Group routine: a hip-hop routine to "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes. The dancers were dressed in red and white soldier costumes, which fit nicely with the song, but meant I honestly couldn't pick anyone out. They came out strong, hitting the moves hard and sharply. At one point they came into a clump and did a canon of moves (one part of the group would start doing something, then the next group, then the next). It was amazing to watch. They looked like they were a giant amoeba, but with sharp, hip-hop movements. Loved it. And no surprise, it was a TabNap creation. I'm glad we're seeing more of their pieces this season - they're probably one of the best additions to this show.
Cat introduced us to the judges and let it slip that it's Nigel's 60th birthday. He says he's holding up, but showed that his cheeks are a little flabby. "No botox here," he says. I love Mary, but I love it when they poke fun at her and her overly botoxed face. At least she's a good sport about it. Nigel then quashed the rumors of there being a Michael Jackson special on this show (wow, I totally missed that). Apparently all the choreographers were up for it, but Sony and Michael Jackson's family were not. Would an MJ tribute show have been fun? Yes. Do we really need to keep him in the news cycle for another month? No. Don't get me wrong, I'm an MJ fan (hell, my ringtone is "Thriller"), but I've moved on, and so should everyone else.
First two couples: Caitlin & Jason and Janette & Brandon. The latter of the two have got to be safe - both their routines were fantastic - but I could see Caitlin & Jason in the bottom. Their lyrical jazz was too restrained, their foxtrot was just so-so, and neither routine was particularly memorable. Aaaaand ... I'm right. Caitlin & Jason are in the Bottom 3, Janette & Brandon are the first pair in the Top 10 this year.
Next couples: Randi & Evan and Jeanine & Phillip. I wasn't a fan of either of Jeanine & Phillip's routines and I love Randi & Evan (please let them be safe *crosses fingers*) and they are! Yesssss! Going in to tonight, I didn't think Jeanine & Phillip are really in any danger. No way the judges would ever get rid of their only hip-hop dancer and not let him go on the tour, right? But Nigel said he knows people look at the Top 10 to see who's going to be on the tour (um, of course), but that they always bring swing dancers with them (understudy swing, not actual swing).
Last two couples: Melissa & Ade (please listen to Eric, that pick makes you look ridiculous) and Kayla & Kupono. This is tough. I thought Melissa & Ade did great in both their routines, but the addiction routine by K-squared was probably my favorite last night. Their Broadway routine was pretty lackluster though, so could they be in trouble? No they're not. Wow. I never would have called that one. Although I really wouldn't mind Ade going home. His technique has always been sub-par and I think a lot of the time, Melissa has been carrying him through this competition. He has improved, but it might not be enough to save him.
Before the Bottom 6 dancers perform their solos, they gave us a sneak peak at Season 6. It looks like there are a lot of contemporary dancers again, but it looks like there are a handful of promising hip-hoppers too. Is anyone else as excited as I am for this fall?!
Solo time! Caitlin was up first, and it was a weak solo. She had barely any gymnastics (which are clearly her forte), practically no arabesques or anything to show off her incredible extension. She kind of just twirled around the stage half-heartedly. I suspect that's because she knew she was going home tonight. She's a very talented dancer, but I always feel like she isn't living up to her potential. So disappointing. And next to Kayla and Jeanine, it's almost no contest. Jason came out shirtless (I think he's figured out that it's one of his best assets) and actually did a pretty good job. Lots of sharp, popping movements, and one of his better solos.
Jeanine's solo was filled with lots of pirouettes and some strong leaps to. Her center's beautiful, her extension is crazy good and I have no doubt she'll be in our Top 10 this year. Phillip's solo was his usual, which is fine (his usual stuff is still mind-boggling to me). He hit it hard and really worked it, but it might not be enough to save him. He is the last hip-hop guy standing though, so the judges might spare him just so he can go on tour.
Melissa's solo was on pointe (pardon the bad pun), but it wasn't spectacular to me. It almost looked like she didn't have anything prepared. Her technique is still the strongest in this competition though, and I doubt she's going anywhere. Ade did his solo to computer noise (mouse clicks, alert dings, etc.). Um ... ooookay? On top of his bizarre music choice, the whole thing felt incredibly heavy and clumsy. I'd like to see him get the boot tonight.
Next up: Kelly Rowland and DJ David Guetta (AKA what Lance Bass will look like in about 20 years). I had no idea Kelly Rowland was still singing/putting out records. I guess "The Fashion Show" (Bravo's mediocre "replacement" for ‘Project Runway') isn't taking up all of her time. Her song, "When Love Takes Over," didn't do anything for me personally. It kind of sounded like she needed a cough drop. Not my favorite performance. More Kelly Clarkson instead, please!
Elimination time: The judges are unanimous in their decision for the girls aaand it's Caitlin. Can't say I'm surprised or disappointed. She's a great dancer and cute as a button, but she's never lived up to her potential on this show.
Time for the guys: They're also unanimous in their decision. Phillip's called out first and is rebuked for not being able to do anything other than his great hip-hop style. He's eliminated, BUT Nigel said he (and Caitlin) would be joining the Top 10 on tour. Phillip's certainly a unique dancer and great at what he does, but that's bullshit. All the other dancers that are going on tour have earned it - it's one of the strongest Top 10's I think we've seen since S3 - but Phillip's been miserable at all his routines (except hip-hop). Don't get me wrong, his popping is beyond amazing, but this show is about being able to excel at several styles of dance, not just one. I guess they have to sell tickets though, and Phillip will certainly be a big draw.
So that's it then. We finally made it to our Top 10 dancers (in no particular order): Randi, Janette, Jeanine, Kayla, Melissa, Evan, Brandon, Jason, Kupono and Ade. I think it's one of the strongest Top 10's we've ever scene, but there's nary a star in the bunch - especially among the guys. They've all got potential (Kayla, Melissa, and Brandon are ones to watch, I think), but no one's really emerged. But that just makes me all the more excited to see them switch partners. A lot of the time that brings out a new side of them and I hope it's true this year.