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!

Did you catch tonight’s dancing fisticuffs between the Top 6 of So You Think You Can Dance? I did and you know I loved that Nigel echoed my complaint that this season’s contestants have totally boring personalities. I hear ya, Lythgoe!

Anyway, loquacious Lil C was back as the guest judge and our dancers picked new partners. Hey, what are the odds that the ladies all managed to draw the names of guys they haven’t been paired with yet? Huh! Whodathunkit?
*coughRIGGEDcough*

Que sera, no? Links to dance videos (from MJ) and my recaps below!

MY BOTTOM GUY & GIRL: Evan Kasprzak and Melissa Sandvig (they’re just the weakest of the night *shrug*)

GUYS GROUP ROUTINE: Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “True Romance” by She Wants Revenge (VIDEO): Ah, another weird, stompy jazz number by Sonya that’s supposed to have a Willy Wonka theme. I was pretty captivated (as I usually am with Sonya’s numbers), but I had trouble getting past the dorky golf outfits and yellow day-glo gloves. What’s so “Willy Wonka” about that? Sonya was pleased as punch with the dance, but I think it would’ve have a stronger impact if their costumes were tricked out more. Like why not full-on Wonka tuxedos and hats or canes? Anyone catch the girl who yelled, “Yeaaaah, rock it!!”? I wondered if it was an audience member, or Mary Murphy?

Jeanine Mason & Ade Obayomi - Samba by Louis Van Amstel - “Love Game” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): This couple had so much potential to sex this shizz right up, but Ade was the weak link. His smile is amazing but became too cheesy for this routine - he should’ve been smoldering and intense instead. He was also a little too wiggly-suave (which he does well), rather than show command and flirtation. The judges agree (and harp about his techinical faults too). Jeanine they loved (as usual). She was shaking it and caused her dress’s @ss plumage to fly everywhere.

Jeanine & Ade - 2nd Dance - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Move (If You Wanna)” by MIMS (VIDEO): Hm, Jeanine may end up having the most likeable personality of everyone if her interviews are anything to go by. I’m starting to root for her despite her over-the-top, barely there outfits. This had all the elements of being a crowd-pleaser: NappyTabs + Props (boxes) + Theme (eviction) + Possibility that Jeanine would fall on her ass = w00t w00t! It was fun to watch, and while she didn’t fall, Jeanine was a little slippity sloppy in her hippity hoppy (hi-yooooo!) over Ade’s leg. Still, the judges loved it and it was one of the better routines of the night. Lil C said it was “buck”, so… there you go.

Melissa Sandvig & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Get Me to the Church On Time” from My Fair Lady by Matt Dusk (VIDEO): Now I love Melissa but why is her hair always a hot, rat’s nest mess in her rehearsal footage? Poor gal. This number is about a couple who are rushing to the church for their wedding and is built for Evan’s Broadway skills. Quick question: Why are they getting married in their underwear? Moving on. I blame Tyce for these boring Broadway numbers. There’s nothing in the imagery he creates that is really memorable. Also, I agree with Lil C that they should’ve been more exaggerated in their movements and *jazz hands*. It was lacking a bit, although not for Mary, who came up with the corniest line of the night, “‘Get me to the church on time?’ How about ‘Get me to the finale on time!!’” She loved them.

Melissa & Evan - 2nd Dance - Quickstep by Louis Van Amstel - “As Long As I’m Singin’” by The Brian Setzer Orchestra (VIDEO): So, to all you Evan fans who try to tell me that he’s the beeeeest everrrr: did you catch in the rehearsal footage that both Melissa and Louis didn’t fully trust him? If they don’t trust Evan as a performer, why should I? I’m just saying… Anywho, that was a quick, Quickstep (harhar) and you really couldn’t help but notice how Melissa was taller (and stronger) in the number. The judges didn’t completely go over the moon about it and worry for Mel & Ev. Or MelVan.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Contemporary by Stacey Tookey - “All I Want” by Ahn Trio (VIDEO): This should’ve been amazing since it featured the two strongest Contemporary dancers this season. Not really an original theme (she’s a mistress trying to break up with his married man). Brandon is shirtless and hot, but I wish they’d turn on the freaking lights! The stage is so shadowy that I could barely catch their angsty “Stay away! Come back to me.. No! Yes… NO!” facial expressions and that would’ve added more to the drama. Ah well. I’ve seen better Contemporary numbers, but the judges looooooooooooove it - it’s clear which couple they’re all pimping to be in the final 4.

