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!

Who wants to take a field trip to the So You Think You Can Dance rumor mill?? If you’re interested in this week’s new couples and the genres they’ll dance (courtesy of SYTYCDism), follow me. If you don’t want spoilers, STOP reading!

- Each couple performs one dance together
- There’ll be TWO group numbers: the guys dance in African style and the ladies have Bollywood

NEW COUPLE PAIRINGS

Kayla Radomski & Evan Kasprzak (Waltz) - Oh dear. The judges’ beloved Kayla getting matched with one of the weaker (albeit likable) guys? And with the dreaded, yawn-inducing waltz? Wonder how that’ll go over with viewers…

Janette Manrara & Ade Obayomi (Hip Hop) - Tabitha & Napoleon - Janette & Ade should be a strong couple together and Tabitha & Napoleon’s numbers are usually a crowd favorite. It’ll be interesting to see if Janette’s lucky run can continue without Brandon.

Jeanine Mason & Jason Glover (Contemporary) - Travis Wall - Travis (Season 2 runner-up) of the famed Mia Michaels “Bench Dance” (VIDEO) will help these two out. Both Jeanine & Jason have shown they can do Contemporary, so let’s hope that they have better chemistry than Caitlin & Jason had.

Melissa Sandvig & Brandon Bryant (Broadway) - Tyce Diorio - Hm, like her as I do, I’m not sure if Melissa can hang with Brandon. Now don’t call me an ageist! I’m just saying she isn’t as strong as Janette or even Kayla, and Brandon is craaaazy strong. I hope she proves me wrong - go on girl!

Randi Strong-Evans & Kupono Aweau (Paso Doble) - This is an odd couple. Kupono is so tall and lithe and Randi is stocky and punchy. Will their styles match up?

What do you think? It’s going to be interesting for sure - tune in to So You Think You Can Dance this Wednesday at 8pm on FOX!

Woohoo! I’m happy with tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance elimination - the judges made the right choice and came up with an “everybody wins” compromise. More ahead and videos (by MJ) from tonight’s episode:

GROUP DANCE: Tabitha & Napoleon choreographed this Hip Hop routine to “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. True to the song title, everyone was dressed as soldiers (originally I thought their military jackets were inspired as a Michael Jackson tribute - PIC - maybe they were…more on this next). It was entertaining and you can’t beat the awesome White Stripes jam, but the group wasn’t fully together in spots. VIDEO

So the BAD news (you’ll get the pun in a sec): The totally tubular Michael Jackson dance special they were planning (dances of all styles to M.J.’s music) was not approved by Sony or the Jackson family estate.  Nigel says they couldn’t get the songs cleared. *sad trombone*

But onto worse news: who’s getting cut tonight? First, we find out that Caitlin and Jason are in the Bottom 3 and better-than-sliced-bread couple Janette and Brandon are safe. Totally agree. I haven’t been on the Caitlin-Jason train at all. Both lovely dancers, I’m sure, but just blaaaaah together.  VIDEO

Next we find out that Team Short Stuff, Randi and Evan, are SAFE (despite Evan’s weak performance last night) and Jeanine and Phillip are in the Bottom. I sort agree with that, too. Not so much that Jeanine deserved to be in the bottom, but c’MON. It’s time Phillip go home! I wished both of these couples were in the bottom and wasn’t looking forward to find out if Kayla and Kupono or Melissa and Ade were in trouble (I like both couples!). VIDEO

Well, it was a lose-lose: Melissa and Ade are in the Bottom 3 for the first time this season. Booooo–butttt, I’m happy that Kayla and Kupono are safe. It’s a close call because both couples had one strong number and one weaker number last night. For Melissa and Ade, their Disco number was hot hot hot and their Waltz was aiiight. Kayla and Kupono’s Contemporary addiction dance was kick-you-in-the-gut powerful, but their Broadway number was “ehh”. I think the audience got it right. VIDEO

To kill time, we’re teased with clips from the current SYTYCD Season 6 auditions. We see a snippet of a “whimsical” dancer form Boston named Teddy who makes it to Vegas. Is he THAT whimsical? I dunno, it just looked like a badly dressed guy dancing Contemporary *shrug* He also had that “meth-head”, picked-at, scabby face, so that turned me off a lil bit. Just me? Do you love Teddy already? VIDEO

SOLO DANCES: Time for our Bottom 3 couples to DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES! Caitlin (song: “Stand By Me” by Playing for Change) definitely does not brang it for me. She just coquettishly flits around stage without much power or passion. Jason (song: “Calm Touching” by Evaline) impresses me more in his solos and this was the case again tonight. He had some great, unique movement, lots of wound-up-then-explode twirls and spins. Jeanine (song: “Baby’s Romance” by Chris Garneau) is wearing some distracting golden dress and her jubblies are about to pop out. Her solo is weaker than last week’s and it seemed she has trouble finding her center in spins. Then, curse him as I do, Phillip really amazes me in his pop-locking solo. He is DEFINITELY so fun to watch in his own style, but you know what? They NEVER dance in his exact style on this show, and he hasn’t been that great in any other genre, so let’s just send him home please (excellent choice of music though - “The Diva Dance” from The Fifth Element). VIDEO

