtrack) (VIDEO): The judges were just drooooling over Jakob. It’s no lie: boy is TALENTED (and so flexible!). Raise your hand if, as Adam was gushing, you filled in his pause as, “Jakob, you- were- meant- to- spread…YOUR LEGS!” I did! (He actually said something like “spread the gospel of dance” - I like my version bettah). Personally, I found this dull to watch though. I didn’t see the “man-woman” connection between these two. Jakob is superb, but still too delicate in this number to be a convincing partner for Ashleigh. I think Ashleigh should’ve been in the Bottom 2 gals, by the way. She’s lacking much more than Pauline Mata.

Ariana DeBose & Peter Sabasino - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparrow (VIDEO): Yeah, I wanted these two to do well since they’re so cute, but they didn’t gel as well as they could’ve. Anyone else think Ariana looks like an older Sasha Obama (PIC)? Awww.

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson - Foxtrot by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “Vagabond Shoes” by Vic Damone (VIDEO): Since Noelle was out of commission, Russell had to trot that old fox: Melanie LaPatin (hellooo, I went there!). He had some decent moments, but the pairing was reminiscent of watching a young boy dance with his aunt at a party. Or a student dancing with his teacher (er, I guess that’s literally what it was). Just…odd. The judges fawn over him still. I like Russell already, so they don’t have to keep up with the “OHMIGOD, but you’re a KRUMPER! How can you possibly dance other styles decently?!!? *mind explodes*” No need to pimp him out, judges. His talent and energy stand for themselves.

Bianca Revels & Victor Smalley - Contemporary by Travis Wall - “Wasted Time” by Me’Shell Ndegeocello (VIDEO): Victor has moments of hothot, manly heat, and moments where he reminds me of Ricky from My So-Called Life. It’s really confusing but I like him. Bianca did alright for this dance, although I agree with the judges that her hunched posturing wasn’t doing her any favors. Still, Travis’ detailed, intricate choreography was lovely to watch.

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte - Cha Cha by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “Push It” by Cast of Glee (VIDEO): This song was a very choppy, odd choice for this number. Trying to win the Glee fans over? I wasn’t impressed with Kevin in this number, but I mean how can you really focus on him when Karen was completely dominating with her sexy Latin ballroom skills? Karen loves to play up the sexpot card, which isn’t always rewarded in SYTYCD but she pulls it off and I think she has real potential. I’d like to see her in a deeper emotional piece (kinda like the above Travis Wall number) to see if she can be more than just hotsexyLatin (TM).

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Arcadia” by Apparat (VIDEO): Um, I like Ellenore but her proclamation that this could be one of the BEST dances in the history of the show was definitely off-base. Yes, I loved watching her do the bird-like, ticking movements and Ryan was good considering this is not his style, but this piece never came together for me. Ryan has this Hugh Jackman-ness about him. His ripped bod is easy on the eyes, but he doesn’t have the humility of Mr. Jackman and sometimes his confidence comes off as cockiness. I’m intrigued though, let’s see these two do Hip Hop.

Pauline Mata & Brandon Dumlao - Smooth Waltz by Jason Gilikson - “You Light Up My Life” by Whitney Houston (VIDEO): I agree with the judges on this. As much as I wanted Brandon to do well after being called in last minute to replace Billy Bell, he did Waltz like an amateur high school student. These two definitely had a very sweet and genuine chemistry that was bubbling through, but overall, no me gusta. However, Pauline did much better than the judges gave her credit for, in my opinion!