Kayla & Brandon - 2nd Dance - Disco by Doriana Sanchez - “Dance (Disco Heat)” by Sylvester (VIDEO): Doriana has been kicking sweet tail this season. It’s unbelieveable that I look forward to her dances almost as much as Mia Michaels’ or Sonya’s numbers. Kayla already has Boogie Nights-era hair and looks the part. These two put a bunsload of pop and zing into it: beads and sequins are flying everywhere and Brandon tosses Kayla like a ragdoll with some shocking lifts. These two are brave. Now, I liked the Disco numbers from Janette & Brandon and Melissa & Ade more, but this is undeniably impressive. It’s clear to me that someone’s definitely on the Hot Tamale Train and that’s Ms. Doriana Sanchez, YES IT IS! Catch the judging section when Lil C rambles about “pockets of music,” Mary has a psychotic, squealy-shrieky episode over Brandon’s confession that he has low self esteem and Nigel does the finest fake-out with a stern review-turned-screaming and dancing celebration over their talent. According to the judges, these two need to survive this week.

GALS GROUP ROUTINE: Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Kick It” by Nina Martine (VIDEO): Another fun theme (lady  Superheroes!). I was pretty amused by the rehearsal footage, including Jeanine accidentally punching Kayla in the face (where was Grandpappy Radomski with his shotgun?). Sadly, this dance lacked energy for some reason. It was caught between a dark tone and a very kitchsy, campy theme. And then it started looking like an aerobic workout. Did these girls rehearse enough? I prefered the guys’ group dance much more. Lil C articulates what I’m thinking and feels the ladies were holding back to be “courteous” to the one another. Okay, I forgive you for the “pockets of music” speech now, Lil C (or as Mary called him “Lil Buck”). I totally agree.

SOLOS

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “You Found Me” by The Fray (VIDEO): The beginning felt sloppy, but she picked up momentum at the end. Wouldn’t it be great if the dancers stop being predictable and bopping “sassy-like” to the final beats of the “So you think you can… dance… dance… dance…” music? Ick.

Ade Obayomi’s solo - “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October (VIDEO): I’m still into that baby smooth Ade chest. HAWT, but is it enough to win more votes? I hope so! Did you see those millions of spins he did? I lurve it!

Melissa Sandvig’s solo - “I Put a Spell On You” by Nina Simone (VIDEO): Omg, I just figured out that Melissa looks like Julia Stiles! Anyway, she busts out the “naughty ballerina” ‘tude that got her on the show in the first place, but let’s be honest, ballet is kinda boring and so is her solo.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana (VIDEO): Practically naked, Brandon repeats his SYTYCD audition number that originally made me love him. For me, this was not AS strong as it was then, and I thought Ade brought something really special to his own solo tonight, but Brandon was gorgeous - like a Greek statue - and the audience and judges ATE. THAT. UP. (Standing O from all three judges).

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Feedback” by Janet Jackson (VIDEO): She showed a lot more character than the other ladies, so this was the strongest female solo of the night.

Evan Kasprzak’s solo - “Lady is a Tramp” by Sammy Davis Jr. (VIDEO): More “aw shucks, ain’t I cute?” personality and Broadway energy. I must begrudgingly admit, it was one of his best solos (which he needed, since his two pairs dances tongiht were not that great).

So you know what I thought - do you agree that Melissa & Evan should go home? Be sure to tune in to So You Think You Can Dance tomorrow night at 9pm for the results AND because there will be some GREAT guest dancers!

Who’s ready for some So You Think You Can Dance Top 6 SPOILERS?  Read forth for the inside scoop on this week’s new couples (ahem, I called it last week), new dances and *squee!*-worthy guests for Thursday’s results show (from MJ):

NEW COUPLE PAIRINGS

Melissa Sandvig & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio AND Quickstep by Louis Van Amstel - All signs point to this couple leaving this week (and I haven’t even seen them dance yet!). But if we’re basing the contestants on the strength of their dancing, then these two likeable kids need to shoo shoo! Who knows though, America might keep annoying me and keep Evan around.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Contemporary by Stacy Tookey AND Disco by Doriana Sanchez - Two of the strongest dancers this season and the judges’ favorites. Contemporary and Disco should be a piece of cake for them, and I’m troubled by the fact that I’m excited to see the Disco routine. They’ve been pretty awesome this season.

Jeanine Mason & Ade Obayomi - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon AND Rumba by Louis Van Amstel - Jeanine & Ade have a lot of potential. Both have gained a lot of (Hot Tamale train) steam the past weeks. They’ll be the couple I’m rooting for, but a Rumba? Bleccccch and *yawn*!

