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!

Tonight we learned which dancers made it to this season’s Top 20 of So You Think You Can Dance. Below are the 10 fortunate females and 10 lucky lads who’ll be gracing our screens all summer (videos by MJS Big Blog):

Janette Manrara (VIDEO): I still can’t get over the amazing partnered flip/leg split move she did in her Miami audition. Too bad she’s on her own now because I could watch her do that over and over again. Ballroom dancers have a tough time winning votes because their expertise is in partnered dances, but she has some sass and could pull it off.

Vitolio (VIDEO): I like Vitolio! He had me at “I’m [so nervous that I'm] having a diarrhea moment.” This is the first we really learn about him: Vitolio was born in Haiti and was raised by his grandmother after his mom died when he was young. He had to move to an orphanage until he was a teenager but the School of Hard Knocks hasn’t slowed his dancing skills. He’s capable of some incredible leaps - and don’t forget that exuberant sense of humor. Me likee.

Kayla Radomski (VIDEO): I will also keep my eye on Kayla because as I’ve mentioned, 1) I loved her Denver audition to the Dionne Farris cover of “Blackbird” and 2) her sobbing grandfather absolutely pulled at my heartstrings. Who can resist sweet, supportive family members? Not I.

Kuponohi’ipoi “Pono” Aweau (VIDEO): For the sake of this blog, let’s start referring to this Hawaiian dancer as Pono. I was bummed that the judges made him cut his crazy, swingin’ hair. It gave him dramatic flair. I like Pono still. I don’t really have an issue with his allegedly “feminine” dancing. He’s very interesting to watch and proved that he has an adorable personality, too. I suggest audience members make signs for him that say, “Pick up the phone-o for Pono!”

Paris Torres, Jeanine Mason, Ade, Karla Garcia, Jonathan Platero (VIDEO): Well that was a bummer. All of these dancers made it through, but we don’t learn a damn thing about them. I believe Paris Torres was the beauty queen…?

Brandon  Bryant (VIDEO): Wow, this POOR guy. I couldn’t believe how venomous Mia Michaels was to him. Talk about a bittersweet victory: Brandon got a majority of votes to make Top 20, but neither Lil C or Mia were convinced he was good enough, and Mia’s comments became personal. Basically, she said she couldn’t stand watching him on the dancefloor, thought he was conceited and that he annoyed the “sh!t” out of her. Wtf? Is this the same Mia Michaels? I adore her work, but never knew she was spiteful like this. Turn off! Thank god that the other judges: Nigel, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman and Mary really stuck up for him. I was particularly happy to see Mary Murphy express her anger at Mia’s comments and announce she didn’t want to put up with her “crap”. That deserves a scream: WEEEEAAAAAUUUUOOOOO! Thank you, Mary! I think Brandon’s dancing is outrageous and hope he proves Mia and Lil C wrong.

Tony Belissimo (VIDEO): The weakest dancer, but ooh lala, what a cutie. I still like Tony but he needs to work it hard to make sure the judges warm up 100% to him. Something tells me Cat Deeley hearts him, too…a bit too touchy-feely with the young lad, eh, Cat?

Maksim Kapitanniko, Caitlin Kinney, Melissa Sandvig, Jason Glover (VIDEO): Another montage of our Top 20 and we don’t know much about anyone besides Caitlin. Melissa Sandvig is the infamous “naughty ballerina” - wonder if it’s the last we see of the tutu.  

Ashley Valerio (VIDEO): Finally, after trying out for the show 4 times, she makes it. We don’t know much about her besides the fact that she’s obviously tenacious. She is all trembly, but is moved when she realizes how proud her mom will be proud of her *sniff*

Randi Strong-Evans (VIDEO): True to her surname, Randi is a stocky, powerful “tigress” of a dancer. She wears unitards all the time and I gotta say, they’re not particularly flattering on her and give her the squat, meaty gymnast figure. Mia makes fun of the unitards for a looong time, so let’s see if Randi continues to wear them (my bet is yes she will and she’ll forever be known as the unitard girl).

Phillip Chbeeb (VIDEO): Favorite popper Chbeeb makes it of course. I really want him to impress me because I haven’t seen much of his specialty and am not that into him yet.

Asuka Kondoh (VIDEO): Although her ballroom dance partner, Ricky Sun, didn’t make the cut, little Asuka does. Eh. I’m not won over by her either yet. If we’re going on ballroom contestants, I feel like Janette “split flip” Manrara is a better complete package. But to be fair, none of them have had much screen time, so I can be persuaded!

Evan Kasprzak (VIDEO): We knew they’d force the Broadway Brothers (Evan and Ryan) to face-off for the final spot. Sigh. Too bad because I liked older bro Ryan a bit more, but honestly, the two of them are stronger as a dynamic duo. I don’t know if Evan will do it for me…

Oh, and on a side note, mind-blowingly gorgeous ballet dancer Alex Wong was cut (VIDEO) only because he is still under contract with the Miami Ballet and they wouldn’t let him participate. That BLOWS. I felt for him and really hope that he’s able to return and compete in a future season of SYTYCD. What a bloomin’ shame for us.