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez - Hip Hop by Dave Scott - “On & On” by Missy Elliott (VIDEO): Oh wow, so Kathryn is the “crying girl” whose voice gets reallyreally high and wobbly when she’s emotional. Um, but I must say she really impressed me here! Sure her face/hair are sorta pedestrian and she can be annoying as heck when she starts boohooing, but this number was my favorite of the night! I could do without the repeated “grooming”/”eating grubs off your hair” pantomiming, but I will at least admit that these two surpassed my expectations by a ton.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras - Disco by Doriana Sanchez - “Turn the Beat Around (Pablo’s 12″ Remix)” by Gloria Estefan (VIDEO): Y’all know I find Mollee as supremely annoying as I find Nathan supremely cute, so you can guess that I’m bummed that they’re paired together. And Disco? Why are we saddling my boy down so early in the game? Yeah, as much as I adore Nathan, this wasn’t a stand-out dance. It felt too messy/frantic and Mollee clumsily launching crotch-first into Nathan’s face was, well, incredibly disturbing on so many levels. And I’m also concerned about Nathan’s wonky new hairstyle and his tendency to pander to the cameras. Please Nathan, I want to keep lurving your dimples and rouge-y cheeks, so don’t become those obnoxious contestants that mug in front of the camera. Leave that to Mollee.

The judges select their Bottom 4 who must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES: Ariana DeBose, Pauline Mata, Brandon Dumlao and Russell Ferguson– WHAT THE WHAT?? Ok, I know they wanted to get rid of Brandon this week, so my thought is they chose Russell because he’s undeniably NOT worth going home and the audience wouldn’t hate them for booting Brandon if he was up against beloved, talented Russell. Just me? Anyway, I actually thought Ariana out-danced Pauline. I mean she poured her heart and soul into that brief solo. Lovely, pint-sized Pauline did a nice solo, but I didn’t feel the fight in her. Russell killed his solo - there was no doubt that Brandon was going home after that. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Ariana DeBose and Brandon Dumlao. Nigel says he’ll try to allow Brandon to try-out again next season because the show basically forced him to replace Billy and then promptly kicked him out. Also, if Noelle doesn’t get well soon, Ariana will return next week. Random. Why not just boot Noelle off now and let Ariana continue on? Survival of the fittest, baby. VIDEO

Anyway, next week we’ll get our answers and watch the Top 18 perform. Who caught your eye (good way or bad way) tonight? Did the right folks go home? I’ll see you next week for… So You Think You Can Dance!

Hey Dance fans! Seems I just stopped the late-night So You Think You Can Dance recaps and yet here we are, a month later, about to do it all over again for the new Fall season of SYTYCD (Season 6, y’all)! It all starts next Wednesday, September 9th, on FOX!

To whhhhet our appetites for next week’s premiere, Nigel Lythgoe hosted a delightful filler episode of his Best 16 Routines from all 5 seasons (rerun-style, no one returned to re-perform them). Check the vids below (by MJ) and enjoy!

SEASON 1 ROUTINES

Destini Rogers & Jamile McGee - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks (“Shake” by Ying Yang Twins feat. Pitbull) – VIDEO
Melody Lacayanga & Nick Lazzarini - Chicago - Jazz by Tyce DiOrio (“All That Jazz” by Ute Lemper) – VIDEO

SEASON 2 ROUTINES

Heidi Groskreutz & Benji Schwimmer - Mambo by Alex Da Silva (“Black Mambo” by Angel & The Mambokats) – VIDEO
Allison Holker & Ivan Koumaev - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio (”Why” by Annie Lennox) – VIDEO
Heidi & Travis Wall - Bench Routine - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Calling You” by Celine Dion) – VIDEO

SEASON 3 ROUTINES

Jaimie Goodwin & Hok Konishi - The Hummingbird and the Flower - Jazz by Wade Robson (“The Chairman’s Waltz” from Memoirs of a Geisha soundtrack) – VIDEO
Sabra Johnson & Neil Haskell - The Boardroom Battle - Contemporary by Mandy Moore (“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by The Eurythmics) – VIDEO
Lacey Schwimmer & Danny Tidwell - Samba by Dmitry Chaplin (“Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club Des Blugas) – VIDEO
Lauren Gottlieb & Pasha Kovalev - Transformers - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks (“Fuego” by Pitbull) – VIDEO

SEASON 4 ROUTINES

Courtney Galiano & Mark Kanemura - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh (“The Garden” by Mirah) – VIDEO
Chelsie Hightower & Mark - Hip Hop by Tabitha and Napoleon (“Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis) – VIDEO
Katee Shean & Joshua Allen - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Hometown Glory” by Adele) – VIDEO