RESULTS SHOW SPOILERS

On Thursday night, we’re in for a treat or two, or six. First of all, the musical guest is the always energetic Sean (da) Paul. THEN, I hope to have my dance socks rocked off by an appearance from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Season 1 winners: the JabbaWockeeZ!

But that’s not all! We’ll FINALLY see SYTYCD Season 4’s alumni perform the four Emmy-nominated routines (they should’ve been allowed to last week):

“Mercy” - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - featuring Katee Shean & Twitch
“Adam & Eve” - Contemporary by Tyce Diorio - featuring Jessica King & Will Wingfield
“Bleeding Love” - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - featuring Chelsie Hightower & Mark Kanemura
“A Los Amigos” - Tango by Dmitry Chaplain - featuring Chelsie & Joshua Allen

Hurrah! I love any excuse to see Katee & Joshua again (too bad, none of their amaaaazing dances together were nominated). Prepare to be reminded of how vanilla this season’s contestants have been. Tune in to SYTYCD tomorrow and Thursday night - the finale is almost upon us!

Uh, okaaaay… So, hey America, how do I put this gently?

You’re whiggity-whack on criggity-crack.

Why are you keeping jackarses on So You Think You Can Dance when it’s past their due date?

Tonight’s Bottom 2 guys and gals? Ridonkulous! Evan and Melissa definitely should’ve been there - they’re the weakest of the eight (and trust me, I like Melissa a lot!).

Recap and videos (by MJ) of tonight’s 100th episode and bummer elimination show…NOW:

GROUP DANCE: Choreographed by Mia Michaels - “One” from A Chorus Line, Original Broadway Cast - That’s right, Mia made that dance, not Tyce DiOrio. Very traditional Broadway-style dancing for this song (except with broken mirrors - ooooh, how edgy!). It’s a weird choice to open this celebratory 100th episode of SYTYCD because I recall that “One” is actually a bittersweet number that represents how dancers put blood, sweat and tears into their passion, but they usually just end up as a dot in a mass-ensemble of dancers. No love, no recognition. Way to open up the show with that message! *sad trombone* VIDEO

We see that a lot of SYTYCD alumni are in the audience (particularly from Season 4), so it’s a bummer that they didn’t all get to perform tonight, hmph. The judges reminisce (Ellen isn’t back tonight) about the show’s impact and Nigel again talks about last night’s breast cancer dance by Melissa & Ade - specifically that Olivia Newton-John contacted him about how she (as a survivor) was so moved by it. VIDEO

Cue sentimental montage of past five season highlights. VIDEO

Enough mushy stuff, it’s time to find out which girls are in the Bottom 2! Melissa is safe, which is KINDA unfair because she at least should’ve been in the Bottom 2 based on last night’s terrible Cha-Cha. But I like her, so I’m sorta glad. I’m so torn! Jeanine is safe, which means that two perfectly strong ladies, Kayla and Janette, are in the Bottom 2. Laaaame! It will be a loss tonight no matter who goes home. VIDEO

We take a stroll down Memory Lane and re-watch Season 3’s “The Hummingbird and the Flower” dance (choreographed by Wade Robson) featuring Jamie Goodwin and Hok Konishi. Oh yay! At least they brought them back to perform it live! Wow, this dance reminds me that this season sorta STANKS compared to past years. VIDEO

The lads are lined up to find out who’s in the Bottom. I’m mentally crossing my fingers, squeezing my eyes shut and chanting, “Let it be Evan, let it be Evan!” But that mofo is SAFE and not even in the Bottom 2! Truly outrageous! Ade is also safe, which means Jason and Brandon are in trouble tonight. REALLY? Brandon in the Bottom over Evan? Last time I checked, Brandon = power, passion, strength in every genre and Evan = doughy, hit-or-miss, bland performances beyond his genre. ARGH.  VIDEO

As I grind my teeth, we watch Season 2’s “The Park Bench” dance (choreographed by Mia Michaels…again) featuring Travis Wall and Heidi Groskreutz. Why do these dances seem so much more powerful than this year’s? Maybe earlier seasons had the privilege of showcasing unique dance styles and choreographers to America before we got spoiled and started to expect it (although there were some awesome routines as recently as last season, too)… VIDEO

SOLO DANCES: Kayla, Jason, Janette and Brandon DANCE FOR NO REASON, re-doing their solos from last night. Brandon is just…wow - he needs to be in the Top 4. Kayla’s solo is more interesting than Janette’s slowed-down ballroom one, but not by much. VIDEO

