SYTYCD Top 10 Power Rankings
What an amazing show!! First, let me say that I loved both the girls’ and boys’ numbers, especially that each featured a “foreign” dance style that was so high-energy and that both included all five linking arms and dancing together. And the FAME trailer got me sooo excited. It’s been too long since my last Kherington fix.
So, the rankings. Here we go.
Girls –
1. Jeanine had a terrific contemporary with Jason, choreographed by Travis Wall and it was stunning. Her solo was also incredibly strong. I think she acquitted herself quite well.
2. Janette and Ade had a wonderful Nappytabs hip-hop that was a lot of fun. More amazing chemistry here. Her solo was the last and pretty strong and she showed a lot of personality when Cat asked her, “So where are you from again?” and she whipped out, “New Zealand!”
3. Kayla continued her “flawlessness” with Evan. I really enjoyed her personality a lot when she and Evan discussed the height differences, switched shoes and after the performance revealed the “shoe fix.” Flats! On a waltz! That’s pretty neat, actually. Her solo was good.
4. Melissa has a cute personality and did well tonight with Brandon and in her solo, but I never seem to feel much variety from her. Of the girls, she’s my least favorite and I suspect that though she was gorgeous, she’s probably surprised us the least and showed the least growth (probably cause she has the most experience and is pretty technically trained). She’s my vote to go, though she probably performed better than –
5. Randi unluckily drew Kupono and, I think, suffered for it. I think the wig and the awkwardness of the routine (though there were some pretty elements) might hurt her. I suspect it’s between her and Melissa and I’d rather that she stay so I can see her with more partners. She’s my mom’s favorite, so I know she wants her to stay as well.
Boys (mom and I were in 100% agreement here) –
1. Evan has an enormous fan base, as well as a lot of flair and personality. His solo was strong and he did admirably in the African dance, though Nigel said he looked like a “dancing milkshake.” But I was actually never in any doubt that he would do well here, as he’s always been adept at leaping. He partnered Kayla with incredible strength (THOSE LIFTS!!!) and I think he’s learning more about masculinity and strength and sexiness every week. Which is great, cause he’s always been cute and charming.
2. Ade just wowed me tonight. He’s won me over more and more each week and I was excited to see him dance with Janette. What a wonderful partnership! So much chemistry. His solo rocked as well. Love that he got to demonstrate the power of the pick. Lol.
3. Jason was in the strongest routine of the night, with Jeanine and I’m thoroughly impressed with him. I hope he can keep it up. He gets major cool points from me for solo-ing to Muddy Waters 
.
4. Brandon had a good night, good routine with Melissa and a good solo. But he’s still a bit cocky and he’s almost too proficient. It’s kinda boring sometimes. Not all the time, but I think that people have latched on to people like Evan and Ade so much more at this point, and Jason just had such a great routine with Jeanine.
5. Kupono needs to go. He really let Randi down with all that awkwardness in the Paso Doble. I was proud of him in the African dance and liked his solo. But of all the guys, I think he’s probably the weakest (least consistent, at least) partner, which puts the girls in danger.
I can’t wait to see what y’all think!
You always rank in the same order that I rank. Great minds think alike?
If only America would too! 🙂
Evan as #1? I understand he has a huge fanbase, but he is impressing me less and less. He’s so awkward… and reminds me of my father. He would have gotten the boot from me last week, as he was iffy in hip-hop and completely ruined that HOT choreography in the second number. Any other couple would have made that samba exude sexiness and desire. And the fact that Kayla had to dance barefoot because of Evan’s height this week is a huge problem, imo.
I hope Evan, Randi and Kupono will be in the bottom 3 and, despite what I said, that the latter goes home. Kupono has a great personality, but his [assumed] sexuality does seem to affect his performance. I wish it wasn’t so, since I’m gay, but the dancing world is very traditional in their displays of relationships, of how dances are partnered, and how accepting they are of differences to what has already been established. It is not an intolerance, but a set way.
Lastly, I think Melissa and Kayla are both beautiful dancers, who are consistently amazing – both in their technicality and personality – but I’m always worried about their fates on this show.
what show were you watching i lov evan but if he was the best boy sarah palin is a democrat his solo was entrertining but his dancing was average at best with kayla. jason did amazing because of his partner and choreographer but brandon and ade outdanced them both kupuono needs to go for sure. girls poorrandi got kopuono and suffered she may go kayla finally showed me more than technique and character jeanine and jeanette both were great so hopefully melissa goes but it may be randi or the persistent backlash against kayla
I agree that Evan is not #1 should be Jason, Ade or Brandon, so Kapno or Evan needs to go.