Our last DANCES FOR THEIR LIVES are Melissa and Ade. It’s our first time seeing them do a longer solo and I’m excited and nervous. These two deserve to survive, but what if the judges keep a more popular dancer (a.k.a. Chbeeb)? Melissa (song: “Kashira” by Kodo) does her ballet thang and it WORKS. She does the strongest female solo of the night (and I’m not into ballet). I worried about Ade (song: “Windowdipper” by Jib Kidder) until he did this INCREDIBLE backflip. He got SO much air it was absoutely amazing - and some really energetic moves in his solo - everyone gave him a standing ovation. I pray the judges keep him. VIDEO

As the judges leave to choose their Bottom Guy and Girl, DJ David Guetta and Kelly Rowland perform “When Love Takes Over”. Fast forward for me. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Caitlin Kinney and Phillip Chbeeb. VIDEO

I can’t believe it! I really thought the judges were clinging on to Phillip so he could be in the Top 10 Tour, but looks like they worked things out with the producers: 1) Phillip goes because it’s HIS time, but 2) he and Caitlin still get to join the tour!  Everybody wins. For the first time all season, Phillip almost makes me cry with his farewell speech about his difficult journey from a poor background. You’re alright by me, Chbeeb (even moreso now that you’re gone though).

Next week we have some big change-ups! The So You Think You Can Dance couples must pair-up with new partners and the judges relinquish control of who gets eliminated to AMERICA. *gag* Will our “Top Dancers” still be as strong with weaker partners, and will overshadowed dancers gain some momentum with a new partner? Who do you want to see join forces? How about Kayla and Ade (KAdeyla?) or Brandon and Jeanine? The girls are much stronger than the guys at this point so there’ll be more than one person who’ll be downgrading partners. I can’t wait to see what happns!

Hey y’all, check out the videos (from MJ) and brief reviews for last night’s Top 12 performances on So You Think You Can Dance below! No long recap of each couple because I wasn’t able to watch it yet!

Each couple danced TWO numbers (yay!) and the guest judge was Tyce D’Orio (ehhhh…).

RUMORED BOTTOM COUPLES: Phillip & Jeanine, Caitlin & Jason and Randi & Evan

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Disco (Doriana Sanchez) - “Move On Up” by Destination (VIDEO): Melissa slips/falls during the routine, but recovers and judges loved it, especially their crazy, strong lifts.

Melissa & Ade 2nd Dance - Waltz (Ron Montez) - “Natural Woman” by Mary J. Blige (VIDEO): Very pretty, but the judges think the technique and “rise and fall” could definitely be improved upon. Still sounds like Melissa & Ade belong in the top.

Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau - Contemporary (Mia Michaels) - “Gravity” by Sarah Bareilles (VIDEO): A powerful dance about addiction that the judges really enjoyed because Kaypono are both very dedicated “actors” as well as dancers. They also still love Kayla something fierce.

Kayla & Kupono 2nd Dance - Broadway (Joey Dowling) - “The Dance at the Gym” from West Side Story The New Broadway Cast (VIDEO): Ok hold that thought about Kaypono being good actors because they didn’t “bring it” for their characters in this number. The judges were lukewarm and said they needed to dig deeper. Uh ohs!

Caitlin Kinney & Jason Glover - Foxtrot (Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin) - “Minnie the Moocher” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (VIDEO): Judges liked it and thought they were both smooooooth. Will it be enough to save these two from the Bottom 3 though?

Caitlin& Jason 2nd Dance - Jazz (Mandy Moore) - “Show Me Heaven” by Maria McKee (VIDEO): A better performance, but their chemistry is still so-so according to Nigel (I agree!). If either of them survives elimination this week, it could be interesting to see if next week’s partner switch-up helps.

Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb - Russian Folk Dance (Youri Nelzine & Lilia Babenko) - “Kalinka” by Barynya (VIDEO): Very mixed reviews. It wasn’t an overall success like the Bollywood numbers have been in their efforts to add international dance styles. Nigel said it was “folky”, y’know for a Russian Folk Dance…Jeanine is still the stronger dancer between the two.

Jeanine & Phillip 2nd Dance - Jive (Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin) - “Stuff Like That There” by Bette Midler (VIDEO): A really fun number. The judges love Jeanine so she’s finally getting her moment to shine, away from Phillip. They’re not counting him out yet (even though his dance technique continues to be “blah”) - theories are that they’re just trying to keep him on long enough to at least make the SYTYCD Top 10 tour. Shame, shame FOX (but ok, it makes sense).

Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak - Hip Hop (Tabitha & Napoleon) - “Halo” by Beyonce (VIDEO): Team Short Stuff managed to do really well for being out of their comfort zone. They are a couple who find out that they’re pregs (”babies havin’ babies”). The judges seem to place these two in the middle of the competition. Definitely not pimping them as much as couples like Janette & Brandon.

Randi & Evan - Samba (Pasha & Anya) - “Ritmo De Bom Bom” by Jubaba (VIDEO): They’re a cute, wee couple, but didn’t bring enough spicy-spice for this Samba. *sad trombone*

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Argentine Tango (Leonardo Barrionuevo & Miriam Larici) - “Libertango” from Forever Tango original Broadway cast (VIDEO): Wow! A standing ovation from the judges! What can’t this couple do? Their tango wins raves from Nigel. Next week everyone gets a new partner though, so what happens if it’s like, Brandon with a weaker female dancer like Caitlin (if she escapes elimination)? Will his lucky streak continue?