Ok, people liked last night’s zombie dance by Kayla & Jason, but the original, awwwesome SYTYCD zombie dance was Season 2’s “Ramalama (Bang Bang)” number (choreographed by Wade Robson…again). Tonight we see it again with lots of alums and Wade himself. It’s so fun to watch. Sensational performances! Question though, why are we only watching dances by Wade, Mia and Tyce tonight? Can we get a little diversity up in this special? Sheeeesh! VIDEO

Speaking of, here’s another freaking Tyce dance. It’s the much-plugged (pre-taped) dance by Tom Cruise’s wife– I mean, Suri Cruise’s mom– I mean, Katie Holmes. She does a song-and-dance to “Get Happy” as a Judy Garland tribute. She sings it in a thin voice and y’know- whatever. Kinda the usual Broadway dance that makes me glaze over. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Janette Manrara and Jason Glover. Royal bummer to see Janette go, although I probably would’ve been equally down if Kayla left. Both ladies are really talented - Janette just has a tiny bit more of a spark in her personality. Cat makes it no secret that she thought Kayla was going home because she won’t stop kissing Janette, tearing up or saying how shocked she is about her elimination (sucks to be Kayla, don’t it?). The judges agree - they all loved Janette. Too little, too late! They should’ve pimped her way earlier. Oh yeah, Jason leaves too, but y’all know I wasn’t never a fan of his, so better him than Brandon. VIDEO

And then the show just sorta ends. A let-down for the big 100, if you ask me! Wonder who the new couples will be next week. If the producers want to mix it up again, it’ll be: Kayla & Brandon, Melissa & Evan and Jeanine & Ade.

Next week: Top 6, So You Think You Can Dance, be there or be Square (Eyes?).

Tonight our Top 8 dance-dance-DANCED for us on So You Think You Can Dance. We got Mia Michaels as a guest judge along with “who invited her to the party?” talk-show host, Ellen DeGeneres. K, I like her, but just cuz Ellen does goofy dancing on her show doesn’t mean she’s an expert for the panel. Sers! We got new couples and the judges all refused to use adverbs proper(LY), but let’s move on to the dancing.

Each pair did two numbers and then all 8 dancers did a solo. Videos (from MJ) and recaps below:

MY BOTTOM GUY & GIRL: Evan Kasprzak & Melissa Sandvig (she’s actually one of my faves but I’m being objective here)

GROUP ROUTINE: Choreographed by Travis Wall - “Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolph ft. Lil Wayne (VIDEO): The dancers are all doing some hippity Contemporary to this rock/Hip Hop song, wearing Lite Brites and glowing Geordi LaForge visors in the dark. It was aight, can’t complain.

Janette Manrara & Evan Kasprzak - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh  - “Move” by CSS (VIDEO): For me, it’s Evan’s time to go home this week. He just doesn’t bring enough passion and ownership of the dances compared to the other three guys. He has the “aw shucks”, shrugged shoulders attitude which may work for old fashioned Broadway style dancing, but makes his other performances so pedestrian. I was focused on Janette during most of this number cuz she hit the moves like boom, boom, pow(!), and Evan, well, he was there in the background…

Janette & Evan - 2nd Dance - Rumba by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - “Heartless” by Kris Allen (VIDEO): Wow, this song sounded way better when Kris “Monkey Jaw” Allen sang it on American Idol. Again, Janette stole the spotlight and I thought I saw Evan falter in the beginning and at the end on some steps, but the judges didn’t mention it so maybe I’m cuhrazeh? I preferred Melissa & Ade’s Rumba from a few weeks ago to this one. A little dark and empty for me.

Jeanine Mason & Brandon Bryant - Waltz by Hunter Johnson - “May It Be” by Hayley Westenra (VIDEO): Wow, SNOOZE CRUISE alert! Poor Jeanine got stuck wearing this totally unflattering canary yellow dress. The judges weren’t too pleased with this Waltz and neither was I. It was so uninteresting, especially coming from two of the strongest dancers of the season. I thought these two would be a dream couple, but this Waltz did them ZERO favors. Yeech. Skip it!