Girls, sorry but Randi was one of the weakest tonight, and I’m not a Kayla fan, she was frantic on the girls group or Melisa is so limited. Jeanette or Jeanine were the best and needs to stay.
Just my opinion 🙂
yeah what show were you watching? Evan is the bottom for me, he is boring and dorky. He should have been embarrassed not wearing a shirt next to the other four guys.
I think that Melissa is amazing she just keeps getting routines that don’t show off very much versatility. I think she is definitely top 2 when you look at technique.
Evan jumped the shark about 2 shows ago.
He’s definitely got a “gimmik” but it really doesn’t go past that for me.
I put him and Kupono at the bottom. Kupono really hasn’t shown any growth at all in my opinion. He’s been “very good” from the beginning with some signs of brilliance…but I think that has more to do with the routines he gets than him actually embracing the different styles.
I have to admit…I wasn’t a large fan of Jasons until tonight. He absolutely stunned me with his partnered dance.
If you watch Randi in the Bollywood routine..she’s the Evan of the mix. Purely outclassed physically by all the other women. She’s amazing when in her element…but when pressed into something she’s obviously not comfortable with she hasn’t really rose to the occasion (just like the hip-hop with Evan).
The only two that absolutely floored me tonight were Jason and Jeanette. Those two are very SMART dancers…who actually think about their solos and attempt to write something that embraces the flavor and style of the music the are dancing too versus the “look what I can do” solos that the others seem to be doing. Miles Davis once said…”Sometimes it’s the notes you don’t play that make a great solo…” and I think some of these other dancers should take a look at that.
ALL OF THAT being said. Amazing top 10. Everyone is fantastic. I just think some are destined for stardom and others destined for careers in dance.
I think people are getting confused with Janette and Jeanine. Their names are very similar so I often wonder if voters get confused as to who they vote for. I know they shouldn’t since these, albeit strong, completely different dancers. I guess as long as people are voting for one or the other it’s fine. They are the two strongest dancers with the most personality and star quality. I really like Janette in this episode and can really see why she attracts people to her.
No offense to Kayla. She’s a great technician and very humble. I just feel she’s just very careful about what she says and does on camera, almost as though she’s afraid to really step out of her comfort zone and is afraid of looking bad on national televistion. She’s great at dancing and really shines in her dance. But at first thought, she does seem rather boring. I’m really just hoping to give her the benefit of the doubt and claim she needs more time to warm up to the camera in order to win america’s hearts. Otherwise, of the girls, Jeanine and Janette are really stealing the spotlight. Melissa is still creeping up there though.
This is definitely one of the strongest top 5 female dancers. That bollywood routine really impressed me, espeically with their ability to look so together.
I think it is pretty easy to rank the boys, and I’m not going to spend too much time thinking about them, except to say that I hope Brandon and Ade stay around for a few more weeks. But the girls!! I agree with every “this is the best top 5 girls ever” statement that the judges made last night. They are all astounding, even Randi (who I don’t really like personally.) What that means, unfortunately, is that none of them will ever be safe because they are all so good. And that Thursdays will always gi e us a painful loss. Sigh.
I’m surprised so many people were impressed by Janette and Ade. Don’t get me wrong – I think Janette is fantastic and Ade’s solo was great but I found their couples dance lacking in every way. The only pair I thought were worse was Kupono and Randi.
I agree that Evan aquitted himself admirably last night though between his solo and the waltz with Kayla, which I thought was lovely. I was all ready to send Jason home before last night but WOW! For the first time I actually liked Jason and felt something from him when he danced. Jeanine was just gorgeous, I’m so glad she had a more technically skilled partner this week.
I still think Brandon is the boy to beat though.
I agree with Chelsea.