Janette & Brandon 2nd Dance - Pop Jazz (Wade Robson) - “Ruby Blue” by Roisin Murphy (VIDEO): Un yeah, it’s in the bag for these two to make it to the Finals. Another perfectly executed dance number. These two are unstoppable, but I still don’t know if they’re as likeable as like…last season’s Katee & Joshua. Either way, they DO deserve to make it to the end. The bigger question is Who else is close enough in talent to join them?

Tonight’s the Top 12 elimination show and Kelly Rowland and David Guetta will sing “When Love Takes Over.” Things’ll shake up next week when the couples get scrambled!

Who do you think were the bottom couples and who should go home? Watch So You Think You Can Dance tonight to find out if you’re right!

You can thank the long July 4th weekend for this very belated recap of the So You Think You Can Dance Top 14 elimination! Sometimes a girl’s just gotta get her fireworks and BBQ on.This is going to be short and sweet - recap and videos below (clips from MJ’s)!

Group number: an energetic “raise the roof” Broadway number to “Brand New Day” from The Wiz by Tyce Diorio. The dancers are a circus painting come to life - a.k.a. the stuff of my nightmares, usually. VIDEO

Unfortunately, we learn that Karla & Vitolio are (again) in the Bottom 3 and must (again) DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. Randi & Evan are safe, although I thought their fisty-punch-punch Broadway number was underwhelming compared to Karla & Vitolio’s quick-changing Quickstep. C’est la vie. VIDEO

Next up, it’s no real surprise that Janette & Brandon are safe as usual (PS - Janette’s 1970’s Karen Carpenter hairdo needs to be nixed - PIC). When it’s between Kayla & Kupono and Melissa & Ade, you know it can’t be good news since both pairs were very strong Weds night. I thought that viewers probably under-appreciated the classical ballet number by Melissa & Ade but I’m wrong - Kayla & Kupono are the ones in the Bottom 3. Their angsty vampire number just didn’t grab hold of audiences. Kayla showed a slight lack of modesty by tearing up, nodding along and agreeing as Mia Michaels told the pair how great they were and that they didn’t deserve to be in the bottom. Could the judges’ fawning over Kayla 1) be backfiring and making viewers avoid voting for her, and 2) filling Kayla’s ego like a hot air balloon? Hope not! VIDEO

Another surprise comes when Jeanine & Phillip are in the Bottom 3 after their chained-up hip hop routine, which meant that Caitlin & Jason’s weird impregnating alien dance actually got them votes! Wtf! VIDEO

Before the Bottom 3 couples DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES, we see a jaw-dropping, toe-curling Contemporary Ballet number performed by Patricia Hachey and Desmond Richardson from Complexions Contemporary Ballet. They’re doing all kinds of astounding en pointe moves. Ouch and wow! The dance is choreographed by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson (song: “Caprice in e Minor, Op. 1 No. 3″ by Midori), who I believe choreographed Katee & Will’s gorgeous Pas de Deux last season. VIDEO

Enough stalling, time to DANCE FOR YOUR LIVES, kids! First up is Karla doing her YouTube-famous (VIDEO) contemporary solo to ”Blackbird” by Dionne Farris. Next is my lovely Vitolio flying and kicking to ”Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts. Then Kayla does a decent Contemporary solo to ”Stupid” by Sarah McLachlan, and finally Kupono does a contained performance to ”Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole - I felt him, but I think people wanted to see more drama, more movement from him. VIDEO

Finally, we get to see Jeanine & Phillip do their thing. Jeanine delivers the strongest female solo to ”Moonlight Sonato” by Smart Sleep with Classical. She spins and spins like a whirling dervish. And finally, the always fun Chbeeb/Phillip goes nutty and jelly-jointed on us with ”You’ll Find a Way - Switch & Sinden Remix” by Santogold. He is definitely entertaining to watch in his element, but I don’t think he deserves to make it much further on SYTYCD. VIDEO

As Nigel, Mary and Mia deliberate on the male and female to leave, we watch Kelly Clarkson rock to “I Do Not Hook Up.”  Wonky camera angles and all. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Karla Garcia and Vitolio Jeune. VIDEO

The judges were unanimous and even though it wasn’t a real surprise, it’s a bummer because I liked them both. Sigh!