Jeanine & Brandon - 2nd Dance - Pop Jazz by Laurieann Gibson - “Battlefield” by Jordin Sparks (VIDEO): This dance was a big improvement, but I was NOT feeling it as much as the cracked out judges. Nigel was suddenly raving like a mad man about how much he loved it, and he sort of peer pressured Mary into Hot Tamale Train-ing the dance. What I liked was the energy and strength, but I had problems with the fact that Jeanine was slightly ahead of Brandon’s moves in parts of the dance! Right? Who else caught that? They definitely weren’t that together so I was distracted - it was like the “boot camp” rehearsals with Laurieann effed with Jeanine’s head so she was overcompensating to keep up with her partner. Still, they got the judges’ love and methinks America loves them too - should be safe tomorrow.

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Cha-Cha by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - “Yeah (Como Goza Mi Morena)” by Chino Espinoza Y Los Dueños Del Sol (VIDEO): I was so happy to see Melissa & Ade reunite, but yikes, this dance wasn’t good at all. Love her old ass as I do, Melissa was really weak in the Cha-Cha. She didn’t possess much fire or hip action and looked uncomfortable attempting to do so and that was all I could focus on. Unfortunately, because this was one of the weakest dances, I think Melissa may be going home tomorrow. The other three gals are just incredibly strong and deserve to stay longer. The only highlight was Ellen’s tongue-in-cheek comment, mocking the terrible puns that usually come from Mary and Nigel, “Are you two carpenters? …Cuz you NAILED it!” (Note: Ellen didn’t have anything bad/constructive to say about any dance tonight, so her reviews don’t really count).

Melissa & Ade - 2nd Dance - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio - “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell (VIDEO): So this emotional dance about breast cancer had every judge on the panel in absolute tears (except Ellen). Yes, that means Nigel was choked up and crying, Mary’s tears left tracks in her make-up and Mia was absolutely sobbing during her critique. I love this song, I love this couple, I loved the emotion Melissa brought to it, I loved Ade’s sweet strength, but I was honestly more moved by the judges’ reactions than by the dance itself. Maybe I just had really high expectations because I’d heard rumors that it was so powerful… but I’m not sure I agree with Nigel that this is one for the SYTYCD history books. I’ll remember it for breaking down the judges, but the dance itself wasn’t too memorable for me.

Kayla Radomski & Jason Glover - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Mr. Monotony” from Jerome Robbins Broadway by Kim Criswell (VIDEO): This was a swanky, smooth number. I appreciated Kayla’s dancing tonight more than the other girls - she has grace, style and performs really well as each “character”. Her personality off the dance floor? Well, that’s another story (a.k.a. bor-ring!). Grandpappy Radomski was back in the audience just splitting at the seams with pride and, as I always say, he’s the real reason why I like watching Kayla dance.

Kayla & Jason - 2nd Dance - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks - “They’re Everywhere” by Izza Kizza (VIDEO): After his previous Hip Hop numbers failed this season, I’m sure Mr. Sparks was out for redemption. Luckily, he had strong dancers as a resource and made a Michael Jackson Thriller-esque zombie dance. It was very entertaining and Kayla & Jason have good chemistry together. I do wonder how Tabitha & Napoleon felt after hearing Nigel say he’d been disappointed in the Hip Hop this season? Back-stabbed!

SOLOS

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “The Moment I Said It” by Imogen Heap (VIDEO): One of Kayla’s better solos in the past weeks. She showed a lot of control, really breathed into her movements and hit some beautiful lines.

Jason Glover’s solo - “…Slowdance On The Inside” by Taking Back Sunday (VIDEO) - Pretty boring, actually. Just lots of split leaps and stuff.

Janette Manrara’s solo - “Seduces Me” by Celine Dion (VIDEO) - She slowed it down and I really missed her quick, hot Salsa solos. It was okay, but not much of a stand-out for me.

Ade Obayomi’s solo - “Hater” by Various Artists Production (VIDEO) - A much, much improved solo from last week’s. His musicality was way stronger on this number and he was unique, a little odd, and did some powerful leaps and spins - please keep Ade, America! How can you resist that cheshire cat smile?

Melissa Sandvig’s solo - “Headless” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs (VIDEO) - Totally more interesting than last week’s slooow ballet solo. It came off a bit 80’s and Flashdance-y, but that’s not really a bad thing. I just don’t know if it’s enough to save her. Waaah.

Evan Kasprazak’s solo - “Old Devil Moon” by Jamie Cullum (VIDEO) - He dropped his prop hat and had crazy armpit sweat stains, but I thought he was charming and loved the flip he did. (That doesn’t change the fact that I want him to go home already.)

