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Noelle Marsh Before SYTYCD

I want Ariana to come back so much – but it would be at the expense of Noelle Marsh, due to her injury (and who knows if she’d be allowed to come back later since she didn’t really get to compete in the Top 20). So I thought I would remind myself why I like Noelle Marsh, too, and I watched this YouTube video of her dancing with another dancer named Karla Allen. Enjoy!

October 29, 2009 I Written By

Brandon Dumlao and Ariana DeBose Exit Interviews

Fox just posted the exit interviews from Ariana and Brandon, so I thought I’d post them here for you guys. I can’t even begin to say how gracious they are. These dancers are so young, but they handled themselves with so much maturity and grace. Both say it was an honor just to make the Top 20. Brandon said he can’t believe he was asked back, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything. I do hope they find a way to let him dance again next season, with some time to grow he could be a beautiful dancer. It can’t be easy to be the first ones eliminated, especially for someone like Brandon who literally just got here!

It’s out there that it’s a possibility that Ariana could be back next week if poor Noelle’s knee doesn’t heal. I obviously can’t speculate because nothing official has been released (that I know of) regarding Noelle’s condition at this point, but it would be a treat to see Ariana dance again, I wish it didn’t have to be at the expense of Noelle.

It certainly has been a crazy beginning of the season!

Ariana DeBose

Brandon Dumlao

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Top 20 Performance Thoughts

I don’t want to say the words jump and shark, I really don’t, but I just don’t know about this season right now. Between the GIANT new stage and the camera angle limitations, all of the injuries and illnesses (Billy Bell, Pauline Mata at Vegas, Noelle Marsh and Mia Michaels) and now this first elimination…

At first I was a bit relieved that the judges were making this first decision. But now that I felt they made it badly, I want my vote back.

Wait, let’s back up…

Cat was gorgeous tonight with her curls and her beautiful red dress. I’m sad that Billy’s gone, but I don’t mind seeing more of Brandon Dumlao.

I’m pleased by Channing and Phillip’s chemistry in the jive, but I can agree with Adam when he says they dropped character, especially near the end. Some of it was a bit awkward and we could see it coming a mile away. But I’m excited to see what’s next for them. It seems like a solid first performance.

Ashleigh seemed a bit sweeter in her interview package and I thought her “sultry Broadway” with Jakob was better than I thought it would be. But my mom made a really good point when she suggested that Ashleigh’s only as strong as her partner. Which is great when she’s dancing with Jakob…but he is outdancing her.

I was pleased with Ariana and Peter. According to that Buddy TV slideshow, they were one of the potential worst couples, but I was immediately excited they were dancing together. They have great personalities and are both adorable. I really like the Nappytabs hip hop routine. Then the judges are pretty tough on them, which makes me nervous.

It was really too bad that Noelle couldn’t dance that foxtrot with Russell – they would’ve been so cute. I thought he did an amazing job with Melanie. And Nigel says that Russell is an example of why he stresses that kids should experience dance in school.

You know who really surprised me? Bianca in her Travis Wall contemporary with Victor. Amazing! Perhaps she has issues with her head, shoulders, knees and toes as Adam suggested, but they had wonderful chemistry together and I think they’ll continue to bring out the best in each other. That one move where Victor lowered her behind his back was stunning. Beautiful.

Karen and Kevin did a really good cha cha, though there were some really awkward transitions. Their personalities and chemistry really carried the routine, though, and Mary put Karen ont he hot tamale train – though Kevin’s just standing on the platform at the moment. Adam had that great comment about “and that’s not usually my thing” about Karen’s smoking hotness. 🙂

So I didn’t get the Elleanor and Ryan Sonya piece the way everyone else did. Maybe I need to watch it again. It definitely had its moments and I was so pleasantly surprised by their chemistry together. Elleanor hasn’t been standing out for a lot of people, so I’m glad if this does the trick for her.

I was pleased by Pauline and Brandon’s smooth waltz. Jason Gilkison said he wanted to do a “young waltz” and I think he did a great job with the movement (the judges compared it unfavorably to a prom dance), but a horrible choice with the song. The Whitney song is good, but not a “young” song. I thought the two of them did a great job, especially considering they had far less time than the others to prepare.

Kathryn and Legacy did a great Dave Scott hip hop. And Legacy is a lucky joker, for sure. It’s pretty unfair how many chances this guy gets and I really don’t think he’s going to do much earthshattering. BUT, this routine was pretty awesome and I’m so glad Kathryn got a chance to shine. She was better than him, though, and this is closer to his style.  I loved that she pounded her chest at the end. 🙂

Like Adam, I generally don’t like disco. My mom and I go back and forth on this cause she loves it. It’s just not my thing. Yet…I LOVED this disco routine. For the first time, disco has felt relevant to me and not just cheesy. Mollee and Nathan are so good together and the perfect couple for something this high-energy and youthful.

