First, who doesn’t love Cat in her little olive green dress with bedazzled microphone in hand? She looked beautiful this evening.

The opening “Heroes” number by Shane Sparks didn’t deliver. I am not sure if Shane is only giving 50%, because of ABCD or if it was the dancers. Did I miss him in the audience? Was he there? Last season he only choreographed one results show dance and never choreographed a couple. I am wondering if that will be the same case this season.

Let’s run through the results:

Kayla & Max - Safe! Who didn’t see that one coming? They are still on the hot tamale train.

Randi & Evan - Gosh darn it they better be safe. LOVE Evan!

Jeanine & Philip - They are safe too. I was totally psyched out by Cat. I thought maybe they would have been gone because they went first.

Caitlin & Jason - Of course they are safe. I didn’t like Caitlin at first, but she is certainly growing on me. I’ve decided that the Bollywood number is my favorite from last night.

Melissa & Ade - Safe! 5 couples are already safe. Melissa’s belching is disgusting. She may be the oldest, but she acts like the youngest. She is not my favorite dancer off stage. Don’t you think she looks like Diane Lane?

Ashley & Kupono - What is that lime green animal on his left shoulder? I’ve watched the crash test dance again and each time I dislike it more and more. It was cool the first time, but it gets old quickly.

Paris & Tony - In the bottom 3. No surprise there! My co-watcher, Wendy, was completed obsessed with Tony’s seatbelt belt. It was hideous! What the heck was he wearing!? Were those red Z Carvarci’s?

Asuka & Vitolio - They were my pick for the bottom to go home. Indeed they are in the bottom 3.

Jeanette & Brandon - I loved hearing her speak Spanish! Safe. I still could care less for Brandon.

Karla & Jonathan - Their cha-cha was not memorable in a sea of so many good dances and they are the last couple in the bottom 3.

The first special guest dancers is a couple doing the Tango. I didn’t get their names. While beautiful and I am sure technically impeccable my finger found the fast forward button.

Time for solos! Paris, Tony, Asuka, Vitolio, Karla, and Jonathan all Danced For Their Lives. Tony’s and Asuka’s Dance for Your Live’s were the weakest in my opinion. I always feel kinda bad for ballroom dancers who have to do a solo. They always look lame. Remember Pasha dancing with a mannequin? After Tony’s dance, I thought that the show better kick him off tonight if they want to remain a credible dance show, because Tony is one big joke.

Sean Kingston is next. The SYTYCD dancers seem way more talented than Sean’s back up dancers. It is sad to me that the SYTYCD contestants would only hope to get the job of a back up dancer after the show. Is this kind of dancing that they hope to be? I hope not.

Finally, the results. I always love the way that Nigel gives results. He seems to be honest and not snotty like another well known British judge. I like knowing if the judges were unanimous. He also points out tonight that their decision is based not just on the Dance For Your Life, but the contestants entire body of work on the show and casting for the rest of the season.

Paris is gone and so is Tony. I am a little sad to see Paris go. I think she is a combination of Lacey and Jamie from Season 3. Like Jaime, she went home way too early. Thank goodness, Tony is gone! Maybe he should have stuck with lacrosse.

Are you pleased with the results? Mia was M.I.A. this week. Did you miss her? Who is your new favorite after this week? Side note: Was anyone else digging the Glee commercials? I have listened to Don’t Stop Believin’ at least a hundred times this week. Maybe SYTYCD should dance to Glee’s Don’t Stop Believin’!

What an energetic, exciting, and fun start to this season!  There was a lot going on tonight, from Cat’s white spiderweb bejeweled mess dress to Mary’s general craziness to one standout routine after another.  Plus, it was just plain awesome to see our beloved SYTYCD stage again, don’tcha think?

From the 3-second “intro dances”, I had one overall response:  Whoever Ade is, I think I like him.  (I was not disappointed when he showed up again way later in the show.)