So that’s that! Some of these dancers we know already and others have gotten zero screen time and need to work 110% harder to win America over. Read more about the Top 20 at E! Online.

To all of the So You Think You Can Dance Top 20 dancers I say: You’d better BRING IT!

This is the first time I’ve tuned into the So You Think You Can Dance auditions and Vegas week and, erm, is it always that brutal? I blame the editing - it was like lambs to slaughter! So many favorites from the past audition weeks were cut down at the knees, and in so many cases left me wondering, “Why?”

Most were dismissed without explanation beyond, “Sorry, your journey ends here.” If they were lucky they got feedback like, “You just haven’t lived up to our expectations.” *sad trombone* I wanted to hear more technical reasons why a lot of the dancers didn’t get through. A simple, “You need to work on [blank] to make it to further” would’ve been nice. Le sigh! SYTYCD videos (by MJS Big Blog) and recaps below:

Alex Wong (VIDEO) - Ripped, elegant ballet dancer. Made it to Top 32. His solo made me wish the producers would give him more screen time.

Tony Bellisimo (solo VIDEO, crying VIDEO) - Tony’s first solo had too much ‘acting’ and not enough dancing, but after watching clips of him performing other styles, I developed a Bellisimo crush. He “danced for his life” in Mia Michaels’ contemporary number and made it to the Top 32. When he broke down sobbing, I got all kinds of verklempt. Love him - what a cutie pie! Hope he makes the Top 20.

Brandon Bryant (VIDEO) - I still think he’s abso-fraking-lutely amazing to watch, but he got shat on by choreographers Lil C and Mia Michaels (love her dances and have no prob with her being demanding, but she was cruel in her comments all episode!). They both said they’d heard amazing things about his dancing from other judges, but when they saw him he was blah (again, we don’t hear why they’re unimpressed, only that they just don’t like him). Forget the criticism, Brandon, I love your humongous tree-trunk legs and the *pow* in your movements!

Caitlin Kinney (VIDEO) - Gymnast/recent hip-surgery survivor Caitlin let her nerves get the best of her during the choreography challenge and had to “dance for her life”. She just barely made it through to the Top 32. We’ll see if she can stay focused and grounded enough to make the Top 20.

Evan and Ryan Kasprzak (Nerdography routine VIDEO, West Side Story routine VIDEO) - The “Broadway Brothers” make it to Top 32 (I’m waiting for the judges to pit them against one another for a spot in the Top 20…). Ryan choreographed an impressive hip-hop routine called “Nerdography” which rallied the judges AND made Adam Shankman cry. If nothing else, they should bring Ryan back as a guest choreographer. So creative.

Phillip Chbeeb and Arielle Coker (VIDEO) - Chbeeb the Popper made it to the Top 32. His friend Arielle does not. Chbeeb reminds me of Ray Romano in the face, anyone else? I’m still not as head-over-heels about him, but he is definitely a judges’ favorite to make the Top 20.

Natalie Reid (VIDEO) - The poor red-headed favorite (a.k.a. Katee Shean’s roommate) got cut for reasons unknown (maybe she didn’t “bring it” enough for the judges?). Other contestants (and viewers at home) are stunned. So much for that storyline…

OTHERS CUT: Son of accepting football coach Travis Prokop (VIDEO), widow Talia Rickards (VIDEO), rheumatoid arthritis sufferer Gabi Rojas (VIDEO), goofy Japanese locker Nobuya Nagahama (VIDEO), infectious grinning popper Sammy Ramirez (VIDEO), tap dancers Eric “Silky” Moore (VIDEO) and Bianca Revels (VIDEO), pretty blond whose dad had MS Amanda Kerby, bubbly Priscilla Marrero (VIDEO), Caitlin Kinney’s curly-hair sister Megan.

MAYBE CUT? These folks were also my faves from audition weeks but may have been cut without fanfare. Memphis Jukin cop Marico Flake (VIDEO), Anna Dunn whose dad committed suicide (VIDEO), Kellen Stancil who did the lovely umbrella dance for his passed aunt (VIDEO), quirky Seattle oddball Kelsea Taylor (VIDEO).

ALSO IN THE TOP 32 (VIDEO): Latin ballroom couple Asuka Kondoh and Ricky Sun (VIDEO), gal with cutest grandparents evs Kayla Radomski (VIDEO), Hawaiian contemporary dancer Kuponohi’ipoi Aweau (VIDEO), ballroom split-flip sassypants Janette Manrara (VIDEO), “the naughty ballerina”and the beauty pageant gal.

Tonight, So You Think You Can Dance continues in Vegas where the remaining 32 (16 guys, 16 girls) get whittled down to the final 20 dancers. Who are you rooting for?