I was pretty much in shock when the judges announced the bottom 2 girls and the bottom 2 guys to dance. I loved Ariana and I don’t want her there. Why not Ashleigh? Nigel’s highest compliment to her was that if she keeps not messing up, she can ride Jakob’s coattails for a while. Clearly, she’s only a strong as her partner. And after Nigel’s comments about Russell earlier, WHY is he in the bottom 2? It doesn’t make any sense. As much as I love Channing, I’d understand her and Phillip being in the bottom 2 more than these choices. Brandon’s kinda a gimme, though very mean.

The solos are pretty awesome, all of them. I particularly liked Russell’s and had a good feeling he’d be safe. I’m mildly appeased that Nigel’s going to “try” to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season (hopefully Billy gets the same chance), but I get the feeling Brandon kinda knew this was coming and he was just subbing for a bit more dance experience. He was very gracious.

I just do NOT understand why Ariana went home tonight. I didn’t want Pauline to go, either, but I love Ariana and I do feel like she’s danced stronger than Pauline so far. While I hate the idea of Noelle leaving because of her injury (hey, maybe she’ll get a chance to come back next season too, while we’re handing out maybes), I’d love for Ariana to come back in her place if that turns out to be the case.

Big breath. Well, what do y’all think?

October 27, 2009 I Written By

Top 20 Power Rankings Live

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut.

7:45 p.m. update: Half the couples have danced, let’s see if any of my thoughts last night have changed. Victor is definitely out of the bottom 3 guys!! Let’s move him to the top. But who does he oust? Ashleigh did better with Jakob than I thought she would, but I still think she’s in danger. She pulls too many faces and it’s kinda clear she’s only as good as her partner – and while her partners are phenomenal, she does a’right. I don’t think Bianca’s gonna be in the bottom – not after that great Travis Wall. More about that later. I really loved Ariana and Peter, but if we get some great routines, I think they’ll probably be about the middle till they get more props from the judges. It’s too bad Noelle couldn’t dance that great Foxtrot with Russell.

8:25 p.m. update: Wow, the Legacy and Kathryn pairing really surprised me! Pauline and Brandon did very well and everyone loved Elleanore and Ryan’s (I’m undecided). Karen distracted everybody from Kevin a bit, but he did a pretty good job of holding his own. I’m so confused!!! One more couple before they cut a  girl and a guy and now, I just don’t know. They’re doing a good job of acting like everybody’s gonna be around next week – it sounds convincing every time. I think maybe Ashleigh’s still in danger. Maybe Pauline (no!). Maybe Noelle because of the injury. As for the guys – Legacy just represented pretty well and he was my best bet to go. They wouldn’t send Brandon home would they – he did a phenomenal job for a day and a half preparation. What do y’all think?

8:40 p.m. update: Oh no!!! The four dancing solos are Ariana, Brandon, Pauline and Russell. NOT a good decision! I have to say, Ariana is one of my favorites, so as much as I like Pauline… and I have a feeling it’s Brandon going, not Russell. Russell had an amazing performance, so I don’t understand that at all. What do y’all say?

8:52 p.m. update: No, it’s Ariana going home. Worst decision ever.

8:55 p.m. update: They cut Brandon, which makes sense because of Russell, but is a little bit of a cheat. They’re going to try to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season.

I’m really upset about Ariana.

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Top 20 Performance/Elimination Show Music

I can’t wait to see what music they pull out for tonight’s show! Also, take a look back at previous SYTYCD season 6 music.

SYTYCD Season 6 Top 20 Couples Music
Jason Gilkison’s jive (Channing & Phillip): “Rockin’ Robin” Michael Jackson - Jackson 5: The Ultimate Collection - Rockin' Robin-Jackson 5

Tyce Diorio’s sultry Broadway (Ashleigh & Jakob): “Hit Me with a Hot Note” -Sophisticated Ladies (the Sophisticated Ladies version not on iTunes, so try the Dana Sedgwick one for now Dana Sedgwick - Dana Sedgwick - Hit Me With a Hot Note)

Nappytabs hip hop (Ariana & Peter): “Black & Gold” Sam Sparro - Sam Sparro (Bonus Track Version) - Black & Gold-Sam Sparro (I love this song!)