Typically, the Top 20 episode tends to have one or two forgettable or disappointing pairings, making it easy to predict who will be in the bottom 3.  After perusing my notes, and having seen each routine only once, I had a difficult time guessing who might be hanging out there at the bottom.  But I’ll try.

Their first (and last?) week on the show(?):

Karla & Jonathan, Cha Cha - First off, Amanda, ha!  You called it:  they brought out Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” in the third routine of the season!  Featuring two of the “unknowns”, I thought this routine was kinda middle-of-the-road.  The judges loved it, however.  Mary redefined innuendo when she declared, “I like my cha-cha rough!”  Overall, I think the show-ending Samba from Max & Kayla will overshadow this, putting Karla & Jonathan at risk.  Plus, I can’t remember Jonathan’s face.  I keep seeing Jason’s.

Asuka & Vitolio, Broadway - Not Tyce’s strongest choreography, in my opinion.  I love Broadway, but this was subpar.  I thought it was a little stiff, and the dancing seemed way slower than the music.  Mary & Shanks had similar opinions, saying A & V were “playing it safe”.   Nigel reminded them that their big personalities needed to translate on stage.  I predict they’ll be bottom 3, and they’ll be saved by the judges.  Nigel won’t let his favorite hottie go just yet.

Middle of the pack and therefore safe:

Paris & Tony, Hip-Hop - For the first ep of the season, I thought this was stronger than the judges declared.  I loved Paris in this: she went all out!  It’ll get a little old if they’re going to keep up with this “Tony, you will need to grow!/Tony, you’ve grown so much!” shtick.  And Tony mugs for the camera a little to much for my taste.  Judging from the audience scream-o-meter, though, they’ll be around for a few weeks longer.  Tony’s got the cuteness factor to save both of them. 

Janette & Brandon, Fox Trot - It stinks for them that they had to start the season with a ballroom routine, but they killed it.  What a seamless lift at the end!  And Janette’s dress - all that crazy pink material - didn’t slow Brandon down one bit.  I think Janette is good for him, personality-wise.   And this was the part of the show when Mary uttered that completely hilarious remark about not being able to raise her eyebrow:  “I can’t anymore ’cause of Botox!!!”  This and her screaming at herself in disbelief just afterwards made me laugh out loud.  Janette’s Botox-imitation response - so funny!

Melissa & Ade, Contemporary - I was about to get on Melissa for doing that finger-in-her-mouth coy look twice already tonight - she had better watch it with that gimmick!  But I shut up when I realized how down-to-earth she is.  She and Ade are a perfect, beautiful couple, and their Mandy Moore-choreographed-routine was my favorite of the night.  (Tough call - so much good stuff to choose from, right?)  They made Shanks cry, and Mary’s assessment of Ade as a “gentle giant” was sweetly true.  Ade has this unassuming brilliance to him, and I like him.  A lot.  The question for the future is, will Melissa’s age hold them back, popularity-wise?  Can you see her believably doing hip-hop? 

Kayla & Max, Samba - I think they could easily be in the next category, too.  They had the show-closing money spot, and their Samba was fast-paced, fun, and expertly performed.  I chafed a little at Max’s comment about how he can help Kayla learn ballroom - he’s quite sure of himself and it showed onstage, too.  Kayla brought it.  She will be one to watch this season.

Top o’ the Heap:

Randi & Evan, Jazz - First off, Randi’s married?!  Didn’t see that coming.  She and Evan make a great pair!  They were so good.  So.  GOOD.  Evan was brilliant.  The judges agreed.  Tyce redeemed himself tonight with this one.

Ashley & Kupono, Jazz - Sheer weirdness.  This was a good weird, ’cause it was Wade & his wife Amanda who dreamed it up, after all.  Like the judges said, love it or hate it, you’re gonna remember it.  (”It” being a crazy-cool take on crash-test dummies coming to life.)   My favorite part was Ashley - she was a great performer!  Kupono was good too, but I thought more than once that Mark from season 4 would have killed it.   Couples who get Wade Robson routines are generally guaranteed safety for another week.