Evan has been my number one guy throughout this entire season and yes, he has had his set backs. He lost it a bit, particularly last week. But I thought he danced wonderfully last night. His waltz was beautiful, especially coming from someone who has absolutely no ballroom training, and who was dancing with someone much taller than him. But I would have called it beautiful had I not known either of those things. His solo– wow. I think it made people remember exactly why he is in this competition. So he’s not a six foot, six packed macho “man’s man”. Who cares? I don’t, and his TONS of fans certainly don’t either. He’s got that je ne sais qois, and it WORKS! Oh, and that African piece? I don’t know what people were talking about, I thought he held his own (and this isn’t me being biased, I can admit when he’s had an off routine). If you ask me, the only person who really “hit” that routine dead-on was Ade, and everyone else landed at the same level, Brandon included.
Other guys: Ade is my number two, I think the man is just a total powerhouse. I like him and Evan for two veeeerrrry different reasons! Brandon is good, but I find myself getting very bored with him, especially in that solo last night. Jason really impressed me with that contemporary last night and his solos are always great. Kupono. Well. See ya, dude.
As for the girls, I am a big Jeanine fan. There’s just something about the way she dances, you can feel exactly what she feels, it just comes out of her. I’ve never been a big Janette fan but she won me over last week with that WR jazz piece (even though she still sort of bugs me and that hip hop last night was the second to worst for me). Kayla is a beautiful dancer, but I won’t cry when we lose her. MELISSA. Ohhh, Melissa. I don’t think she’s as amazing as everyone makes her out to be. In fact, I think she’s sort of mediocre, it bugs me that almost everything she does looks she makes look like ballet to me, and it bugs me that we have yet to see her do a hip hop routine, or something that is totally out of her comfort zone. I was ready for this chick to go home weeks ago. She’s obnoxious.
And that brings me to Randi. Poor girl is headed home this week, unless her fans pull her through (which, in all honesty, is a possibility in which case Kayla and Melissa should be worried). She’s a great dancer and cute as a button, but I just don’t think she can hack it and she doesn’t have a lot of personality to cover for what she lacks in dance ability.
I love all the comments!
Wallflower – Ha! You gave me hope that my brain works and that others think Evan had a good night, even if he was out of his comfort zone.
Michel – I actually can see where you’re coming from about Evan being awkward. I put him as #1 because of his enormous fan base (which I’ve been wrong about before, with Phillip, for instance) and because I was personally really proud of him last night. Sometimes, I think it’s easier for people to enjoy a dancer they can see making a marked improvement, rather than one who’s consistently okay or good (Melissa, Kayla, sometimes Brandon).
As for Kupono’s [assumed] sexuality and dancing – I don’t think the issue is so much that people think he’s gay (or not just that) and effeminate. I think it’s more that he needs to be capable of dancing in a “masculine” way, to take on new characters since so many of the routines are story-based. He’s sometimes capable of it (he danced his best with Kayla, I felt). Unfortunately, I think (from my limited experience) that the movement that’s considered appropriately “masculine” in the world of dance is probably a lot more limited than what’s now considered appropriately “feminine.”
lafdoc – I didn’t say the he was the best. But I put him at #1 because I felt that his significant fan base (which includes me) would enjoy his performances this week. 🙂 “America’s Favorite Dancer.” At least SYTYCD doesn’t pretend to crown a “best,” which I really like. And while I can see that Evan isn’t the best, there’s something about him that makes it impossible not to watch and (for me) enjoy him while he dances. That’s pretty valuable and unique.
Christine – I confused Jeanine and Janette at first, too, because of their names. Hopefully folks aren’t STILL confusing them. But, they are both dark-haired.
I was surprised and fascinated by all of the comments arguing for/against Evan, Randi, Jeanine (who’s become my favorite girl, I think), Janette, Jason, Brandon, Melissa and Kayla. It seems like most of us like Ade and most of us agree Kupono’s in some significant danger tonight and should go home. Can’t wait to see what else y’all have to say, and what happens tonight!!
Looking at the rant comments, I really enjoyed seeing how much Travis Wall’s routine stuck with so many of you. Me, too. So far, I think it’s the one that will pop into my mind first after the season’s over.
If you asked me, I’d do it this way:
Brandon
Ade
Jason
Evan
Kupono
Janette (although I agree last night’s piece was lacking)
Jeanine
Melissa
Kayla
Randi
I would be pretty surprised if anyone other than those two went home tonight (although I know one of the other dancers was convinced that he/she would be headed home instead).
Kupono has never quite cut it for me, aside from the fabulous crash-test piece. He’s just too femmy for much of the material, which the judges totally called at his initial audition.