Melanie & Tony foxtrot (Noelle & Russell & Melanie): “Vagabond Shoes” Vic Damone - The Best of Vic Damone: The Mercury Years - Vagabond Shoes-Vic Damone

Travis Wall (!) contemporary (Bianca & Victor): “Wasted Time” Me'Shell Ndegeocello - Bitter - Wasted Time-Me’Shell Ndegeocello

Melanie & Tony cha cha (Karen & Kevin): “Push It” Glee Cast - Push It (Glee Cast Version) - Single - Push It (Glee Cast Version)-Glee cast version

Sonya contemporary jazz (Elleanore & Ryan): “Arcadia” Apparat - Invol2ver - Arcadia-Apparat

Jason Gilkison’s smooth waltz (Pauline & Brandon): “You Light Up My Life” Whitney  Houston - Just Whitney - You Light Up My Life-Whitney Houston

Dave Scott’s goofy hip hop (Kathryn & Legacy): “On & On” Missy Elliott - The Cookbook - On & On-Missy Elliot

Doreanna Sanchez Mexican wrestling-inspired disco (Mollee & Nathan): “Turn the Beat Around” Gloria Estefan - Greatest Hits Vol. II - Turn the Beat Around-Gloria Estefan (Pablo’s 12″ Remix is not on iTunes that I can see, so the link is to the original)

SYTYCD Season 6 Top 20 Solo Music
Ariana’s solo: “Darkest Hour” -Charlotte Martin (not on iTunes, so try her “Keep Me in Your Pocket” Charlotte Martin - Stromata - Keep Me In Your Pocket)

Russell’s solo: “Give the Drummer Sum” Black Milk - Tronic - Give the Drummer Sum-Black Milk

Pauline’s solo: “Magalenha” Sergio Mendes - Brasileiro - Magalenha-Sergio Mendes

Brandon: “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” John Mayer - Continuum - Slow Dancing In a Burning Room-John Mayer

SYTYCD Season 6 Farewell Montage Music
Ariana is sent home: “Never Say Never” The Fray - The Fray - Never Say Never-The Fray
Brandon is sent home: “Where It Ends” 16 Frames - Where It Ends - Where It Ends-16 Frames

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Help with SYTYCD Music – Identify The Mystery Song

Many of you out there come to this site to be able to get the list of music used on SYTYCD. Overall, I think we do a pretty good job of figuring out the music from the show. In fact, we often get help from our readers in the comments.

Well, so far we’ve been unable to figure out a song and a number of people REALLY want to know the song and artist. So, I’m going to post a YouTube video of the song so hopefully one of our readers can identify the song for us. Here’s the clip:

Here’s the information from one of the commenters about the song:
The air date I can’t tell for sure because I’m watching the show in Europe and I don’t know if the dates match with the rest of the world. But I do know that I was watching the Las Vegas episode, and the song I’m looking for is the song that played at the closing montage showing the final solo performances. Apparently in USA the song was “Shot Away” by Pawn Shop. But in the Australia version it was different.

Ok, so can anyone help us out and identify the mystery song? If you do, you’ll be loved and appreciated by many.

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Just call me Charlie...but where are my angels?

Official Statement From Billy Bell’s Family

This is all over the place, but I got it from rickey.org. The official statement from the Bell Family regarding Billy’s withdrawal from the show:

Billy’s family would like to thank all of the fans that came out to show their support for Billy this season. It has been an amazing experience for all of us and has really meant a lot to Billy. We feel like Billy made it through all of the tough auditions and now that the fun was beginning, he has to leave the show. We were all very disappointed when we heard the news and Billy was devastated when his doctors told the show that if he continued to dance on the show before he recovered, he could possibly die. It will take several weeks for him to recover and as a result, he will be unable to return to Juilliard as of right now. We are hoping he will be able to return in the Spring. Billy is still quite ill but was released from the hospital today. He’s feeling better but still needs to rest.

As of right now, Billy is hoping to re-audition for Season 7. He really enjoyed working with the show and had a lot of fun. Although he is sad that he will not be a part of Season 6, he hopes that the producers will allow him to return for the next season. If you would like to wish Billy a speedy recovery, I’m sure he would appreciate it. You can do so by posting on the facebook fan page or his facebook.

Thank you so much for sharing your love and support with our family.
The Bell Family

This does raise an important question. In Mary Murphy’s judge interview, she says that once they’re in the Top 20, a dancer is not eligible to try out again for the show. Poor Paris and Tony and the other couples booted first! Billy performed in the Meet the Top 20, but not any official competition. Should that count? Do you think it will? Personally, I hope we get to see Billy Bell back next season.

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Mia Michaels Rushed To Hospital

While poking around, I saw a piece (again on BuddyTV.com) about Mia Michaels being rushed to the hospital while choreographing a routine for SYTYCD Canada that directly relates to her decision to leave the American version of the show. She’s hurt her back pretty seriously – the problem is likely a herniated disc or a pinched nerve. She’s been released since then (Saturday) and is recovering.

The winner, Tara-Jean Popowich, was also injured – displacing two ribs.

Well, Mia doesn’t have a scary reputation as a choreographer for nothing. She’s just as brutal on herself as she is on the dancers she works with, expecting nothing but the best.

