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!

At last! Tonight we got the first taste of what our So You Think You Can Dance Top 20 are capable of. There were some stand-outs and some burn-outs (ok, not that bad, but sounded cooler that way). Who will become “America’s Favorite Dancer” this season and take home the $250,000 prize? *dum dum DUMMM*

My BOTTOM 3 couples: Asuka & Vitolio, Tony & Paris and Brandon & Janette. Videos (by MJ’s Big Blog) and thoughts ahead:

Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb - Hip-Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - “Mad” by Ne Yo (VIDEO): A lyrical hip hop routine about a couple who have an argument and need to “talk it out” before they fall asleep. Bad sign: I’ve already forgotten who Jeanine is *thinking, googling* Oh! Kay, she’s a cute Anne Hathaway look-alike and was able to hold her own with Chbeeb, the pop-locking King of Kings (as far as the judges are concerned). It was alright for me, but I tuned out in the middle cuz it wasn’t as emotionally compelling as some of Tabitha and Napoleon’s previous numbers (e.g., last season’s “No Air” with Katee & Joshua or “Bleeding Love” with Chelsea & Mark). The judges were really into it though.

Asuka Kondoh & Vitolio Jeune - Broadway - Tyce Diorio  - “Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago (VIDEO): First of all, after seeing Tyce’s delight in giving rude, bitchy comments to auditioning dancers in past weeks, I now find him pretty obnoxious (and that floss-thin beard outline has GOT to go). But even if I liked him, I thought this choreography was too slow for the pippity-peppiness of the song. Beyond the choreography, the other issue was Asuka & Vitolio were doing as Nigel said: hitting their dance moves, but not putting enough energy and personality into the roles. As much as I like Vitolio, I worry for this couple. This was one of the weakest performances of the night - didn’t *grab* my attention.

Karla Garcia & Jonathan Platero - Cha-Cha - Tony Meredith - “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): Ohmigoodness, Salsa dancer Jonathan is so cute! Like the missing, sweetheart Gotti son. Contemporary dancer Karla is really likeable too. The pair had great chemistry on this Cha-Cha. Weird putting it to “Poker Face” and what is WITH the wonky camera angles? But Karla & Jonathan brought a little “skanky ho” to this Cha-Cha and it totally worked! Not technically the best Cha-Cha I’ve ever seen, but it was sexy-sexy. I’d love to see these two move on for sure. And PS, I hope I wasn’t alone in snickering when Nigel said, “You two just exploded on that stage! Jonathan, when you came through Karla’s legs with the splits like that, you shocked everybody!” …THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!

Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak - Jazz - Tyce Diorio - “I Only Have Eyes For You” by Jamie Callum (VIDEO): I know who Evan looks like! Marshall Flinkman from Alias (PIC)! Anyway, these two are the teeniest couple (especially when standing next to beanstalk Cat) but make a lovely pair. Even though they just met and Randi is married, the pint-sized duo had a nice connection and convincingly played a couple in lurve: y’know, lotsa intense, rolling around on each other and lifts. I’m glad to see Randi is leaving her dance unitards behind - maybe she’ll be leaving her hubby behind too, oh suh-nap j/k!

Paris Torres & Tony Bellisimo - Hip-Hop - Tabitha & Napoleon - “Let the Beat Rock (Boys Noize Megamix)” by the Black Eyed Peas (VIDEO): So apparently Paris was in a car accident which has made her left leg numb from the knee down. Ouch - much respect, girl!  Tony should’ve aced this since hip hop is his thang, but the number overall was “ehhhh”. The judges feel Tony needs to work harder on his “stank face”/playing the character AND improve his dancing. But he is sooo adorbs! Unfortunately, it can’t hide that this was another weak performance of the night.

Caitlin Kinney & Jason Glover - Bollywood - Nikuul - “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire (VIDEO): Seriously, Caitlin looks like LeAnn Rimes. Bollywood numbers are always fun to watch and it helps that they danced to the popular “Slumdog” theme song. An entertaining number for sure but I wasn’t as into it as the judges only because I thought Caitlin & Jason weren’t always synchronized, and sometimes I could see them lose character in trying to remember the steps. Still, they’re a cutie couple and deserve to move on. 

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Foxtrot - Louis Van Amstel - “Come Fly With Me” by Michael Buble (VIDEO): Well, I was rooting for this pair because I looove Brandon (a.k.a. he of verbal beatdowns by Mia Michaels and Lil C) and his strength. I gotta say though, this number was pretty boring (he wasn’t technically that stellar and why shove Janette in a very chaste floor-length dress that hides her amazing leggy-legs?) until the last jaw-dropping lift/spin. Brandon literally had Janette flying. So impressive, but not a real stand-out performance as a whole for me.

Ashley Valerio & Kupono Aweau - Jazz - Wade Robson - “Felt Mountain” by Goldfrapp (VIDEO): I adore Kupono - especially after this insanely creative and memorable “Crash Test Dummy” routine. No doubt that Wade Robson is a talented guy, but this eye-opening dance completely exceeded my expectations! So unique, bizarre and clever! Both Ashley & Kupono did a tremendous job playing the characters of these crash test dummies (metaphor for a relationship). They were like robotic ragdolls and constantly kept their hands not in “jazz hands” but in crash test dummy-style “jazz blades” - love it! I think it suited Kupono’s dance style perfectly. Heart! 

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Contemporary - Mandy Moore - “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx (VIDEO): So “naughty ballerina” Melissa, will now play the role of “naughty OLD ballerina”. At 29, she’s the oldest dancer on the show, but hey - with her experience, she looks like a very good match for Ade - a powerful, gorgeous contemporary dancer. This was yet another contemporary number that put our dancers in silk pajamas and had them dance lovingly with one another. So thematically sort of lame, but with Ade & Melissa behind it, it was performed with extraordinary precision and passion. Some rad lifts up in there too!  The judges ate it up! I’d like these two to stick around so I can see them in a more interesting number.

Kayla Radomski & Max Kapitanniko - Samba - Louis Van Amstel - “Jum Bah Day” by House of Gypsies (VIDEO): Wow, hot, hot, hot Samba! That was insanely good! Kayla was really sensational for someone who hasn’t had ballroom training. In audition footage she’s always a sweet/meek girl, but she really brought some fuego to the dancefloor and I was impressed by her confidence. I still miss seeing her darling crybaby of a grandpa, but I bet he was sobbing hysterically with pride after seeing her do that well. Max I can do without (sorry!), but I’d love to see Kayla continue. The dance definitely deserved the ride on the Hot Tamale Train!

Not a bad start at all! I’m excited by the potential of all of these dancers. Which guy and girl are going home tonight though? Find out by tuning in to So You Think You Can Dance at 9pm on FOX!