Randi is, I think, held back by something and I can’t put my finger on what. I don’t dislike her but the last two weeks have not been good. Of the 5 gals remaining, I’d be least sorry to see her go.
I think the most technically proficient and versatile girl left is Kayla, but the passion and story are missing, except for the addiction piece. Kayla’s execution is always flawless and effortless but without heart/soul, it just doesn’t make the grade for me.
It’s hard to look at some of these dancers in terms of “growth” because I don’t think any of the remaining girls has really grown on the show. And I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. I think they’ve each always been competent but I’d be hard pressed to come up with a recipient for the “most improved” award.
I do have to pipe up for Melissa. I don’t know what anyone could find that would merit words like “limited” and “obnoxious”. She’s held her own in the group hip-hop numbers, especially last week, so she seems to be able to tackle everything she’s given. It would be nice if she had the opportunity to do a more passionate piece a la Travis’ one or Mia’s addiction number. I think she would deliver as well as the others have.
They don’t really talk about this on the show, but some of these dancers have been rehearsing/performing through illness and injury. Maybe if the audience knew about that, it might influence votes because I think it takes additional skill to be able to deliver despite those challenges.
*stepping off soap box*
Mrs. – We seem to be on the same page about a lot of things. Glad to see I’m not alone in my thoughts on Evan and last night’s show in general! I totally agree about no one really seeming to “hit” the African. Mind you I don’t know a thing about African dance. I do think Evan stood out a little but he did admirably and certainly wasn’t bad in the group dance.
Emilie- Oddly enough I don’t have a problem with Kupono’s masculinity in his dancing, I think he looks quite masculine when he dances. Sometimes I just don’t think he has the technique or something that some of the others have to really get the choreography, which is a shame because in other piece’s he’s brilliant. I’ll be sorry to see him go but I know he deserves to leave. The only dance where I didn’t feel he was “masculine” enough was last night’s paso doble.
It’s so nice to have another Evan fan around! I know he’s not the most technically gifted dancer in the competition but there’s just something about him that I love and when he dances his solos he makes me smile. He remains my favourite of the guys.
It’s so cool seeing how different everyone’s opinions are!!
I felt last night was great…that Jeanine and Jason piece was my favorite of the season (and that’s saying a lot because I’ve loved some of the pieces this year). I loved the hip hop, but I don’t think Janette really held her own so much. I felt she struggled with the “funkiness” of it, though she hit it hard. I guess that’s all you can ask for. I feel like Kayla is starting to come out of her shell, but I still don’t feel as much from her when she dances. I think it’s likely her immaturity…I think that she’ll grow into it so that her technique matches her soul.
I love Melissa, so I don’t agree with Emilie on that one, but to each her/his own, right? 🙂
I think that Jeanine won me over though, now. Melissa is still one of my favorites, but Jeanine has surpassed her in my mind now.
Here’s my rankings:
Girls:
1. Jeanine
2. Melissa
3. Janette
4. Kayla
5. Randi (which bums me out, because I love her power…but she can sometimes short cut her moves and not finish them completely, which hinders her, I think.)
Guys:
1. Ade (speaks for itself, doesn’t it? lol)
2. Jason (I kinda felt he may have gone home last week, but I’m so glad he finally was able to show why he was on the show…he’s really phenomenal.)
3. Brandon (I’m up in the air between him and Ade as best guy dancers, but I def like Ade’s personality better!)
4. Evan (He’s cute as a button, and his style is impeccable, but he’s just not as strong as the others, I think. But his fan base is crazy strong, so I think he’ll be around for awhile!!)
5. Kupono (amazing personality, but he just doesn’t have the technique that the others do.)
Bijou- I think my major issue with Melissa has less to do with her dancing and more to do with her personality. She just rubs me the wrong way, plain and simple. Though I truly have never been that impressed with her dancing, save for her first contemporary piece. Her pas de deux was over-hyped, and I don’t think she danced it as well as she could have. Her solos leave me bored and, to be truthful, annoyed that she’s dancing for her life and THAT is what she brings to the table. I’m sure we just have different tastes, but I, personally, just can’t bring myself to like her.
Chelsea, I definitely agree. Evan is by no means the most talented dancer if you’re speaking about technicality. But (and this could be the actress in me) he dances with such character and such style, it’s easy for me to overlook his shortcomings (ha! no pun intended) and still find him endearing. And you really have to admit that in his own style, the man’s a genius.
