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SYTYCD Top 14 Power Rankings

I just don’t know HOW I’m gonna do this. Well, before I do, here’s a break to protect the eyes of those who don’t wish to have the show spoiled…

Top Four Couples:

1. Kathryn and Legacy had the best routine of the night, in my opinion. Kathryn smoldered tonight in a well-rounded and strong way. She was amazing, both supportive of her partner and entirely self-confident and independent. She had a great routine, great chemistry with her partner and great dancing. Legacy really impressed me (and I’m sure others) tonight with not just his abs (where was he hiding THOSE?) but his really strong dancing. This routine had charisma and character and story, strong music and strong dancing.

2. Elleanor and Ryan had it all tonight as well. If any routine could compete with the paso doble above, it’d be this new memorable routine from Travis Wall. Ryan’s a strong dancer, but Elleanor is the quiet start to me. She dances so completely unique and I’m glad that Nigel pointed out how the choreographers feel about her. I don’t know if she’s as easy to forget as he seems to think she is. I love her.

3. Noelle and Russell have incredibly chemistry. While the foxtrot itself wasn’t the most unique dance, they danced it gorgeously and it was an utter joy to watch because they looked like they were having such an amazing time together. Only thing is, it was early in the night and not everybody loves foxtrot, so that may hurt them…

4. Mollee and Nathan deserved to be in the bottom 3 last week and definitely didn’t deserve to be this week. However, they didn’t have the most powerful routine. It was good, and exactly what they needed to prove they deserve to be here. Their popularity (and strong performance tonight) will continue to keep them safe, I think.

Bottom Three Couples:

5. Ashleigh and Jakob might fall under the same curse, having danced first. Ashleigh might’ve outdanced and outshined Jakob tonight, but I’m not sure she has the following that some of the other girls do. I suspect they’ll both be safe, though. And for the first time, I’m pulling for Ashleigh to stay in cause I’m curious to see what else she’ll do.

6. Channing and Victor had a great, breakthrough performance. I think the distracting song and the strength of the other routines might hurt them. Plus, they were the middle performance, so maybe they’ll be forgotten a bit. They don’t have quite the cemented chemistry and popularity that Mollee and Nathan have, so I think they’ll be here. I don’t think they’ll go anywhere. At least I hope not.

7. Karen and Kevin are in danger. Not only did all three judges call it, but they danced second and their Broadway was the closest thing to an “off” note we had tonight, the weakest routine. I personally enjoyed seeing Karen doing something besides sexy tonight, but I could see that there was something a little off about it. Kevin is my least favorite guy at this point and I think after their bottom 3 status last week, if they land there this week…

Who’s gonna Go:

They’ll be the ones to go. Karen and Kevin, I believe.

This only gets harder and harder. What do y’all think?

SYTYCD Top 14 Performance Thoughts

The night I’ve been looking forward to has come upon us! The music was incredible and so were the performances! My thoughts follow after the break. I hope you’ll comment with yours.

-I’m liking Ashleigh more and more each week and I really enjoyed this Nappytabs hip hop with Jakob. I’m still not sure how Ashleigh would fare without a strong partner like Jakob, but I’m slowly becoming convinced that she just might hold her own. She was fascinating in this routine and really surprising.

-I enjoyed seeing Karen do something besides “smolder,” and I think it’s really inappropriate for Nigel/the producers to keep trying to box her into this niche. I was surprised that no one said “if *Kevin’s* friends could see him now,” before Adam that is. I really appreciated Adam’s comments. It reminded me why I’m so glad he’s a permanent judge. It was a cute routine that didn’t quite gel, but I thought they did a solid job and they both surprised me. It was cute when Kevin leaned over to kiss her.

-Loved the foxtrot! Not even so much for the choreography, though I think Eddie Simon did wonders with the two of them. They just looked like they were having an obscene about of fun together, which made it really fun to watch. Adam nailed it when he said it had a lot of “joy.” It was so hard not to smile along with them while they danced. And you really could see the improvement Russell had made and that will get him far–demonstrating that he can improve that much just in a matter of weeks when given the same style. And Nigel was right that Noelle doesn’t disappear into Russell’s shadow. They’re very giving to each other and they both shine.