Ooh la la! The pressure was on in tonight’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance: a lot of the dancers got their own styles or genres that weren’t too much of a stretch AND guest-judging was “love you or hate you” Contemporary choreographer, Mia Michaels. Like everyone else, I couldn’t wait to hear if she still couldn’t stand Brandon Bryant for no reason besides his face “annoys the sh!t” out of her…could he win her over? Let’s find out! Thoughts on tonight’s dances and videos (courtesy of MJ) below:

MY BOTTOM 3: Randi & Evan, Caitlin & Jason and Karla & Vitolio

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Cha-Cha - Jean-Marc and France Genereux - “Hush Hush; Hush Hush” by The Pussycat Dolls (VIDEO): Can these two do any wrong?? Guess that applies to both couples: Brandon & Janette AND the best ballroom choreographers evs, Jean-Marc & France. The dancers nailed this Cha-Cha and, to use Mary Murphy terminology, they were two spicy sexpots waiting to board the first class coach on THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN - YES THEY WERE - WOO WOOO!! Nigel said it was the best Cha-Cha ever on the show and they were so good that Mia did some furious backpedaling and pretended that she was only an outright bitch to Brandon during auditions because she “saw soooo much potential in him.” It was sort of like those made-for-TV movie moments when the drunken husband slurs, “I’m sorry! I only beat ya cuz I loves ya, baby!” Whatevs, I still think she was out of line with her personal attacks during his auditions (not critiquing his dance technique, but his FACE? Come on.). So far, Brandon definitely has what it takes to win this entire show, BUT can he and Janette win enough fans over? Also, will their egos get the best of them?

Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau - Jazz - Sonya Tayeh - “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation (VIDEO): This was a perfect number for “Kaypono” - another bizarre, angsty, ragdolly Sonya number. The pair were moody, broody and sexy vampires and it worked. They were totally into their characters and their movements were so together. They looked ever so loverly (y’know, for a dance about death and bloodsucking immortals) and the judges finally gave my boy Kupono some props for his talent! He reminds me more and more of last season’s resident Hawaiian dancer, Mark Kanemura, with his style and embodiment of characters, but he’s sexier to look at. Love ya, Kupono! Hey producers, BTW, can we get some more shots of Kayla’s teddy bear of a grandpa? I miss him.

Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway - Joey Dowling - “Rich Man’s Frug” from Sweet Charity (VIDEO): This dance was a little too much like last week’s “Butt Dance” (boy-chasing-girl) at first and I thought the music was all wrong and understated for the choreography. I disagree with the judges and blame the choreographer for this underwhelming number. Evan & Randi had some strong moments, but overall I was not really into the number and Evan did come off looking weirdly feminine in some of his movements. It’s getting really hard to pick “Bottom 3″ couples this week because we’ve got some fantastic dancers this season, but Team Short Stuff is on my list for the week.

Caitlin Kinney & Jason Glover - Pop Jazz - Brian Friedman - “Creator” by Santogold (VIDEO): Caitlin played an alien who destroyed mankind and was trying to impregnate Jason, the last human on Earth. Very Xenu. I am still not in love with this couple, but they both did their best to commit to the ridiculous roles given to them, so props for that. Jason even had a few leaps in the dance that were beautiful and impressed me more than he normally does, but overall it was a very strange number and like Mia, I was way distracted by Caitlin’s outfit - something resembling a vacuum-sealed garbage bag coiled with aluminum foil. FASHION POLICE. Poor Caitlin - another pair for the Bottom 3.

Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West (VIDEO): Wow these fools lucked out by getting another Tabitha & Napoleon number!  No Shane Sparks er anything to possibly screw them up. The dance literally chained Jeanine & Phillip at the ankles to represent their partnership on the show — funny how for me the chain came to symbolize how I’ve been stuck with Phillip on my TV, wonking up dance after dance and sending better dancers home. Sorry Chbeeb lovers, I’m sick of his one-note, over-pouty, fish stank face. Yes he’s a talented hip hop dancer, but even in his own genre, his performance (a.k.a. his character) always sucks and he doesn’t emotionally connect. Unfortunately for me, this dance was a success so I guess he’s safe for another week. SIGH.

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Pas de Duex - Thordal Christensen - Romeo & Juliet (VIDEO): I was glad to see Melissa, our sole ballerina, get to do this dance. I still really root for this couple! Definitely not Ade’s strongest dance, but it was far from a disaster and what these two lack in technique they made up for in emotional connection and chemistry. But I wonder if audiences will vote for a classical ballet number…? I hope they stay safe!

Karla Garcia & Vitolio Jeune - Quickstep - Jean-Marc and France Genereux - “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Rufus Wainwright (VIDEO): I put these two in my Bottom 3, but honestly thought they did a really excellent job and enjoyed their spunky Quickstep moreso than Melissa & Ade’s Pas de Deux. But Mia was right that sometimes Karla wasn’t fully in her character and had a stunned facial expression that took a little away from their dance and lost some points from me. HOWEVER, I am also really rooting for this couple because Karla & Vitolio were, IMHO, anchored down by weaker partners in the past weeks and this dance alone showed that they have a lot more to offer. Overall it was a fun, quick-changing Quickstep! I mean, Karla’s dress totally transformed in the middle of the number, and that’s gotta be a crowd-pleaser. Will it be enough though?

Tomorrow night we get a performance by “AUUGH KELLY CLARKSON!” and find out which gal and guy are leaving us. Who will they be? Tune in to So You Think You Can Dance at 9pm on FOX!

In the spirit of dance for tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance recap, we at Square Eyes join the world by giving a big R.I.P., “Shhhaa-mon!” and “Heeeee-heee!” to Michael Jackson. Much respect from Kat and I.