And here’s that injurious – and gorgeous – routine.

October 26, 2009 I Written By

Top 20 Power Ranking (HA!)

How am I gonna rank the Top 20 without seeing a regular performance show?!? Do you think I’m as crazy as I’m starting to think I am for even offering to try? Lol. I’ll have to update this tomorrow as the show goes, but I don’t think I’ll have enough time to get a power ranking up tomorrow before they cut two dancers unless I put something up now.

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut. They’re my least favorite, but I think they’re the least versatile and interesting and the least liked.

My criteria? What else can I go on except for gut instinct? Well, I am also thinking of some of what I’ve read on the Internet and in the comments of this site as we’ve gotten to this point. And their performances in their own style, the judges’ reactions to them.

I predict that there are going to be a lot of re-pairings due to cuts (one dancer in a couple goes home, the other is safe). I don’t think this is going to be a season where most of the couples stay together all the way to Top 10…though the best two or three couples probably will.

I’d love to know how the couples were picked. Check out this BuddyTV.com slideshow I found that puts together the “best” and “worst” potential couples. **SPOILER ALERT** Four of their “worst” couples are dancing together tomorrow night (according to Margaret’s spoilers, which I think are probably accurate): Bianca & Victor, Ariana & Peter, Channing & Phillip and Kathryn & Legacy (Season 6’s “criers,” as they call them. But FIVE of their “best” couples are dancing together tomorrow night: Karen & Kevin, Mollee & Nathan (YES!), Noelle & Russell, Channing & Phillip and Elleanor & Ryan.

What do y’all think?

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Meet the Top 20 Thoughts

Wow, what a great show! Adam Shankman said it best, I think when he talked about growing on the show and if this is where these Top 20 start, “what do you become?” Brilliant show.

First, Wade Robson’s routines are pretty much always my favorites. I don’t think there’s ever been a routine of his I haven’t liked. I love the collaborations with his wife Amanda. But the dancers just made this routine something truly special. Right away, we have a highly memorable (Emmy-worthy?) routine on the very first episode. Sheesh. Nathan really stood out to me in this one, but I thought they were all phenomenal. And was that Lady GaGa in the audience as they gave the routine a standing ovation?

I liked the Nappytabs hip hop with Russell, Kevin and Legacy, but it was probably one of my least favorite of the night and I still haven’t warmed up to Legacy. Don’t know that I will, though if he surprises me, I’ll be the first to say it.

Tyce’s routine with Nathan, Ariana, Channing and Jakob was amazing. Looooved it. Especially Ariana’s jump into Nathan’s arms. It was a great song and a great routine.

Really loved it when Cat said, “How are we going to send anyone home this season?” Really. I’m glad the first few decisions are the judges’ to make. But I hope they make the right decisions. 🙂

The tappers. I love Bianca, Peter and Phillip and I can appreciate that tap is tough. But…I thought this routine was kinda boring. The parts where they were encouraged to show their personality were awesome, but I didn’t think “Take the A Train” was a great song for tap. I liked how Derick K. Grant said, that “good tap is like a good kung fu movie.” Maybe I’m underestimating tap dancing…but why couldn’t they expect dancers to pick up *some* tap in order to do a routine, especially with a tap partner? Caitlin and Jason did Bollywood their first week and Ade did a classical ballet routine with Melissa, all last season. And these are good dancers. Would tap be tougher for these dancers than for example, a hip hop dancer having to learn ballroom?

While I liked Sonya Tayeh’s jazz with Mollee, Elleanore and Pauline, it felt very reminiscent (sometimes in a bad way) of last season’s “Superheroine” routine with the top 3 girls. Watch it again and tell me I’m wrong. I liked all three of them and I agreed with Adam that Mollee had “graduated from High School Musical” and danced like a woman. And I do agree with Sonya that confidence is sexy. I love Sonya and I love these three girls, so I hate to pick on the routine.

Mandy Moore’s contemporary with Billy, Noelle, Kathryn and Victor was fun, had a 5o’s vibe and was very fast and clearly difficult. But kinda boring. Victor and Noelle had an awkward lift at one point, I thought.

I’m not the biggest fan of the DiLellos, but I really liked their Jason Gilkison samba with Karen. The fact that she held her own with a couple who’s been dancing together for years really impressed me. It was really sexy and fun.

Is it just me, or did they NOT announce the couples! I think we’ll have to depend on Margaret’s spoilers.

It’s kinda a shot in the dark, but I’m going to take a stab at a Power Ranking since a boy and girl will be kicked off by the judges after they perform tomorrow. Maybe I’ll even make live annotations during tomorrow’s show. If you’re good.

I hope all of you will chime in, too. John? Amanda? Margaret?

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