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Let the Drummer Kick” by Citizen Cope (VIDEO): Vewy intewesting. Man, Jeanine is thick, isn’t she? It’s sorta distracting, but that’s not to say she isn’t very talented. Nice song selection on her part, and was one of the best girls’ solos of the night.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - performed to “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That” by Robert Randolph and the Family Band (VIDEO): Brandon is a pack of dynamite. I could watch him dance for hours. Keep this mofo around, even if he’s kinda annoying in rehearsal footage.

Tomorrow night is the big, FAT 100th So You Think You Can Dance episode EXTRAVAGANZA! We’ll be graced with Wade Robson, famous routines from past seasons (I hope they’ll be re-danced by previous contestants, but I won’t hold my breath) and Katie Holmes dances a tribute to Judy Garland. Plus, we find out which guy and gal get sent home - it’s getting tough to predict… Be sure to tune in!

What the WHAT? America is always stanking things up! I’m okay with who went home tonight on So You Think You Can Dance (Randi “unitard girl” Strong-Evans and my Hawaiian honey, Kupono Aweau), but I’m very disappointed that Melissa & Ade were in the bottom! Haters. More ranting below and of course, videos from tonight’s show (by MJ):

GROUP DANCE: (song: “So Much Betta by Janet Jackson) - The gang do some dramatic pop jazzy dance which is filled with pan-Asian stereotypes: red lanterns, conical hats, geisha-style hair/make-up/attire, dragon ladies, ninjas. I found myself wondering, “Where are the firecrackers and Lion dancers? Why isn’t Mr. Miyagi there teaching Crane kicks to Mulan?” Ugh. It was aight and featured Melissa in her ballerina glory as some…high-ranking geisha princess? I couldn’t follow the story, I was too busy placing bets that Sonya Tayeh choreographed it. But I was wrong and I guess the Asian stereotypes in the dance are supposed to be ok because Wade & Amanda Robson did it and she has some sort of Asian background. *GONG!* VIDEO

Cat is having one of those “off” nights cuz her hair is a hot, tangled mess, she looks tired, and someone dressed her in an ill-fitting, deflated discoball. Remember her bob hairstyle last week? That was good. Tonight? Not so much. Anyway, Cat announces that last season of SYTYCD received 4 Emmy nominations for the Choreography category, and one for Make-up. Watching clips from last season served as a reminder that this season’s dancers may be technically skilled, but the personalities on the majority of em? Like watching paint dry. VIDEO

It gets worse! Nigel is gone to receive an honorary doctorate in England, so it’s just Mary and Debbie tonight. Hm. Not the same. It ain’t sh!t without that Brit.

Ok, who’s in the bottom? Tonight the two guys and two gals with the lowest number of votes must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. Oh wait a tick. No they don’t because America’s already decided who’s leaving. I must amend the name for these elimination solos…It’s more like they DANCE FOR NO REASON beyond being asked to by the show. *shrug* I miss the DANCING FOR THEIR LIVES. Anyway, we start with the Top 5 ladies and learn that Randi and Melissa are in the girls’ Bottom 2. Actually, come to think of it, America may have gotten this right. I like old-ass Melissa but I wasn’t into her Broadway number last night and thought her solo was too slow-lo. I agree Randi deserves to be there. VIDEO

Then, more plugs for the fall Season 6. Some girl named Mollee from Utah moved her whole family to Cali just so she could have more dance opportunities. Her audition is scrambled and flawed, imo. But she’s bubbly like Kellie Pickler so I assume  they let her through to Vegas. VIDEO

Now it’s the Top 5 dudes on stage. We learn that Kupono is in the bottom (sadly, I agree), but then Evan is SAFE?? Wtf. That puts poor Ade in the Bottom and I’m piiiiiissed. Dear Evan’s fanbase: you’re clearly massive, but you’re wrong! Evan is not interesting and is a far cry from Ade’s skill level, especially in considering who deserves to stay til the end. Lame! VIDEO

SOLO DANCES: Wait, did the dancers always re-do the exact same solo from the previous night in past seasons? That’s stupid! So we have to watch them do the exact same solo! Rerun! We can’t ask them to create one more 1-minute number when they DANCE FOR NO REASON? (Hm, I guess that answers my question - why should they waste energy to come up with dance if it won’t win them votes…).