Caitlyn & Jason, Bollywood - My hat’s off to them.  For the very first episode, they are given the challenging intricacies of Bollywood movement, and for that reason alone, they should shoot to the top of people’s lists.  Not only that, they did a great job with it, and they were clearly having fun.   Jason has that “Neil Appeal“.  What they did tonight was certainly memorable, and they did not come off like a weak copy of Joshua & Katee’s routine from last season.  I will not forget Caitlyn’s handstand & footwork in those early moments.  Plus, it’s “Jai Ho“!!!  Love that song.

And last but not least,

Jeanine & Philip, Hip-Hop - The producers wasted NO time.  For the first routine of the season, we are given the Chbeeb, hip-hop, and a routine that is eerily reminiscent of last season’s most beloved NapTab number, “Bleeding Love” (even Jeanine’s outfit was a copy of Chelsie’s).  You’ve got all that emotion, playacting, romantic drama, and the cutest SYTYCD couple since Courtney and Gev.  Of course they’re safe.

Final thoughts:  Mia was conspicuously absent.  I’m betting she choreographed Thursday’s Top 20 group number.  Even though I wasn’t a fan of Cat’s first outfit, I loved her loose hairstyle.  And though it won’t always be this way, I loved how generous the judges were with all of the Top 20 dancers.  We never once heard, “I’m sorry, I don’t think that will be enough for America, and you’ll be dancing for your life tomorrow.”

Do you agree, fans?  What predictions have you made?  What was your favorite number, and who is your favorite dancer (mine’s Ade.  Have I mentioned that??)  Let’s talk SYTYCD!

The Top 20 has been decided.  No matter if your favorite didn’t make it - the deal is done and the competition is ready to begin!  I (Amanda) feel incredibly relieved to finally have the decisions finalized.  My muscles feel physically more relaxed.  I love the emotions that “So You Think You Can Dance” make me feel.  One emotion that I felt tonight that I hope not to feel so much this season is disappointment.

We saw the clip yesterday of Evan and Ryan standing together in front of the judges.  Any Vegas Episode Watching Veteran knows that when two people are standing together, that means that they are the last 2 standing and only one is going to make it.  Dawn said that they would take Evan, because he is younger.  Sure enough, that was the case.  I was hoping that they would bring on Ryan as a choreographer, but they only hinted to come back next season.  Their reason that they both had a similar style made sense.  Ryan’s story about not letting fear keep you down is a great story.  I certainly hope that he doesn’t fear trying out again for the Fall!

Dawn: I’m with ya!  Now that the Kasprzak brothers’ fate has been decided, I am feeling less anxiety.  I love those boys both so much, and it pained me to see Ryan get cut, especially that last second when he urged Evan to join the fray of excited Top 20 dancers.  Oh, knife to the heart, people.  I wanted more for Ryan.  He’s exceptional.  I wanted the judges to say, “We’d like you to be a guest choreographer this season with Tyce” or something.  Of course, that’d probably be unrealistic, knowing how big the choreographers’ egos seem to be.

Amanda:  Next heartbreaker of the evening was Miami ballet dancer, Alex.  He wasn’t able to get out of his contract with the ballet company to appear on the show.  My husband wasn’t very sympathetic and thought that Alex should have known.  I was imagining him doing Will’s Pas De Deux routine from last year.  He would have been great.  The judges did a great job of letting him down easy and gave him their blessing as he goes and a blessing to return when his contract is up.

D: I loved Alex.  He seemed so cool, with the mad dancing skills to back it up.  I want to see another cool Asian dude on the show!  Who was the last one, Hok?  And I was saying the same thing, how could he not have known this contract issue would come up?

A:  Someone that got blessed tonight was Brandon.  However, he is on my disappointment list.  I would have much rather had Ryan instead of Brandon.  I am sort of with Lil C and Mia.  He is so over-hyped.  All of this talk about his arrogance is certainly going to hurt him getting America’s vote.  Just ask Danny and Will.