But life moves on and for this entry, it’s onto the results and videos from tonight’s elimination (clips from MJ’s):

First of all, the show opened with a group number that actually made sense. A “No noo! Too sexy!!” dance where everyone was copping a feel and that fused Ballroom and Hip Hop dancing to “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” by Pitbull. Thanks to Dmitry Chaplin and Tabitha & Napoleon for a simple storyline that I could follow. I’m still waiting for Mia Michaels to explain last week’s group number. (VIDEO)

Wow, so I guess they filmed this not long after MJ died today because Nigel speaks about Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson’s recent deaths and pays tribute to them. They go to break showing “Thriller” although it just left me wanting to see more than a few seconds - how about instead we fill the hour with Michael Jackson music videos? I digress. (VIDEO)

After commercial we dive right in and learn that (rightfully) Asuka & Vitolio are in the Bottom 3 and must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. Likewise, Janette & Brandon, Randi & Evan, Melissa & Ade and Jeanine & Phillip (pout) are all safe. I agree, even though I am not really a Phillip fan - they were much better than Karla & Jonathan and Caitlin & Jason last night. Sorry Jeanine, hopefully next week you can claw your way out from under Chbeeb’s shadow and get some recognition for your skills. (VIDEO)

The remaining 3 couples are up next - 2 will be in danger. Last night I said it should be (love ‘em as I do) Karla & Jonathan and Caitlin & Jason and… I’m RIGHT! That means new couple Kupono & Kayla are safe to run to the pit of “we are the champions” contestants this week. I’m relieved that all of my favorite couples are safe! (VIDEO)

Meanwhile, as our Bottom 3 prep to DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES, we watch a group of pint-sized (and adolescent) tykes called the Rage Boyz Crew do a Hip Hop routine choreographed by Tiffany Burton. Cat squeals a lot over how adorable the leading lil boy is and I agree! Was the dancing phenomenal? No, but they were energetic and entertaining to watch and that’s good enough for me. (VIDEO)

Ok, let’s watch the solos! First up is Asuka who does a rather sloppy-frantic ballroom solo. In general, I feel she’s the weakest of the Bottom 3 gals, and she didn’t redeem herself  tonight. Next is Vitolio, who I thought was fab. I just love his jumps and extensions. So…sinewy. Then it’s Karla with an interesting and compelling Contemporary piece, although her nerves seem to surface because she wobbles on some spins (hey, there’s the standing split move she always does again!). Finally, it’s dimpled-delight Jonathan who has a tough task with salsa-ing solo through his number. Actually, I was pretty impressed and thought he didn’t *just* look like a Ballroom dancer - he mixed things up and did some tumbling too. (VIDEO)

Commercial, yada yada, and our final Bottom couple is up! Caitlin does her usual limber-acrobatics-filled solo, which is no longer as novel to me as in her first audition…but I think she’s better than Asuka. Our last solo of the night comes from golden boy Jason. I don’t remember much of it. A lot of jumps and rolling around on the floor going on. I’m still not on-board with him and think his solo was the weakest. (VIDEO)

Off go the judges to deliberate and we get a performance by The Veronicas singing “Take Me On the Floor”. And this is me fast forwarding. (VIDEO)

ELIMINATED: Asuka Kondoh and Jonathan Platero (VIDEO)

Well, I’m cool with this elimination and - hello! - as I dared to dream last night, we now have Karla and Vitolio as new partners! Fingers crossed that they’ll be a good match and can explode and amaze us next week! They’ve got the potential!

Cat announces that on Monday, FOX will (for the first time everrrr) re-broadcast the American Idol Top 13 episode featuring the music of Michael Jackson. Hmmm, is it a touching tribute or shameless excuse for ad dollars? Discuss.

I’m gonna go listen to the sweet sounds of “I’ll Be There“, close my eyes and shake my head in mourning. Peace y’all.

Herm, tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance felt muted and a little stale… I wasn’t impressed by the opening solos (maybe give them a hair more time to dance, producers?), Nigel was sorta crabby, Mary didn’t scream very much and guest judge Toni Basil wouldn’t stop preaching about “street dancing,” “funk” and “grooving” (Hey Toni, you’re so fine, you’re so fine, but it isn’t 1985 anymore) . What did y’all think? Check my thoughts and see if you agree (videos from MJ’s).

My BOTTOM 3 couples: Karla & Jonathan, Asuka & Vitolio and Caitlin & Jason.

Karla Garcia & Jonathan Platero - Hip Hop - Dave Scott - “By My Side” by Jada Kiss ft. Ne-Yo (VIDEO): Dammit. I know that Karla is part of the America’s Best Dance Crew group The Boogie Bots so this was her chance to show off that she’s a Contemporary dancer who can nail Hip Hop too!  Unfortch, darling as he may be, Jonathan really weighed her down in this number - he’s just too darling and soft for Hip Hop. I agree with cranky ol’ Nigel that they played it too safe and were out of sync toward the end. They really needed to hit is harrrrrd but failed, so it won’t be a surprise if they’re in the bottom tomorrow. Save Karla!