Randi’s solo - “Dream” by Priscilla Ahn - Like last night, I’m not too wowed by it. I’m also still bothered by the fact that it’s the exact same dance as last night. Where’s the entertainment in it? VIDEO

Kupono’s solo - “Marina Gasolina” by Bonde Do Rola - He was a bit stronger than last night, and his outfit is equally ridiculous. However, his pants are so low, I can see his male mons veneris and it’s very distracting. VIDEO

Melissa’s solo - “Gabriel” by Lamb - Yup, still slow ballet and boring. She needs to be more creative (like last week) to get the fans behind her. There was a flirty moment at the end between Melissa and Cat - what was that about? Get a room, ladies! VIDEO

Ade’s solo - “Unchained Melody” by Righteous Brothers. Mary and Debbie are in love with him (me too!) and the crowd goes wild for his solo. So why is he in the Bottom 2 again?? VIDEO

The Black Eyed Peas perform “I’ve Got a Feeling” and there are enough wacko things going on that I started laughing out loud at my screen: will.i.am’s continual, almost-self-conscious smoothing of his crooked haircut, Fergie’s usual butterface and twirling a feathered baton for no reason, ugs & androgynous background dancers and creepy Taboo wearing a red leather Michael Jackson jacket. Then confetti explodes from the ceiling. Sure, why not. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Randi Strong-Evans and Kupono Aweau. Randi, I will not miss your stockiness and unitards. But I’m bummed that I *just* realized you sorta look like Jennifer Aniston. Kupono, I will miss you and even your too-frequent *tilt head up* “WOOOO!”s, but I don’t really ever want to see your pubic area again. Pull up yo pants. VIDEO

Next week Mia Michaels will be a guest judge AND so will talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres (WTF?). I’m confused. And then next Thursday is the 100th episode of So You Think You Can Dance, so it’ll be a big deal and Katie Holmes will dance a tribute to Judy Garland. I’m kinda cringing, just in case of suckage.

What’s up, Dance fans? Below are videos (from MJ) and quickie recaps of tonight’s Top 10 performance show on So You Think You Can Dance! As is the story of my life lately, I’ve been a smidge bizzay to give my full-on catty commentary (but I tried my best por vous, readers).

The winds are a’changin! New couples, new voting style. The dancers got paired with a new partner tonight and each duo did one dance together. Also, each of the Top 10 dancers performed a solo, and then there was a male group dance and a female group dance. The esteemed Debbie Allen joined in as the third judge.

BOTTOM DANCERS: Randi, Kupono and Evan

Girls’ Group Dance - Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahanjan - “Dhonlna” from Pyar Ke Geet soundtrack (VIDEO): That was cute. The gals are called “The Bollywood Bombshells” - I thought it could’ve used more *pow!* personally, but their dance was typical Bollywood lady-dance delightful and told some sort of story like, “We’re getting water from the river, now we’re carrying it on our heads, now we’re wearing freakin’ creepy masks on the back of our heads…” - you know, THAT kinda story. The judges loved it and threw in gross puns like “Nakul, you’re ‘cool’!” (Nigel) and “BollyWOW!” (Mary). Debbie is too cool for puns and just thinks they’re the best Top 5 ladies evs.

Kayla Radomski & Evan Kasprzak - Viennese Waltz by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - “Kiss From A Rose” by Seal (VIDEO): So much for Team Short Stuff (Evan & Randi) - more like Team Tall Girl and Short Guy. I thought the number was blah - the song’s tempo rushed the choreography so they didn’t get a chance to sloooow and flooow their movements. Kayla looked pretty as usual, but it would’ve been better if we had a chance to absorb what was happening. Evan was able to do the lifts, but he lacked presence in this dance for me.

Brandon Bryant’s Solo - “Your Eyes” by Jeffrey Gains (VIDEO): The song stank (how could you beat the Peter Gabriel version? Honestly.), BUT I admit I loooove watching Brandon’s solos. So much power in that mighty lil body! Objectively, he’s definitely the strongest dancer of this season.

Janette Manrara & Ade Obayomi - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Love Sex and Magic” by Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake (VIDEO): Another wonky height difference. Team Tall Guy and Short Girl. Suddenly, Ade looks monstrously huge and tall next to tiny little Janette. A really fun hip hop number to watch (c’mon, it’s about him hypnotizing her with his hair pik o’ FUNK). Both are good dancers with high energy (and seem to genuinely like each other). I think they could’ve been more together, but maybe that’s part of the height difference coming into play. Who cares though? The judges were gaga over it - pure entertainment from skilled dancers.

Randi Strong-Evan’s Solo - “Dream” by Priscilla Ahn (VIDEO): Eh. A typical contemporary number. She does dance a little “heavy” as Mia Michaels mentioned a few weeks ago. A little frantic, too.