-Channing smiled! She really seemed to be enjoying herself. So, apparently she just has to pretend to be an animal to visibly relax and enjoy dancing. 🙂 In her package, she said who wouldn’t want to be a cat and in this, she was a bird. This was really fun and I loved the movement they achieved and the “characters” of the curious, playful birds. Adam was right that the music was really, really distracting though. Not my favorite version of “Blackbird.” I much prefer the Dionne Farris version that Kayla danced to last season. But their movement always pulled me back in when I got distracted by the music.

-WHOA on the paso doble! This may be my favorite paso doble on any season of SYTYCD. This was intense and sexy and soooo good. They had a little awkwardness at the end, with her wrapped around him, but this was just stunning. A really good moment for the two of them. It was like a movie. My impression of both of these dancers is changing dramatically, but Legacy particularly impressed in this one.

-I’m so sad I don’t live in L.A. after seeing that Dizzy Feet package. I’m so glad we got to meet some of the dancers the foundation is helping! But they need to figure out some way to enable fans who can’t make L.A. to see the gala! Maybe a Pay-Per-View release after the gala, or a DVD release? Come on, I’m dying to see all those dancers!

-LOVING Travis Wall!! He is incredible! He brings so much out in his dancers and he was *exactly* what Elleanore and Ryan needed after that disastrous routine last week. So beautiful and full. It was an entire relationship encapsulated in a few minutes and I thought they were both incredible.

-Again, I think Laurieann Gibson was *just* what Mollee and Nathan needed this week. They needed her crazy boot camp to get down to business and dig deep. I enjoyed the performance a lot, but it didn’t stand out as much as a few of the other routines. Mollee was a little sexy and she was definitely powerful. Nathan looked so confused at Nigel’s comments, kinda like, “He’s saying positive things, but he’s saying them in a really negative way.” I’d be confused, too, but I see Nigel’s point and I think he made it a lot more professionally this week. Still nearly made Nathan cry, I think.

-Cat was HYSTERICAL and adorable tonight. I loved it especially when she did a Travis Wall impression. Lol.

Keep your eyes peeled for my Power Rankings. Dunno how I’m gonna do this one.

SYTYCD Top 16 Results Thoughts

I’m so excited that we have more control over the dancers’ fates. That being said…I have NO idea how this vote’s gonna go and it makes me so nervous. I particularly don’t want to lose Peter.

My thoughts, as they happen –

SYTYCD Top 16 Power Rankings

I’m gonna rank my most and least favorite routines first and then rank the dancers. How’s that about bang for your buck?

1. Noelle & Russell’s Afrojazz

2. Pauline & Peter’s quickstep

3. Channing & Victor’s contemporary

4. Kathryn & Legacy’s Broadway

5. Karen & Kevin’s hustle

6. Ashleigh & Jakob’s jazz

7. Elleanore & Ryan’s krump

8. Mollee & Nathan’s salsa (hate to do it…)

Whew! Now that I have that out of my system, I can properly address what I think the ranking will end up being tomorrow night.

Probably safest do a little spoiler space before I go into too much detail…

SYTYCD Top 16 Performance Thoughts

I’m so excited for tonight’s show! Our first chance to vote this season. I wonder what will happen tonight to help us make this difficult decision.

My thoughts? Let’s put some spoiler space up…

SYTYCD Top 18 Performance Thoughts

We still don’t get to vote this week – next week, we’ll get a full meal of SYTYCD – Tuesday performance show and Wednesday result show. I’m still a little glad that the judges are making the tough early decisions. We’ll see if they make the right one (unlike last week…)

Here are some of my thoughts from tonight’s show [SOME SPOILERS]: Read more..

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?

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.

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?

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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SYTYCD Top 14 Power Rankings

SYTYCD Top 14 Performance Thoughts

SYTYCD Top 16 Results Thoughts

SYTYCD Top 16 Power Rankings

SYTYCD Top 16 Performance Thoughts

SYTYCD Top 18 Performance Thoughts

Top 20 Performance Thoughts

Top 20 Power Rankings Live

Top 20 Power Ranking (HA!)

Meet the Top 20 Thoughts

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