SYTYCD Top 18 Power Rankings
It’s that time again for me to rank the 9 couples that remain on So You Think You Can Dance. Remember that these rankings aren’t a ranking of who danced the best last night. It’s not based upon their technical dancing ability. It’s not based upon their talent. It’s not even based upon their popularity. It’s based upon all of those things. At least that’s the goal. Take a look at this week’s So You Think You Can Dance power rankings or look back at previous SYTYCD power rankings to see changes.
1. Randi Evans and Evan Kasprzak – Looking through the list, I tried to find the couple that deserved the top spot in this weeks power rankings more than Randi and Evan. However, Randi and Evan just couldn’t be topped. They had a solid performance. No doubt the Jive was the perfect platform for these 2 fireballs. Evan reminds me a bit of Benji Schwimmer as far as fan following. I think that Benji’s performance ability was a little bit broader and more appealing than Evan’s, but the fan following for Evan is very Benji like. Randi isn’t quite as popular, but all the Utah fans will be voting for her. No doubt they deserve the top spot this week.
2. Kayla Radomski and Max Kapitannikov – The judges were completely right about Kayla. She fully embodied her performance this week. I think Kayla and Max were ranked a little lower last week since Max got his own style. In a nice surprise, Max really showed America that he can do other styles quite well. Kayla and Max also lucked out to get Brian Friedman’s choreography. As a side note, if you liked Kayla’s costume in this dance, check out the second video down on this post. My only fear for this couple is that Max might not be popular enough to stay at the top. However, between their strong dance and Kayla’s popularity they deserve the second spot, for now.
3. Jeanine Mason and Phillip Chbeeb – Some might wonder why Jeanine and Phillip are at number 3 on my list after such a poor performance. Phillip wasn’t good at all in this, except for his face. I thought Jeanine was serviceable. However, they are both so popular, I couldn’t drop them any farther. I wanted to put Melissa and Ade above them, but compare the personalities of Jeanine and Phillip and Melissa and Ade during the judges comments. It’s like a night and day difference and something about Jeanine and Phillip draws people to them. They are just great on camera.
4. Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi – Another really strong performance by Melissa and Ade. They were lucky to get Sonya’s choreography, but they also executed it so well. I wanted to rank them even higher on the strength of their performance, but I just don’t see America falling in love with Melissa and Ade yet. Plus, America likes the underdog and Lil’ C gave Ade the kiss of death by calling him a favorite this early.
5. Karla Garcia and Jonathan Platero – These two created what will be one of those memorable SYTYCD performances thanks to new choreographer Stacey Tookey and the most popular song of the evening, “Falling Slowly” . There performance wasn’t flawless, but there were a few moments in the dance that just left your mouth open. Performances like this should really help Karla and Jonathan in the popularity department as well.
6. Caitlin Kinney and Jason Glover – 2 really lovable and popular dancers, but their performance last night was just off. Something just looked off when it came to Caitlin’s legs. I’m not sure if she was flat footed or didn’t bend them enough to really get into it. It just felt off at a number of times. Caitlin is super flexible though. Wow! I did expect these 2 to really connect on this performance like they did in Bollywood, but they didn’t.
———————Line of Death….Known as the Bottom 3———————————
7. Janette Manrara and Brandon Bryant – I may regret putting these 2 in the bottom 3 since they are quite popular. I just don’t think people enjoy the disco performance much at all. I really think Janette outshined Brandon with her disco like facial expressions. Her smile could be seen even from the long camera shots. Janette does deserve major credit for the amazing V leg lift. Another Wow!
8. Ashley Valerio and Kupono Aweau – I still think people aren’t buying Ashley (which makes me want to vote for her) and Kupono hasn’t been as strong as I would have expected. Their performance was just off. It had to be dead on synchronized and it just wasn’t. It’s too bad, because this performance synchronized would have been pretty good.
9. Asuka Kondoh and Vitolio Jeune – The judges gushed over this performance. Mary even cried (not that I believe anything she does is really that authentic). I enjoyed the performance. They had some nice lines and moments. However, it wasn’t a memorable waltz like when Jean Marc Genereux did one for his children (I think it was LaceyKherington and Twitch last season). That’s 2 weeks in a row that I think they got unlucky with their draws. If these two are in the bottom I think it’s a sure thing that Asuka goes home. Since the judges gushed over Vitolio’s story, he might survive another week.
Those are my thoughts. Let’s hear yours in the comments.
I just don’t get the Evan/Randi and Ade/Melissa hype. 🙁 I want to understand it, but I find myself acting like Lil C and Mia towards them. *sigh*
If you’re right, I hope they keep Brandon & Janette and at least Kupono.
I thought Jonathan and Karla were the best last night. WOW. Max and Kayla also brought it!