Asuka Kondoh & Vitolio Jeune - Jazz - Mandy Moore - “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar (VIDEO): God, as if I needed more reasons to love Vitolio! The interview package won him a million brownie points when it showed his sensitivity and dedication in comforting an overwhelmed Asuka. He is too sweet and erm, well, he deserves a new partner! I thought this “thrash-rock-jazz” dance was okay choreography, but Asuka’s performance felt restrained and bland. I wanted more energy, more performance from her and didn’t see it. Hm, what do we think about a pairing off Vitolio and Jeanine, or Vitolio and Karla? I think all three have a lot of potential, but need to find better partners. Save Vitolio!

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Rumba - Tony Meredith - “Emotion” by Destiny’s Child (VIDEO): This was a very sexy-sexy, slow-mo rumba. I am glad that they continue to put Ade in outfits that completely expose his pecs. Totally solid dance, although it could’ve been a little tighter in some of the turns. Still, I love this couple more and more each week and would love to see them stick around to Final Four. You heard me! We love old ballerinas and smooth, smooth man-chests!

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Hip Hop - Dave Scott “What a World” by Common (VIDEO): Ah, MUCH better Hip Hop routine! Thank god because I was worried that we’d have a 2-week dry spell of good Hip Hop dances (Shane Sparks, I blame you for last week). Dave Scott and his funny beard came up with a clever “Rock and Roll” v.s. “Hip Hop” dance. Somewhat hard to follow in parts, but there were some awesome and entertaining moments (like the synchronized air guitar bit).  Anyway, my early prediction that Janette and Brandon were going to be a couple to beat still stands! They both have amazing technique, push themselves and work hard. But can they stay up top forever…? Personality and fan base are going to come into play and I’m not sure if the younger voters are that into them.

Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau - Viennese Waltz - Jean-Marc and France Genereux - “Sweet Dreams for You” by Jewel (VIDEO): We know I love Kupono and Kayla(’s grandfather), so I really wanted them to mesh well (even though Kupono basically stole the place of Kayla’s partner Max) and they did! Their Waltz was one of the highlights of the night. The choreography told a nice story (he’s dancing with her in her dreams), and it was just ethereal and elegant. I’m so glad they did well and they’re the only couple of the night that Mary put on the “HOT TAMALE TRAIN WOO WOOOO!” Hope they stay out of the Bottom 3.

Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - “Koop Island Blues” by Koop ft. Ane Brun (VIDEO): This was “The Butt Dance”. Yes, Mia made an entire dance around the hypnotic powers of Randi’s butt. Hm. It was definitely another well-danced number from the Shorties, so they deserve to be safe. A few things came to my attention: 1) Who else saw Randi’s “Unitard Girl” superhero shirt during rehearsal? Pretty awesome. 2) I love that they made a big deal about Randi’s marriage and being uncomfortable with Evan grabbing her weeks ago. But in last week’s Jive, it was Randi who attacked Evan with repeated, enjoyed grab-assery. And then tonight’s number gave Evan the freedom to let his hands roam, nay, squeeze the bajeezus out of her rear end. Seems like someone wants Mr. Unitard Girl to come to the studio with a shotgun. 3) We have a THIRD WEEK where the dancers in a Contemporary number are wearing silk. Why? WHY? This routine had so many fun costume possibilities since it was actually a Contemporary piece NOT about an angsty couple writhing around and throwing themselves at one another. So why not have more fun with the wardrobe? Ok, rant over!

Caitlin Kinney & Jason Glover - Paso Doble - Jean-Marc and France Genereux - “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana (VIDEO): I looove Paso Dobles - the passion, the intensity - mmm. Hotness. I also love “O Fortuna” for the same reasons. BUT these dancers didn’t sell this number for me - no, not even while wearing that ridiculous Conan the Barbarian attire. Caitlin and Jason looked like they had trouble keeping up (just like in the Bollywood dance). They don’t have very good chemistry either. It’s too platonic, almost brother/sisterly so there’s an “ick” factor to watching them try to get hot and heavy with one another. I just didn’t buy it.

Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - “Moses” from Singing in the Rain (VIDEO): Is Phillip still in this competition? He’s really fun to watch doing his own thing, and tonight he was much better than last week, but c’mon! Enough is enough! He’s a weak link and really hasn’t let Jeanine get a chance to shine. I agree with Mary, she is a fantastic dancer and performer, but she’s always overshadowed by Chbeeb’s feedback each week. While the judges are busy panning him, they forget to give Jeanine props for doing well in a new dance style. The best part of their number was when Phillip’s pants rip at the booty (PIC HERE).

Agree? Disagree? Bottom three? We’ll see. Tee hee! Okay, enough. So, tomorrow night’s results show features guest performers The Veronicas and a group number choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin, Tabitha and Napoleon. Tune in to So You Think You Can Dance tomorrow night at 9pm on FOX!

Did the right dude and dudette get cut from the Top 18 on So You Think You Can Dance’s elimination show tonight? Results recap ahead (videos de MJ’s).