D: Agreed.  I’d have voted with Mia & Lil C.  Though it was nice to see Brandon speak up for himself so soon in front of the panel.  Maybe he’ll turn it around and not go the way of Will.  Danny did.  Danny dealt with all that “you’re arrogant” crap for a long time and he made it to the finals anyway!  Of course, Danny was one of the best looking dancers the show’s ever had, so that couldn’t have hurt him.  :)  Ah, Danny.

A: I would have also taken Ryan over Tony.  He is playing the role of Dominic this season as the “Watch Him Grow!” contestant.

D:  I was so gratified when Nigel told Tony he was the type they like to see grow up and improve throughout the season, since I called it yesterday when I compared Tony to Ivan.  The judges love filling out the cast with those predictable roles, don’t they?  (The Most Improved, The Breakers/Trickers/Hip Hoppers Who Surprise Us, The Eastern European, The Ethnic Hottie, The Cute Blonde, The Sassy Brunette, The Professional, The Underdog, The Dreamboat, The Quirky One, The Quiet One, etc.  The reason I never tire of this is because the choreography and originality of each year’s routines keep it fresh.)  Tangent aside, I like Tony.  I like him all tall & gangly.

Dancers I am Happy To See in the Top 20

A:  EVAN!!! - I am rooting for him all the way to the end.  I hope he can do hip hop.  Imagining him doing Krunk makes me laugh.  Good thing it is America’s favorite dancer and not the best.

D:  I bet he does hip-hop just fine, if the Vegas rounds were any indication.  They seemed pretty hardcore with all the cuts!  I think Evan will be a big favorite.

A: Janette - I like her style and her fighting spirit.  I am hoping she can do a good solo, otherwise 3rd best girl dancer will be good enough for her.

D:  What other two girls are ahead of her, in your opinion?

A:  Max - Just because he is cute.

D:  I’m curious to see what he can do.  He hasn’t been featured much.

A:  Ashley - She auditioned 4 times, people, and she finally made it.  All other dancers should take note.  (You hear that Bianca?)

D: Ashley who?  Seriously though, I thought she seemed quite composed and sweet.

A:  Asuka - She is so unique to SYTYCD.  I think it is going to be fun seeing what her powerful little body can do.

D: Ethnic Hottie. I would like to be surprised by her.

A:  Kupono - I liked Mark last year and I am drawn to another Hawaiian again this year.  And his checklists are adorable.

D: Full of life.  He’ll go far!  And much improved look with that haircut.

A:  Randi - “If you could commit to your artistry as much as your unitards, you will be great,” said Mia.  Hilarious!!

D: Randi is one of three blondes in the Top 20.  That’s a lot of blonde to differentiate from.  I don’t recall seeing any of Randi’s dancing in the audition episodes.

A: I am pleased with the selection of the Top 20 this season. There really isn’t one standout yet.  I feel like anyone has a chance to bloom or to fail miserably.  What’s great now is that America gets to decide.

D: Now that Ryan has been relegated to “cheering audience family member”, I’m feeling pretty chill about the whole thing.  Once next week gets underway, I’ll probably have more favorites.  For now, I’m on Team Evan, Team Kayla, and Team Caitlin.  By the way, who the heck are Ade, Jeanine, Karla, and Jonathan?

Here is your Top 20, Ameriker!

Ade
Brandon
Evan
Jason
Jonathan
Kupono
Max
Phillip
Toni
Vitolio

Ashley
Asuka
Caitlin
Janette
Jeanine
Karla
Kayla
Melissa
Paris
Randi

And cut they did.  Holy moly, Wednesday’s Vegas episode was fast and furious.  The judges weren’t playing any games.  But we’ll get to that in a moment.

First, I want to answer for my earlier Top 20 predictions.  I was wrong about Gabi, Sammy, Amanda, Chimeze, and Priscilla.  Oh.  And Natalie.