I agree, though I’d probably have switched Janette/Brandon and Caitlin/Jason. It’s hard to figure out who’ll go home because the bottom 3 could be a real shocker.
I agree that Evan’s following is Benji-like…they’re both simply fun to watch. (Haha, fun!)
“Mary even cried (not that I believe anything she does is really that authentic). ”
Hahahaha. That definitely made me chuckle out loud.
I was really pleased with Jonathan and Karla last night, and that song definitely helped to set quite the mood for the audience.
I think Ade and Melissa have lucked out with great choreography that they performed well. We’ll see if that catches up with them.
Jonathan and Karla and Max and Kayla definitely brought it last night.
I love Evan and Randi is staring to grow on me, but I didn’t really buy him in the jive. The judges were right: it should have been AWESOME for them, but Evan just wasn’t sharp enough. After several seasons, even I know that your retractions are supposed to be sharp, and they just weren’t.
Hooray for Jonathan and Karla stepping it up. I still wanted more (tenderness? maybe?) from Jonathan, but jaw-dropping is right!
lol umm this is kinda biased… caitlin and jason should definately be in the bottom, and not asuka and vitolio… they had one of the best of the night…
Yeah, I think Asuka and Vitolio did great–I think their waltz was very touching and that they won’t be in the bottom–I think Jason (as much as I love him) and Caitlin will be in the bottom. They were very disappointing to me…but then again, I didn’t think Caitlin was that strong last week, either.
Ariel,
Of course rankings are biased. That’s what makes them interesting. We all have opinions and here’s your chance to share them.
I won’t be surprised if Caitlin and Jason are in the bottom 3. In the list above they barely made the cut. So, no big surprise there.
However, I will be surprised if Asuka and Vitolio aren’t in the bottom 3. They just don’t have the fan base and waltz isn’t the way to create one.
Mary just said on Twitter, “how interesting is it that two couples in the bottom three were two of the biggest highlights last night.”
I think that she’s probably talking about Asuka/Vitolio and Janette/Brandon, don’t you think?
Last year it definitely was not Lacey who danced for Jean Marc Genereux and his daughter, it was Kherington and Twitch.
I’m with Ronnica — I’d switch Janette/Brandon with Caitlin/Jason, even though I really like Caitlin a lot. I’m no dancer at all, and even I could see that their dance didn’t work last night. On the other hand, I loved Janette’s & Brandon’s disco; made me wanna boogie!
I have my fingers twisted in knots, hoping to see Asuka go tonight. For some reason she’s rubbed me the wrong way from the very beginning; I really dislike her. I like Vitolio, but am not sure he’s got the dancing chops to compete with the likes of Ade, Evan, and several of the women.
I think everyone loved Brandon and Jeanette’s disco dance. The choreography was incredible and they performed it perfectly and with superior showmanship. What more can an audience ask for?
I think Disco was great..As you know, Disco routine always save the dancers, and their lift was wonderful like MUSA did..I want to change only one couple on your list..Hmm I want to put Jason and Caitlin on the bottom 3 list..
I am not a fan of disco and never have been. The rankings are pretty spot on. Caitlin and Jason should definitely be in the bottom 3 tho.
As much as I love Asuka, I think her and Vitolio will definitely be in the bottom 3. Like you said, they just don’t seem to appeal to the masses as much as the other couples and yeah, the Waltz definitely didn’t do much for them in terms of gaining fans. Although they danced fabulously, it’s not just about your dancing ability but also how likeable you are and it seems like not many people like Asuka and Vitolio. It sucks cause I really wanted to see Asuka put that hip hop training to good use haha, damn. I just hope the judges also share the same desire =P.
If your bottom 3 are right, then it’s definitely going to either be Ashley/Kupono and Asuka/Vitolio as the one’s out. I doubt they’re going to send Brandon/Janette haha they’re just too, too good.
Asuka and Vitolio bore me to tears. I would not be sad in the least to see either one of them go home. I would like to see Kupono stick around a little while longer as I think he has yet to reach his potential. And besides, he’s nicer to look at than most of the other boys…
I am so surprised that you liked Karla and Jonathan’s dance to “Falling Slowly!” I thought it was terrible. Am I the only one???
Rachel,
Thanks for the correction. It was late last night and I shouldn’t guess on dancers when I’m tired. I’ll fix the post to the right ones. I didn’t even get the season right. Oh dear. I’ll have to be more careful when it’s late.
Ronnica,
The Mary tweet makes me think even more so that the above rankings are correct. Caitlin and Jason weren’t a highlight last night at all. I think Ashley and Kupono have to be in the bottom 3, no?
One of the highlights for Mary had to be when she cried Asuka and Vitolio. The second one likely could be the disco of Brandon and Janette. My only possible surprise could be Melissa and Ade being in the bottom 3 and shocking everyone. A great dance, but they just don’t connect with America it seems to me.