The Top 18 open the show with a dramatic, zombie-slouchy Mia Michael’s dance to “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder while wearing hot black suits and Maori face paint. What the hell is going on? It’s like the music video for Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love,” with the tight ponytails and hulking, bobbing movements. But is it about rock stars, or fame? I am perplexed and intrigued all at once. It’d be nice if we could get some backstage clips to understand what these strange group numbers are about. And to see if Mia and Brandon Bryant still don’t see eye-to-eye. (VIDEO)

Instead we got this fun-but-waste-of-time montage of Lil C’s long-winded critiques. Eh. (VIDEO)

Onto the results. Melissa and Ade are thankfully safe - they’re really growing on me. Caitlin and Jason are in the Bottom 3 after their hokey Hip Hop number and amazingly, Jeanine and Phillip are safe despite their flawed Tango. I tell ya, that Chbeeb owes a lot to his fans who must be voting like mad for him. Caitlin and Jason prep to (get ready for it) DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. (VIDEO)

Next we have Janette and Brandon who killed their super-speed Disco number last night (the good kinda “kill”). America agrees and the power couple are safe to see another week! Next, cutie patootie couple Karla and Jonathan escape being in the Bottom 3 again (and rightly so) after their emotional Contemporary dance. I’m stoked - now let’s give Karla some Hip Hop to “wow” us with (assuming Jonathan can keep up). That unfortunately puts one of my fave couples, Ashley and Kupono, in the Bottom 3. But not surprising since their Hip Hop routine was sloppy. Like Cat, I’m selfishly happy that I get to watch Kupono do a solo. I could watch him forevs. (VIDEO)

Then Cat gives us a surprise: footage from the Fall SYTYCD 6 auditions (going on now). Older “Broadway Brother” Ryan Kasprzak taps his way back to the audition stage and we find out he makes it to Vegas! C’mon, they’ve gotta let him through right? He’s 29, America loves him, he’s a genius choreographer and has personality to boot. Should we assume he’ll be in the Fall’s Top 20? Yeah. (VIDEO)

“Fun Fun Fun” couple Randi and Evan are safe as are Asuka and Vitolio. Unfortunately, that leads to the shocker that judge’s #1 favorite lady Kayla Radomski and partner Max are in the Bottom 3. That’s a shame - I really liked their Pop Jazz/de-throned princess routine last night. They must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. (VIDEO)

We get a lot of strong solos: Caitlin does her usual limber, flowy choreography; Jason is way more interesting to watch in his own genre (Contemporary). His leaps and extensions are wild. Ashley’s next (looking very Ashley Judd, actually - PIC) with a solid solo. Finally, it’s my guy Kupono who still reminds me of fellow Hawaiian dancer, Mark Kanemura, from last season. I like his connection to the music. Save him, judges! (VIDEO)

Finally we get solos from Kayla, who makes lovely leaps which fit her song, “Walking on Air,” but it seems a bit rushed (curse that countdown adding pressure!) and Max who does an impressive, fast-steppin’ jive (take notes, Randi and Evan) to “Footloose”. I’m into it. (VIDEO)

The judges run backstage with their notes and newcomer Kristina Debarge sings “Goodbye”. Fast forward! (VIDEO). Then a crazy-fast footwork professional dancer from India jingle jangles all over the stage and manages to make it look easy. (VIDEO)

ELIMINATED: Ashley Valerio and Maksim “Max” Kapitanniko (VIDEO)

It was not unanimous for the judges (which makes me sooo curious about which judge voted for whom…), but they are two dancers who, while talented, don’t have as much of a following by viewers as some of the others. It’s a shame, but we’ll survive.

This means next week, Kayla and Kupono will pair up. Two of my favorites to watch, but after seeing Kayla sob over Max’s departure I wonder if she feels like Kupono should’ve left instead of her partner! Will it make things awkward for them, or will they knock my socks off with their combined Contemporary stylez? So You Think You Can Dance, you always keep me guessin’! Until next week, dance lovers!

You can’t ask for better summer entertainment than So You Think You Can Dance. These choreographers and dancers are so talented, the judges are playful but genuinely supportive (are we taking notes, American Idol?). It’s a good time had by all, so pull up a chair. Videos (by MJ’s Big Blog) and thoughts comin’ atcha.

Joining judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy tonight was Hip Hop/Krumpmaster Lil C, who is always an odd judge. His long-winded, flowery comments always start out a little Paula Abdul - like I brace myself with,”Oh man, this is gonna get all kinds of crazy,” but once he makes his point, I totally get what he meant with all those metaphors and similes. But then he goes and spits some wonky grammar like, “You did good” and I wonder where my Lil C-hakespeare went.

My BOTTOM 3 couples: Caitlin & Jason, Phillip & Jeanine, and *knife to my heart* Kupono & Ashley.

Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak - Jive - Louis Van Amstel - “Shake a Tail Feather” by Ray Charles (VIDEO): Who else snorted or cheered when Randi came out in one of her infamous unitards during her solo? *raise hand* Being an occasional Dancing With the Stars watcher, I know I’ve seen sharper, harder-hitting Jive numbers than what Team Short Stuff did. It wasn’t that bad, but there was a clunkiness to their dance, even though they had the right energy and “dance faces” on. Judges agree.

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Jazz - Sonya Tayeh - “24 Hours (the Ashton Shuffle A-Bomb Remix)” by Terry Poison (VIDEO): Wow, I am totally LOVING Ade more and more. He is so gorgeous, I can’t get over it - could he bump front-runner Brandon Bryant from the spotlight? Hmmm. I always look forward to Sonya’s nasty-weird-sinister Jazz numbers, but I found it was missing some cohesion (maybe that’s what Sonya was going for). Also, I really like Melissa & Ade as a couple, although I thought Melissa could’ve attacked the moves harder, but hey, she’s the old ballerina, so it’s cool. Keep ‘em around!