Oh I am so glad that so many of us are like minded! Maybe America as a whole will be the same.
I think it is time for Evan to go. He is great at “his thing” and tons of fun to watch, but he’s out of his element now. I think either he or Kupono should go home. I wanted Kupono gone at the very beginning, started to like him more in the middle, and now he’s dropped again. I’d like to see him one more time just in case…but either he or Evan need to go.
Been a fan of Janette from the beginning; she’s sexy, talented, a great performer. At first I thought Jeanine was lucky because of her pairing with Phillip…but then she is the one who started standing out! I think Kayla is amazing, but I do agree with the observation that she seems a bit too reserved. I totally agree with all of you who think Randi is the one who needs to go.
So…I don’t agree with the original rankings (and will be really annoyed if Evan’s fan base keeps him in much longer), but I do agree with many of you!
Mrs. – I have a feeling the solos mean different things to different people. After Melissa’s first solo, a friend of mine couldn’t stop talking about her amazing technique. But if you haven’t danced ballet, maybe you won’t recognize the hard stuff. I’m that way about the ballroom solos… I just don’t GET it because I don’t recognize what is the hard stuff. I personally think Melissa is awesome and I love all her dances. But I also know that what you like is a mix of rational and emotional. I don’t like Randi, and I don’t have a good reason. Same thing.
I’m glad someone brought up Melissa’s solos. For the girl who just might be the most technically capable I don’t find she does much with the time she’s given. I don’t feel like she connects to the music or shows musicality in her 30 seconds, preferring to just do a move and pose, and I don’t feel an emotional connection from her in these solos, although she dances well on stage. Sure she can show technical proficiency but I think she should also have a flow and movement to her solo instead of just doing a move or she’s no better than Kayla’s leg extending, which the judges called her out on.
Stephanie, I certainly agree that the solos mean different things to different people. I know very little about dance whereas I enjoy musical theatre so I like to see the acting and emotional parts of a performance. However, I watch with my mother, who danced ballet for years and does know about the technical aspects of the style. She isn’t overly impressed with Melissa or her solos either, despite noting that she has excellent technique. She did comment on Jeanine’s solo from the week before though, mentioning that one of the moves was very hard to do.
I feel the same way as Mrs. I know she’s a good dancer, but something about her rubs me the wrong way and I don’t know if that’s personality or what. I hope that Melissa proves me wrong like Jason did last night.
Those solos are tough to judge. The only one (out of anyone ever this season) that I’ve really liked and gotten excited about was Ade’s last week.
I do think it’s fascinating how we click and like/dislike people’s personalities based on the teeny interviews, etc. we see. I will go ahead and out myself by admitting that Melissa is a friend so I know more than we see on the screen (and she’s really sweet and fun, I promise!).
Someone else wrote that they appreciate that this is billed as “America’s FAVORITE Dancer” and not necessarily the BEST dancer, so our opinions/impressions make all the difference.
Still thinking it’s Randi/Kupono tonight. Must run to the gym to be back by go-time!
Well, so most of us were right.
I was really shocked and disappointed to see Ade in the bottom two. I was very bummed to see Melissa down there too.
Melissa’s one of my favorite dancers on the show over the past few seasons, actually…I really think people underestimate how difficult it is to do what she does. Her technique is impeccable, and she’s delivered on everything she’s been given–contemporary, jazz, waltz, rumba. (Remember that rumba??? whew! lol) Maybe it’s because she makes it look so easy? I dunno. I guess that’s why ballet isn’t so popular here in the states…as a (retired) dancer, I think what she does is the most impressive. Maybe that’s why it is America’s Favorite Dancer…everyone’s got different opinions.
I am not impressed with Janette. I mean, her tango was unreal, but she was always the weaker dancer than Brandon. I also think her hip hop was lacking and her solos aren’t that “wow” for me. She’s cute as can be, and has a great personality, but she just doesn’t do it for me. Neither does Kayla. Oh well.
But was anyone else as shocked as I was about Ade? Come ON Evan fans…really? 😉
lol Gotta love this show.
beth – I’m with you on Ade. Unbelievable – and you could see in Brandon’s face that he was shocked it was Ade.
IMO, should have been Kupono and Evan. Hm.