Katie ~
I hope you’re the only one who didn’t like Karla and Jonathan’s contemporary! I thought it was fabulous. The partnering was so interesting and innovative, the pedestrian moments so tender. I thought that the dancing was great and the choreography was even better (although I didn’t understand the ending when she walked away, which seemed an abrupt reversal of the feeling from the majority of the piece.) I am definitely hoping to see more of Stacy Tookey…and maybe choreographers from other SYTYCDs?
WOW!!!!!
I cant belive max is gone
i really liked him and i think kupono is going to hinder kayla
Alysin,
I think it’s a little unfair to Max as well. Kupono just brings a better story line and look to the show. Sad that they are producing the show like that, but true.
Although, I do think it will be interesting to see Kayla and Kupono to dance together. I’m just sad that they finally got a name Ashono and now it’s gone.
I really don’t understand why Max needed to go..Kupono’s solo was so weak, and there is no personality..
Some things we’ll just never know. Max did do one of th best solos I’ve seen from a ballroom dancer.
I agree with Katie’s opinion that Karla and Jonathan’s piece ended oddly. I too thought that her walking away in the end just didn’t fit.
I normally enjoy Mia Michaels’ work, but that opening number was snoozeville for me.
I’m not sad to see Max gone; I don’t think he has what it will take to compete with the other guys. Then again, I wouldn’t have been that sad to see Kupono go either.
It was cute how they showed Evan’s brother making to to Vegas, but first, he should have gotten there without another audition AND are they stacking the deck just a little in his favor???
And Randi and Evan should have done A LOT better with the jive.
I LOVE EVAN AND RANDI!!!!
yeahhh it was kherrington and twitch last season who did the dance for his daughter.
i do NOT like caitlin AT ALLL i liked her sister soooo much more.
ALSO: i am completely depressed that max went home. i think kayla out shined him too much, but i think his solo was MUCH better that the other two!
Gretchen ~
I’m a little worried about Ryan and Season 6 Vegas. I feel like every time it seems like they “stack the deck” and a person is fated to be in the Top 20, they get cut. It doesn’t seem to be healthy to impress the judges early on. Or maybe I’m just paranoid because of Natalie Reid. STILL upset over that one!
I agree Max had a really good solo. It was kind of weird that Nigel said that his ballroom style held him back…I didn’t get that feeling at all. Maybe he felt like he had to give some sort of reason, and this was the best he could come up with? Clearly he couldn’t say, “you’re just not attractive enough.” Although, “your personality just isn’t shining through” has been used before, and I think could’ve worked again….
Stephanie,
I could very well see Ryan getting sent home in Las Vegas. However, if they do, I’m quite sure they’re going to share the whole experience of him going home. Definitely could be another Natalie Reid situation. Plus, considering the other great talent on the show, we might be better off if he’s cut. We’ll see. One thing I think that plays into his favor is that the show is in Fall and I’m not sure how well it’s been advertised. Possibly better and possibly worse.
I agree that Max’s style wasn’t what held him back. Lame reason from Nigel. I expect better from a judge;-)
Enjoy this site and all the contributors. Keep it up.
I don’t care for producer editing and playing favoritism, it’s more apparent this season than in the past! I think we’re all going to be surprised by some of the unknown dancers – especially after Phillip’s horrible tango performance. One of the worst I’ve seen in all SYTYCD history.
It’s also weird that hip-hop is the “kiss of death” this season. All but one couple (Phillip & Jeanine) who performed hip-hop has been in the bottom three. Three of the four dancers sent home performed hip-hop! Is it the choreography or the lack of hip-hop talent in our Top Dancers?! Phillip really is the last “street dancer” left. I’m interested in seeing how Karla (from Boogie Bots) performs hip-hop (to be fair, I’m a huge fan of Karla, she’s my top pick for the girls).
I disagree with Max going home, but I agree with most that it’s producer tampering to get Kayla a “stronger” partner – I believe they see her voting results are not high and had to act on it.
I look forward to tomorrow night’s performances.
Mochi,
Really nice analysis that Hip Hop has seemed to be the kiss of death this year. How odd is that? It’s usually quite the opposite. I guess they need to get Lil’ C out from behind the judges table and do some Krumping.
I really didn’t like the choreography of Shane Sparks. I don’t think it was just the dancers’ fault in those two numbers.
Gretchen, I TOTALLY agree with you. The dancers in those two numbers didn’t help any, of course, but the choreography in general just wasn’t that interesting to me. Compare that to Dave Scott’s two numbers, and it is like night and day. I honestly wouldn’t mind it if Shane Sparks stayed with America’s Best Dance Crew and left hop-hop choreography spots open to other choreographers…