SEASON 5 ROUTINES

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Disco by Doriana Sanchez (“Loving is Really My Game” by Brainstorm) – VIDEO
Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau - Addiction - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Gravity” by Sara Bareilles) – VIDEO
Jeanine Manrara & Jason Glover - Contemporary by Travis Wall (“If It Kills Me (The Casa Nova Sessions)” by Jason Mraz) – VIDEO
Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Breast Cancer Routine - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio (“This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell) – VIDEO

Wahooo! I’m ready to recap if you’re all ready to gather ’round your tellies and watch with me. Who needs sleep when there’s dance, dance, DANCE to be had? Do you care that they’re moving one of the best Summer shows to dreary ol’ Fall? Guess we’ll see how it plays out next week on the new So You Think You Can Dance season!

I am at peace, readers. Ommm (nom, nom, nom)…

Yes, all is right in my little world of So You Think You Can Dance. It’s amazing, really. Apparently I’ve wanted sarcastic, dedicated, chunkily-proportioned underdog: JEANINE MASON to win this deflated season for some time and now that she has? I’m satisfied.

Sure, runner-up Brandon Bryant “deserved” it - he’s an absolute powerhouse, but I haven’t connected with him in the heart parts, and it seems that counts for a lot among us viewers.

Tonight we revisited this season’s “memorable dances” whilst whittling the Top 4 down to the sole possessor of the “America’s Favorite Dancer” title and the $250,000 smackeroon prize.

Miss the finale or want to re-watch the dances? Video’s below, y’all (by MJ)!

TOP 20 GROUP NUMBER (Reprise): “A Brand New Day” from The Wiz - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio. VIDEO

On the judging panel tonight? Uh, basically every single SYTYCD judge evs: Lil C, Mia Michaels, Tyce DiOrio, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe himself.

ADAM SHANKMAN’S PICK: Couple Resolves Fight Before Beddy Bye - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Mad” by Ne-Yo - featuring Jeanine Mason & Phillip  Chbeeb. VIDEO

NIGEL LYTHGOE’S PICK: Hot, Kicky Argentine Tango by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo - “Libertango” from Forever Tango - featuring Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant. VIDEO

DEBBIE ALLEN’S PICK: Vitolio’s Sad, Flowy Waltz by Louis Van Amstel - “Dreams are More Precious” by Enya - featuring Asuka Kondoh & Vitolio Jeune. VIDEO

MARY MURPHY’S PICK: Childhood Friends Get It On/Necklace Contemporary by Travis Wall - “If It Kills Me” by Jason Mraz - featuring Jeanine & Jason Glover. VIDEO

MIA MICHAELS’ PICK: Kayla’s Pink Fringe Samba by Louis Van Amstel - “Jum Bah Day” by House of Gypsies - featuring Kayla Radomski & Max Kapitanniko. VIDEO

KHERINGTON PAYNE in Fame: Season 4’s blonde sweetheart, Kherington, gives the Top 4 a sneak peek at her new film: a revamp of the classic Fame. Plug, plug. VIDEO

DEBBIE’S 2ND PICK: Top 16 Group Ballroom and Hip Hop by Dmitry Chaplin and Tabitha & Napoleon - “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” by Pit Bull. VIDEO

TALIA FOWLER JAZZ: Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh - “Shot You Down” by Audio Bullies - featuring Talia Fowler, a ballerina and winner of the second season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia. VIDEO

LIL C’s PICK: Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan - “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire - featuring Caitlin Kinney & Jason. VIDEO

FIRST ELIMINATION: Kayla Radomski gets cut. She is undoubtedly a gorgeous dancer. Especially loved her in the “Addiction” dance (coming up below), and she was almost consistently amazing as a performer in each number. I will miss her sweet, sobbing grandpa most of all. VIDEO

ADAM’S 2nd PICK: The Butt Dance - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “Koop Island Blues” by Koop ft. Ane Brun - featuring Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak. VIDEO