Caitlin Kinney & Jason Glover - Hip Hop - Shane Sparks - “Missin’ You” by Trey Songs (VIDEO): Caitlin looks more like LeAnn Rimes every time I see her. Those blond curls and squinty eyes - straight Rimes, I tell ya. Anyway, this number didn’t do it for me. It’s not like the dancing was really poor, but their performance was laughable - super corny, effeminate grins throughout…gross! Where the stank faces at?!  Mary pointed out that they weren’t in sync either. She was totally confused about why Caitlin & Jason didn’t click, but hello? I remember that last week their Bollywood dance was NOT as hot as the judges said. The two of them were struggling with that also. Yeah, this was my least favorite to watch - just too “cute and fluffy” for a hip hop dance.

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Disco - Doriana Sanchez - “Loving You is Really My Game” by Brainstorn (VIDEO): Speaking of look-a-likes, anyone else see that Brandon = Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (PIC)? I think it’s his cheesy grin. I still love him though! Ok, so believe it or not…I actually liked watching this disco number! Guess it just takes the right dancers, but they really killed this wild, fast disco number without being too cornball. Janette had trouble with the steps in rehearsal, but her pep really fit with this number. Lots of lifts and splits, too. Not bad for disco, which usually suck hard. Even Lil C, one of Brandon’s critics, had to give him props tonight! Still a power couple, these two.

Asuka Kondoh & Vitolio Jeune - Waltz - Louis Van Amstel - “Dreams Are More Precious” by Enya (VIDEO): Ok, so I’m still not really an Asuka fan because (espesh after last week’s “dance for your life” solo) I feel like she tries too hard to “act”. Like “act sexy,” “act sad,” “act supportive of partner”. On the other hand, I really like Vitolio and think he’s cute when he’s not drowning in his sweat (suck it, Asuka! Who the hell tells a partner, “I don’t find you attractive” after just meeting them? How rude!). With all that said, I thought this Waltz was lovely. The music, the elegant movements, the emotion behind it and Vitolio’s orphan upbringing…what a combo *wipe tear*. I admit that Asuka was graceful and made the right “tragic, distressed” faces, but I still feel that she wasn’t as genuine as Vitolio’s performance. But very strong overall, the judges loved it and Mary started crying.

Kayla Radomski & Max Kapitanniko - Pop Jazz - Brian Friedman - “Hot Like Wow” by Nadia Oh (VIDEO): Oh my, I really liked this weird shiz! Totally entertaining number where Kayla played a princess being entertained by Max, who seduces her in a plot to steal the throne - Mwahahaha! *twirl mustachio menacingly* Like Mary, I was distracted by Max’s baggy-crotched MC Hammer pants, but it was a really compelling storyline! Kayla really is fun to watch, and the judges were drooling all over her, but HELLO Grandpa Radomski was in the audience! Just seeing him tearing up with pride made me want to cry all over again. I. Love. Him.

Karla Garcia & Jonathan Platero - Contemporary - Stacey Tookey - “Falling Slowly” by The Frames (VIDEO): Is there an unspoken rule that every Contemporary dance number requires that one or more of the dancers must wear silk? Like say, a silk slip, a silk dress shirt, or silk pajamas? Let’s get more creative, people! But no matter, s’all good cuz I like Jonathan & Karla (although Karla is stronger) and they were one of the better couples of the night. I wasn’t as into it as the judges were - Season 4 had better Contemporary numbers IMO (Katee & Joshua, Kherington & Twitch) and the emotions felt a little forced. But overall, solid, so please keep them around, America! Jonathan is soo pretty and I wanna see Karla bust out her Hip Hop skillz in the future!

Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb - Tango - Tony Meredith - “Violento (Up Mix)” by Bailango (VIDEO): Eh, that was pretty weaksauce, especially Phillip. I get that he’s a fun pop-locker to watch, but I’m never convinced that he’s strong enough outside of his genre. Jeanine actually redeemed this for me with her sultry Tango-lady role, but as a whole, it was like watching two kids do a “tango” for a high school talent show. Will they end up in the Bottom 3 where they belong, or will Chbeeb’s fangirls save him?

Ashley Valerio & Kupono Aweau - Hip Hop - Shane Sparks - “Imma Be” by Black Eyed Peas (VIDEO): The concept had sooo much potential: Ashley lays on the ground as Kupono’s shadow and mimics his movements… but execution-wise, they didn’t pull it off. I couldn’t tell who to watch because they were both doing their own thing: Ashley was getting the moves and ‘tude right, but Kupono has his own style and I love watching him move. Unfortunately, based on this dance, they may end up in the Bottom 3 tomorrow. Save Kupono!

Catch So You Think You Can Dance at 9pm to see which guy and gal get cut. Also, Mia Michaels is choreographing a group number for the Top 18. Will she tone down her crabby attitude? Will Brandon prove himself to her? Guess we’ll have to watch and see!