Tonight's results show kicked off with an Asian-inspired group performance choreographed by Wade Robson and his wife, Amanda, to "So Much Betta" by Janet Jackson. The routine was quite a spectacle - three huge white drapes were hanging from the ceiling to the stage floor and the dancers were dressed in Asian-inspired hats (guys) and kimonos (girls). It looked like a battle between good an evil - some of the girls were in red, some in black and one (Melissa, I think) in white. The routine was full of sharp, angular, and tightly choreographed movements that were executed wonderfully by the dancers. A great way to open the show.

Cat came out in a sparkly t-shirt length dress, which I would normally say is a fashion faux pas, but with her legs, she can pull it off. She rattled off a long list of the Emmy nods the show received this morning, including Mia Michaels for "Mercy" (Katee & Twitch), Tabitha & Napoleon for "Bleeding Love" (Mark & Chelsea), Tyce DiOrio for "Silence" (Jessica & Will), and Dmitry for "A Los Amigos" (Chelsea & Joshua). The makeup department was also nominated. Kudos to all - well deserved! Those were some of my favorite routines last season.

The panel was a little empty tonight, as Nigel was absent. He was apparently off receiving an honorary degree of arts from a university in England (I missed the name). So it was all up to the girls (Mary, Debbie Allen, and Cat) to run the show.�

After a quick recap of Wednesday night's performances and a commercial break, it was time to see who was in the Bottom 4. Since we're voting for individual dancers now and the numbers are dwindling, the 2 lowest polling girls and guys will be revealed. Ultimately, the lowest polling male and female dancers still go home, but they like to keep us in suspense for at least half an hour first.

First up were the girls. This was tough - these are the strongest five girls we've ever seen in the competition. If I had it my way, we would have gotten rid of two guys tonight (ideally Ade and Kupono) and give the girls a pass.

Janette was first, and she was safe. It wasn't her strongest performance last night, but that girl is spicy and deserved to stay. Next up was Randi, and she was the first in the Bottom 2 for the girls. I wasn't surprised. She really worked her ass off in the Paso Doble last night, but let's face it, that routine was a TRAIN WRECK. Which was more Kupono's fault than hers, but it still came back to bite her in that now-infamous ass of hers.

Next was Jeanine, and she was safe, which was fine by me. I didn't think America would latch on to her as much as they have, especially with Phillip dragging her down for so many weeks, but I'm glad to see her doing well. She's a beautiful dancer. It was down to Kayla and Melissa, and I'm sure Eric was shitting himself at this point -- he's in love with Kayla. (And it's true, I was. -- ER) But Melissa landed in the bottom. I am glad Kayla is safe (she's got incredible extension and is one of the better dancers, technically speaking), but sad to see Melissa in the bottom. Like I said, I'd like to see all these girls stay in the competition.

Then it was onto the guys. Jason was up first, and was safe. He decided to celebrate by doing several Mary-like screams of joy. Yikes. Now onto Evan, who is getting unfairly slammed by the judges this season. America seems to love him though (and why not, he's adorable) and he was safe! Huzzah! Kupono was up next and, as suspected, he was the first guy in the Bottom 2. That left us with Brandon and Ade. Of the two, I'd like to see Ade go home because he's just SO boring. The guy's a solid dancer, but a total snooze-fest in terms of star power. His personality is nonexistent to me. Apparently, America agrees, and Ade was in the bottom 2 guys. Yessss!

Then Randi, Kupono, Melissa, and Ade performed solos, which didn't change the results, but provided them a last chance to show off what they can do. This usually isn't my favorite part of the show (30 seconds generally isn't enough time to really perform an outstanding, memorable dance), but tonight's routines were particularly disappointing because...we'd seen them before. It was a total "Groundhog Day" moment. All of the solos (and correct me if I'm wrong) were the same tonight as they were Wednesday night. It was very disappointing for me, partially because I had to sit through the same tired routines again, and partially because I think on the whole, the solos were exceptionally weak last night (especially from these four).

At least my sour mood was remedied by the next performers: The Black Eyed Peas! They performed their hit "I Got a Feeling" and I was feeling it. It's just one of those infectious, toe-tapping summer songs that I love to blast on my stereo and cruise around town singing. Add in some laser lights, confetti guns, and a high-energy performance from this popular foursome, and it was a recipe for success. Arguably one of the better musical guest performances we've seen this season.

Elimination time. Girls were up first and it was heartbreaking - I love both of them. But one has to go home tonight, and it was Randi. It's sad, but expected. At least she's got that famous little booty of hers to fall back on. Or maybe she can market those unitard girl t-shirts (hint hint, Randi! I'll buy one!)

After a montage of her best moments, it was onto the guys. This one I didn't care about. Honestly. I wouldn't mind seeing either of them go home. But it was Kupono. I guess the Hawaii vote wasn't strong enough to keep him in the competition. Oh, well. Thanks Kupono, you've been...interesting? At least he a decent haircut out of the experience.

Next week should certainly be interesting. Earlier in the program, Cat rattled off a long list of people we can expect next week for the 99th and 100th episodes of the series, including Mia Michaels (guest judge), a handful of favorite dancers from past seasons (awesome), Ellen DeGeneres (I guess she'll be funny), and, perhaps the most exciting of all ... (drumroll please) ... Katie Holmes! Huh? I know she's evidently involved in the organization Nigel launched a few weeks ago, but I have no idea how she's remotely relevant to dance. And she's supposedly going to be doing a performance. Oh boy. At least we know next week will be interesting � � � �