MARY’S 2nd PICK: Matrix Paso Doble by Louis Van Amstel - “Tetsujin” from The Matrix Revolutions - featuring Jeanine & Brandon. VIDEO

SECOND ELIMINATION: Evan Kasprzak gets the cut. Thank you, jeebus. VIDEO

NIGEL’S 2nd PICK: Addiction dance - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles - featuring Kayla & Kupono Aweau. (Side note: I effin’ love Kupono’s performance in this number). VIDEO

RAGE BOYZ CREW: Cute lil boys do Hip Hop by Tiffany Burton - “Feel It” by Colby O’Donis & Mauli - . VIDEO

TYCE DIORIO’S PICK: Fastest Disco Number Ever by Doriana Sanchez - “Loving Is Really My Game” by Brainstorm - featuring Janette & Brandon. VIDEO

MIA’S 2nd PICK: Breast Cancer dance - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio - “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell - featuring Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi. VIDEO

TOP 8 GROUP DANCE (Reprise): Broadway by Mia Michaels - “One” from A Chorus Line - SURPRISE!!! All of the judges (except Lil C) come out from behind the mirrors at the end in tuxes and do a few jazzy steps. Adorable! VIDEO

WINNER RESULTS: It’s down to Jeanine and Brandon…who has been voted as the winner by America? Iiiiiiiit’s… JEANINE MASON!! VIDEO

My final thoughts:

1) I’m fine - even happy - with the outcome. How about you? Do you agree that Jeanine should win?
2) Is this terrible encouragement to stage mothers across the world to force their children to take up things like dance, even when they’re miserable like Mama Mason did to Jeanine? Something to think about.
3) Why wasn’t Janette in the Top 4 again? She’s a HOT TAMALE, YES SHE IS!
4) Congratulations, Jeanine, for sneaking by and swiping that crown!

Wondering where you’ll get your next dance fix from? Never fear! Season 3 of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew premieres this Sunday, and in just one month, So You Think You Can Dance will be back with its 6th Season (September 9th on FOX)!

Buy a ticket for the Hot Tamale Train and join me then, won’t you? Until that time comes though, I’m gonna enjoy the month of extra sleep on Wednesday and Thursday nights when I won’t be recapping! This is me, *jazz handsing* off-stage. Erin out!

Tonight our Top 4 dancers performed for the last time (for viewer votes) on So You Think You Can Dance! Wow, are we really at the end of this road?

Yep! It’s Night One of the finale so I hope YOU’RE AS STOKED AS CAT DEELEY IS TO BE IN THE KODAK THEATER!!! (Sers, she was so giddy). The place is packed, the judges and audience are cracked out and our guest panelist is one of my faves: Mr. Adam Shankman.

Our 4 dancers will be swingin’ this evening. No, I don’t mean in the “big band swing dancing” way, I mean the “doing it with multiple partners” swinging - he-llooo! Each dancer will get a chance to perform together. Dance routine videos (from MJ) and recaps ahead!

MY TOP GUY & GAL: Brandon Bryant & Jeanine Mason (the best balance of technique and personality)

TOP 4 GROUP NUMBER: Pop Jazz by Wade & Amanda Robson - “Boys Boys Boys” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): The dudes are football players (snicker) and the girls are cheerleaders. It’s easily classified as a “fun” dance, but I expect so much more from Wade’s choreography. I got hypnotized by the stage lighting and background screen instead - very 1987 Star Search in decor.

In case you’re already feeling SYTYCD withdrawal, we’re reminded that Season 6 is just one month away(!!!) by an overly intense preview with blaring music and Sin City-style fast-fast-sloooow-fast cuts of the audition footage. It’s impressive and I’m ready for it (and I’m not just saying it because my eyes, ears and brain are bleeding from that sensory overload). I’m excited about “meeting” new dancers who’ll actually win my heart over (no pressure, Nathan Trasoras - VIDEO).