Kupono Aweau’s Solo - “Marina Gasolina” by Bonde Do Rola (VIDEO): Now I loves me some Kupono, but I thought this could’ve been stronger. He could’ve matched the music a little more and his tore-up top was sorta zombie-ridiculous. I think me dear Kupono may be in trouble…

Jeanine Mason & Jason Glover - Contemporary by Travis Walls - “If It Kills Me” by Jason Mraz (VIDEO): These two are already friends, so they’re excited to work together. Also, everyone’s stoked to see Season 2 runner-up Travis Wall come to choreograph. I know I’m not a big Jason fan, but I admit: the dance is sexxxcellent! It has a story (childhood friends who fall in love), matches the music perfectly, is uber-passionate, plays with a prop (necklace), and Jason gets to make-out with another girl at the end. Jeanine & Jason both really get to shine now that 1) they’re with a partner who can keep up (sorry, Chbeeb, truth hurts), and 2) they have real chemistry with one another (sorry, Caitlin, truth hurts). The judges are in looove with it and give them a standing ovation. They’re all nostalgic about Travis’ growth, Mary’s crying and HOT TAMALE TRAIN screaming, etc, etc.

Melissa Sandvig’s Solo - “Gabriel” by Lamb (VIDEO): It’s a little slow and not as strong as her solo last week, but still a pretty number with a bunch of pointe work going on. I did say, “Go on with your bad self, old-ass ballerina!” at some point(e) (haha!) — it was tongue-in-cheek, of course. I know she ain’t that old, so save the hate mail!

Evan Kasprzak’s Solo - “Zing went the Strings of my Heart” by Rufus Wainwright (VIDEO): A nice “aw shucks” Broadway-style solo from Evan. He’s so much more enjoyable in his own element…

Kayla Radomski’s Solo - “Rock Your Soul” by Elisa (VIDEO): Annoyingly repetitive song. If you compare Kayla to Randi there’s no doubt that Kayla’s contemporary style solo is much better - her lines are indeed gorgeous. She just lacks personality (compared to say, Melissa or Janette or Jeanine).

Randi Strong-Evans & Kupono Aweau - Paso Doble by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - “Dies Irae” by Karl Jenkins (VIDEO): Uh did Kupono almost drop Randi at the end? Sadly, Kupono’s not quite strong enough. I could tell they both gave their best, so it was too bad they didn’t quite deliver. Also, I’ve always thought that Randi should consider getting hair extensions or some color, but after seeing her in the long, brown wig, I’m not sure if that helped her look. It was okay to watch, but the judges were really down on them, so these two are in troubs!

Ade Obayomi’s Solo - ”Unchained Melody” by Righteous Brothers (VIDEO): Ade, you’re so effin’ cute. I mean it was a weird music choice for the fast speed he was dancing, and he rehashed the same flying backflip from last week (his “signature move” perhaps?), but I heart this guy!

Jeanine Mason’s Solo - “Violento (Up Mix)” by Bailongo! (VIDEO): Wasn’t this the song that Jeanine & Phillip did their disasterous Tango to? Well this was much better than that. Jeanine must feel like the old ball and chain is off (that’s you, Chbeeb) cuz she’s gaining a lot of momentum. Strong solo despite weird bandage-y outfit.

Jason Glover’s Solo - “Train Fare Home” by Muddy Waters (VIDEO): Hm, Jason was quirky, for once. What is going on? Will it hurt him or help him? Still not as strong as Brandon or Ade, but he’s right smack-dab in the middle of the ranks.

Melissa Sandvig & Brandon Bryant - Broadway by Tyce Diorio - “Aquarius” from Hair New Broadway cast (VIDEO): Lol, Cat after the dance, “I…smell…patchuli…” So I liked the number okay, but wasn’t as in love with it as the judges. It was sorta scattered, but they’re both good dancers and Melissa was able to keep up with Brandon. I’m not sure if the audience will love it that much either. I hope they’re both safe!

Janette Manrara’s Solo - “This is Miami” by Saunder (VIDEO): Hm, words to describe…salsa-y, sexy, flingy, fun, cheeky.

Guys’ Group Dance - African by Jeff Paige - “Balant Funk” by Ayanda Clarke & Shawn Kelly (VIDEO): Wow, that went on forever and I (like Cat) got tired just watching them. I’m winded. Five, shirtless, shweaty guys? The ladies went wild. They had way more energy than the girls’ group dance, that’s for sure.

So tomorrow night, the judges hand their POWAH over to America and voters are only choosing the best DANCER (not couple). Who is in the bottom and who’s on top? Find out tomorrow on So You Think You Can Dance!

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!