Natalie!

Weren’t we all wrong about Natalie?  I thought she was a clear lock for Top 20 - heck, to win this whole thing!  So to have her be cut so unmercifully after the Jazz round (choreographed brilliantly by Sonya Tayeh - the few seconds of dance we saw were so fresh!) was a shock to my system - not at all what we saw coming.  Especially after we had seen her do the routine in front of the whole group (with Brandon), at Sonya’s request.  Sonya clearly loved Natalie and saw her genius.  So I am stunned as to why she is now gone - while lots of other, nameless girls remain in her spot.  Natalie handled her dismissal with class.  I don’t think we’ll see her again.  After last year, and now this, it seems SYTYCD is not in the cards for her.

The episode started off with each of the 172 dancers doing their solo routine, one by one, for the panel of judges including Nigel, Mary (unusually subdued tonight), Shanks, Lil C, Mia, and Debbie Allen.  44 dancers were cut right out of the chute, including Travis, the coach’s son from last week.  I didn’t expect him to go far, and it was kind of a relief to see him and other dancers say goodbye without extra time or sentiment.  (Makes me wonder why they get so much screen time during audition episodes, though.  It’s like they want us to get invested early in, and then rip out our hearts the second their plane lands in Vegas.)

They moved on to the Hip Hop round (with NapTab), and 33 more dancers were given the boot.  Fifteen minutes in, and we’re already down to 97!  The ballroom round followed (with Jean-Marc Genereaux & France).  Even though Philip Chbeeb “doesn’t know how to not pop”, according to Adam Shankman, they waved him through.  Also sailing through was Japan’s Nabuya, who cried like a baby and said, “I love here, I really love here.”

I’ve already mentioned Sonya’s jazz routine, and I just want to say again that I think Mia better watch out: she might soon be replaced as SYTCYD’s most beloved choreographer.  Then again, I incorrectly predicted six Top 20 dancers, so whatevs.  I want that song Sonya used for the choreography.  It was super catchy!  It’s what got me through the Natalie Shock.

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I think we’re all clearly ready for the Vegas rounds.  Tonight’s episode had me (Dawn) reeling in frustration at all the time spent on the talentless.  By my count, extra time was given to only 9 good dancers.  Let’s focus on the highlights, shall we?

Amanda: I think we learned two lessons this evening. One, having the ability to fast forward through the audition show is a must. Two, don’t piss of the Executive Producer.

Dancers Who Are Nearly Guaranteed a Top-20 Spot:

• Sammy Ramirez

Dawn: Crazy red hair.  Charismatic megawatt grin.  Popping & locking.  Adam Shankman said, “I love you so much.”  Shone in choreography round.  Will shine when he does his “hair choreography” when he dances for his life later on.

Amanda: He reminded me of Dominic in Season 3. He was certainly entertaining and a standout amongst the rest of the auditions.

• Amanda Kerby

D: Complete with background footage of her playing football in slo-mo with her dad (diagnosed with MS), Amanda is a beauty who went straight through to Vegas.  Nigel said what I was thinking, which was essentially, “You’re so pretty I didn’t quite notice your dancing.”  Which reminded me so much of Kherington’s audition that I had a little deja vu.  Time will tell with this girl.  I feel we’ve seen other dancers in her style this season who can edge her out, talent-wise (Natalie, Gabi, Kayla, & Caitlyn come to mind.)  I can’t wait to see who rises to the top.

A: Of course, as a blonde Amanda myself, I am a little biased. I am hoping she goes far and she doesn’t pull a Kherington.

• Kuponohi’ipoi Aweau (”Pono”)

D: Mia loved this guy, who reminded Nigel of Mark from last season.  I think he’ll go far on Mia’s endorsement alone.

A: I was watching his hair and not his dancing. Yeah, if it comes down to him and one other guy and Mia is on the panel. Then he is getting the pick.

Other Great Dancers:

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