Jeanine Mason & Evan Kasprzak - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Heartbreaker” by MSTRKRFT ft. John Legend (VIDEO): Once again, Ms. Jeanine shows more adorable, sarcastic personality in her interview package (Kayla, you’s got work to do in that department - oh, er, too late). My real problem with this dance was they were lacking some energy or something because the massive stage really swallowed Jeanine & Evan up. The dance was ok, the dancers were fine - though it’s clear that Jeanine is the stronger one and all eyes invariably end up fixed on her over ol’ heavy-lidded Ev-dawg.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - “Dies Irae” by Karl Jenkins (VIDEO): He’s so strong and can moooove, but put in a lot of flips and it came off smidge frantic (Adam agrees with me - twinsies in the making!). I am not into his McDonald’s Hamburglar black and white striped shorts. It’s weird, Brandon says he isn’t confident but he did have a very noticeable, haughty, “Take THAT, biaaatch!” sneer afterward. The judges make it no secret that they have a full blown crush on him.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Bye Bye Life” from All That Jazz (VIDEO): Boo, the two most technically skilled dancers get saddled with the choreographer who annoys the bajeebus out of me. We open immediately with serious *JAZZ HANDS* movements. Kayla is looking good in a black bondage-y, gothic-y leotard thing. Brandon is stuck wearing a jacket of disco ball skin. The music is stupid, in my opinion - it doesn’t fit the vibe and movements on-stage and the piece isn’t cohesive… a waste of two of the best dancers. The thing that DID rock pretty hard was the simultaneous pirouettes they pulled off. Nigel makes a good point that, unlike Jeanine & Evan’s dance, these two actually possessed the energy and charisma to fill the humongous Kodak stage.

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Por Una Cabeza” by The Tango Project (VIDEO): It’s troubling to learn in that Jeanine has a serious stage mom who (repeatedly) shoved her into dance. But more disturbing was that her makeout with Jason after their Travis Wall Contemporary piece wasn’t planned. He’s a lil creep, that Jason (yeah, I’m not really a Jeanine+Jason ’shipper). She does a Tango-styled solo with these waaay slow, controlled pirouettes (it’s the night of pirouettes!). The audience are on their feet afterward and give her a lot of love even though she had a fake flower in her mouth the whole time - muy dorky, senorita!

Brandon & Evan - Pop Jazz by Laurieann Gibson - “Nasty” by Janet Jackson (VIDEO): Laurieann is back with her crazy pink headphones around her neck. She’s interviewed for the rehearsal footage, but all I can recall her saying is something like, “Boom boom hah! Cah! Cah! boom… Boom hah! Hah! Cah boom!”  Brandon really owned this number because Evan doesn’t seem to really “go for it” like Brandon. It’s not just me: Evan isn’t nasssstay or gritty enough for the judges either (maybe it’s a compliment for his personality off-stage, but we wanted you to make us feel grrrr and dirrrtay, Evan!).

Jeanine & Kayla - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “The Four Sections IV: Full Orchestra” by Steve Reich (VIDEO): The ladies make birdie-like movements in this dance about their journey on the show. Throughout the piece, they shed layer upon layer of skirts. Ohhh, symbolism. That’s deep. It’s a serious number but I’m wondering where the frat boys are to chant, “Take it off! Take it off!” I’m mature. Overall, there are times when it feels like Jeanine is giving more, and others when Kayla seems to hit harder. It’s a neck-in-neck race to the finish for these two women! Lovely to watch, although I don’t know if I agree with Mary that these two are the strongest Top 2 ladies ever on the show…

Evan Kasprzek’s solo - “The Best is Yet to Come” by Michael Buble (VIDEO): Same old, same old Broadway charm. Evan (a.k.a. Pit Stains McGee) doesn’t totally win over all of the judges because this was very similar to his audition routine. Some may say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” - that Evan knows what his fans like from him, but I wonder… why not bring something riskier (or at least new) to the finale to show you’re not just gonna phone it in? Nigel verbally poops on Evan. Truth hurts, so they say.

Kayla & Evan - Jive by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “T.R.O.U.B.L.E.” by Travis Tritt (VIDEO): The jive is usually my favorite Latin dance to watch and this doesn’t cut the mustard.  Their kicks don’t snap enough (remember Nigel’s snake tongue retraction demo earlier this season for hm, oh yeah, Evan?). Although, maybe if Kayla took off those big fat cowboy boots it would’ve helped. I did think their “slow motion” lifts were cool, but hated the huge, blinding spotlight in the background that kept blocking out the dancers. The audience chants, “Evan! Evan! Evan!” when he doesn’t win stellar remarks over Kayla and I try to keep my eyes from rolling. Ok, I get that we like an underdog, but how about rooting for Jeanine, who has spent the season fighting her way out of Phillip’s shadow and then Kayla and Janette’s? She’s really clawed her way up the totem pole of DANCE.

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics (VIDEO): They re-show Grandpappy Radomski’s crybaby moments and I fall in love with him all over again. Her solo is alright…at least the judges love her. Unofficial POLL: Do you think Kayla or Season 4’s Katee Shean would win a dance off? Both are gorgeous dancers, but both lack some personality. Katee was a little more fun and “girl next door” friendly, but I wonder who would win that cage match? Hmm…

Jeanine & Brandon - Paso Doble by Louis Van Amstel - “Tetsujin” from The Matrix Revolutions (VIDEO): I’m all into the Paso Doble’s fiery, sexy McHotness and these two don’t disappoint. They’re in appropriate scanty, black Matrix outfits and have intense furrowed brows. Kinda odd music choice but there’s some good musicality in Louis’ choreography. They’re passionate and give it their everything. The dance earns them a standing ovation from the audience, eardrum-bursting screams from Mary and perverted comments by Nigel about wanting to “do stuff” to Jeanine. He dares to wager that Jeanine & Brandon are the Top 2 of the night. Will that rally Evan and Kayla voters and jinx them?

I wouldn’t rule anyone out at this point. Certainly Brandon, Kayla and Jeanine have equal pros and cons in terms of technique, passion, personality and growth. Evan is still the odd man out and the weakest for me, but America seems to like- nay- adore him so I can’t ignore that he could still win the whole thing…and that I will throw something at my TV in rage if he does. *sigh* I want justice, but I must remember that the winning title isn’t “America’s Best Dancer,” it’s “America’s Favorite Dancer.”

Soooo… tomorrow night is IT: the season finale of So You Think You Can Dance! Besides finding out who Season 5’s “Favorite Dancer” crown goes to, we’ll also be treated to a reprise of the Mia Michaels’ A Chorus Line mirror routine with the Top 8 and the season’s judges! Also, performances by Talia Fowler (Season 2 winner & of SYTYCD Australia) and The Rage Boyz Crew.

Who deserves to win? Who will take the title? ….hey, is it time for Season 6 yet?? Until tomorrow, friends!

America got half of tonight’s eliminated couple right, but WHY did Ade go home? When will this lackluster season of So You Think You Can Dance end cuz I’m ready for the Fall season (Sept 9th!). It better freaking WOW me. I demand a rain check.

Recap and videos (by MJ) straight ahead, Dance lovers!

GROUP DANCE:

Choreographed by Tyce DiOrio - “Send in the Clowns” by Judy Collins - Oh my god, I’m so tyred of Tyce. Is it just me or are his boring jazz hands involved in every single episode? He has yet to impress me this season - not even after countless couple & group Broadway routines, last week’s Katie Holmes‘ dance, and now mopey, sad clowns shuffling around?  Waaah. PS - Jeanine was creeping me out by resembling the Black Dahlia murder victim *shudder* Enough Broadway numbers, dammit! Why not a group Disco number? Big hair, gold lamé, gyrations, girls being spun like tops - that’d be way more exciting! VIDEO

We get straight down to business with our Top 3 ladies and find out that Jeanine, her booty shorts, and her thighs are safe and in the finale (woooOOOO!). That means Kayla and Melissa will perform solos and DANCE FOR NO REASON before we learn which lady is heading home. VIDEO

Next, we get to watch the first of the four Season 4 Emmy-nominated dances:

Adam and Eve dance - “Silence” from Unfaithful - Contemporary choreographed by (AUUUUGH! Not again!) Tyce DiOrio - Featuring Jessica King & Will Wingfield. Wouldn’t it have been cool if the Season 4 alums got to do their own little “Iiiiit’s Jessiker!” solos to show how much more “X-factor” they have than this season’s cast? Take note, producers! VIDEO

Then, the Top 3 lads await their fate. We learn that *(no) surprise* Brandon is safe and deservedly in the finale. That means Evan and Ade will DANCE FOR NO REASON. I was thinkin’ Evan *best* be going home because Ade is so much more diverse in his skills and strength… VIDEO

The Door dance - “Mercy” by Duffy - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - Featuring Katee Shean & Twitch: I love these two and was a huge Katee fan last year. They danced it stronger than last year, although there were some odd camera angles and the prop door was faulty (wouldn’t shut) which distracted a bit. Still, sooo wonderful to see them dance again (I wish a Katee & Joshua dance had been nominated!). VIDEO

Sexy Sexy Tango dance - “A Los Amigos” from Forever Tango - Argentine Tango by Dmitry Chaplin - Featuring Chelsie Hightower & Joshua Allen: Besides Katee, I also loooved Joshua! He cut his hair, but still has the same buff, stocky bod. How I’ve missed him and his charisma. Great dance w/Chelsie. Omg, I’d love to see a dance-off between Joshua and Brandon. Brandon’d get served - no doubt about it!  VIDEO

Melissa and Ade DANCE FOR NO REASON. Melissa was pretty though a li snoozy, but Ade’s spins? They never fail to amaze me (or the producers, who practically showed a montage of Ade’s SpinsTM for his exit package). VIDEO

*fangirling* Aaah! The JabbaWockeeZ perform to “Freak.a.Zoid” by Midnight Star. Had the typical “What- what- whaaat did I just see?” wow-ability. They’re like watching a lava lamp: I could stare for ages, hypnotized. Their choreography, creativity and musicality (I’m starting to feel like Lil C) are superb. VIDEO

Why Don’t You Love Me Like You Love Yer Job, Baby? dance - “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - Featuring Chelsie & Mark Kanemura: One disappointment? That they kept Chelsie in that weird rollerskating leotard over jeans outfit. Other than that, these two did a fab job being ultra angsty. (But psst, I would’ve preferred Katee & Joshua’s “No Air” dance more). VIDEO

Solos from Kayla and Evan. Same ol, same ol solos from last night. Evan’s got a spring in his step, but it bugs me that he’s still here. VIDEO

Sean Paul performs “So Fine”. The number ends with a fizzley blast of fire extinguisher smoke, hissssssing away like my interest during the number. I still like you alright, Sean da Paul, but I’d rather just listen and not have to watch you on TV. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi. VIDEO

Ok, so sadly, I agree that it was Melissa’s time to go even though I love her cobwebby, ancient, 29-year-old ballerinosity (j/k aboot her age, but I really found her to be the most likeable lady). But Evan staying over Ade?? That is some kind of bullshizz! I mean any sane person knows that Brandon v.s. Evan is no contest (let alone Ade v.s. Evan). If Evan does take the title, it’s only because he has an irritatingly huge, rabid fanbase. Argh. Grimace. Furrow brow. Grind teeth. Tense shoulders. Raar. Annnd *sigh* …acceptance. Ade, I will miss your adorabibbleness, upper torso, spins and your hair pik o’ funk. Melissa, you were a delight. Stay fierce in your old age, try to stop burping so loudly and keep in touch.

Who do you want to win? If justice is served, Brandon (or Kayla, or Jeanine) should make it to the end in next week’s So You Think You Can Dance Top 4 FINALE. Whine as I do, you know I’ll be watching, relieved when it’s over and eagerly anticipating the next season in two months. Meet ya there!