After last week's elimination of the final tapper (sigh), I wasn't sure I wanted to come back and watch the show this week. Boy, am I glad I did. It was one of the strongest performance shows we've seen this season.

They started the show with a somewhat amusing slideshow of baby photos. We began with the judges - a black-and-white photo of a very slim Nigel Lythgoe and a posed shot of Mary in a pink princess costume and tiara (Adam noted that thanks to Botox, she looks the same today - ha!). Adam's embarrassing photo was best/worst of the three though: scrawny, shirtless Adam at the beach giving a strong man pose. I couldn't stop laughing for about 10 minutes. The whole baby-picture theme continued throughout the pre-dance video interviews.

First up were Ashleigh and Jakob. Ashleigh went through quite an ugly duckling phase and mentioned her mysterious illness again (do we even know what this is?). Jakob revealed that he went through an awkward chubby phase as a kid (who didn't?). They got a TabNap hip-hop routine about a volatile couple. Jakob was a cheater and Ashleigh was desperately trying to cling on to the relationship. Choreographed to "Whatcha Say" by Jason Derulo, the dance opened with a text message projected on a screen behind them. Lots of strong popping that's common with TabNap routines and a few tricks - at one point Ashleigh did a handstand, Jakob grabbed her feet and flipped her over like it was nothing. Jakob had a great swagger throughout the whole routine. I had no idea he had it in him. Nigel and Mary praised both of them, saying even though they were challenged by the choreography, they excelled. Adam said Jakob was a lock for the Top 10 (a huge compliment, but totally true) and that Ashleigh has been exceeding his expectations and could likely be there with him. These two are definitely a couple to watch.

Karen & Kevin were up next with a B'way routine. New Broadway choreographer Spencer Liff had the couple do a routine to "If My Friends Could See Me Now" from "Sweet Charity." They were totally out of sync in the beginning and the whole thing was stiff and lacking in personality - which is crucial for Broadway, especially this musical. The most boring routine of the night by far. Nigel was disappointed and called them out for not having humor, Mary called it safe, and Adam started off with his usual tongue bath for the choreographer (*rolls eyes*) but said the dance was too much for the pair of them. They could definitely be in trouble this week.

Noelle & Russell pulled a foxtrot this week for the second time this season (they pulled it the first week, although Noelle was injured and didn't dance that time). Ouch. Next to the quickstep, this style is typically the kiss of death. Set to "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" by Michael Bubl�, it was one of the most elegant and fun foxtrots I've seen on this show - and that's a hard combination to pull off. America doesn't always get these classic ballroom styles, but I think they'll respond well to this one. Noelle floated across the stage like a dream and did an amazing cartwheel into a lift (which looked effortless for both of them). Russell shined in a few places, but largely played a supporting role this time around for me (although he did a very solid job). It was a little slow for my taste, but they sold it with their personalities and smiles. The judges praised Russell and called him a star. That's true, but I definitely think Noelle was the star of this routine. The judges said she was a fighter and that her star was definitely on the rise too. Another couple to watch, and definitely Top 10 material.

Next up were Channing and Victor with a Tyce DiOrio jazz routine. The routine was about two curious blackbirds coming out to play. Interesting concept, but I just wanted to punch Tyce in the face when he was talking. He was just smug and obnoxious, even more than usual. Ugh. The routine was set to "Blackbird" by Bobby McFerrin. I love that song, but this version was completely a capella and hard to get into. Channing's extension was fabulous and Victor did some solid pirouettes at the end with a flexed foot (he does that a lot). Both of them gave it their best, but Tyce gave them shit to work with. Apparently when they were rehearsing, Channing accidentally head-butted Victor in the face, causing him to get five stitches just above his eyebrow. Nigel said Channing looked like this was the first time she was enjoying herself onstage and that Victor was strong, but needed to grow more. Mary said she loved the actual piece (I think the Botox is seeping into her brain ...). Adam echoed Nigel's remarks, but said because of the music, the piece was hard to get attached to. Thank you! He did, however, still say Tyce was a genius. What?! How is everyone blind-sighted by this guy? It's almost as bad as it is with Lil C (although I'm pleased we haven't seen TOO much of him this season).

Kathryn and Legacy were up next with a Paso Doble. Oh boy...this could be rough. I'm very particular about my Paso Dobles. The first one I ever saw was with Sabra and Neil in S3 and that set the bar sky-high. This one was about a naval commander (Legacy) coming back to shore to his concubine (Kathryn), who's pissed that he's never home. I though Legacy would struggle with this, but he looked solid during rehearsals and just soared during the routine. He was also shirtless, and damn is he ripped! The routine opened with a great spin (like when your dad held your arms and spun you around in the air) and just kept getting better from there. Very intense and surprisingly strong technique (especially the footwork) from both of them. They also had explosive chemistry that just added to the dramatic nature of the routine. The judges said it was passionate, sexy, and strong. Nigel said Kathryn danced with more maturity than usual (she did) and worked her skirt and sexuality. They all also said Legacy has been delivering week after week and is a dead lock for the Top 10 - that's for sure.

We got a brief update about the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which gave nine talented young dancers scholarships at schools like the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Julliard. The organization also has given funds to LA's Best, a dance program for underprivileged inner-city school kids. They asked one of the little kids why he loved the dance and he really hit the nail on the head: "I can't really explain it, it just makes me feel good." It's so great to see that they're doing so much good. They also plugged their November 29 fundraiser, which is going to feature lots of all-stars from SYTYCD seasons past, "Dancing with the Stars," Julliard, American Ballet Theatre, and so many more. It actually sounds incredible. I wish I could go.

Ellenore and Ryan were up next with a Travis Wall contemporary routine about a couple that gets reunited after 10 years. On a side note, Travis dyed his hair back to its usual blonde - thank God. It was set to "Your Ex-Lover is Dead," the piece did a great job of telling the story. The choreography had a great quick, sharp quality to it without feeling abrupt or bumpy. It was smooth and beautiful and really showed off both dancers' strength, control, and extension brilliantly. The judges loved it and said both dancers were very lucky to have stuck around this week to get such a special piece. I agree.

Last were Mollee and Nathan with a Laurieann Gibson routine that involved a lot of intensity and anger. Insert war-cry montage here. The routine was set to "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga and felt very childish and a bit sloppy at times to me. They started off with some strong, sharp, in-sync movements, but quickly faltered. It looked like Mollee stumbled and almost fell at one point. I didn't like it at all, but the judges praised them for recovering from last week. On the whole, the judges said both these dancers had tremendous potential, but weren't living up to it at all - I agree, especially for Nathan. He's SO technically talented, but has been coasting throughout the entire competition. He needs to be in the bottom for a wake-up call, I think.

Couples in trouble tonight: Kevin and Karen and Channing and Victor for sure. The last spot is probably at toss up. I'd like to see Mollee and Nathan in the bottom, but I suspect Noelle and Russell could be in danger too - America doesn't typically respond well to ballroom routines (especially slower ones). I suspect Kevin and Karen will be going home tomorrow. They've been sliding for a couple weeks now and had the weakest routine of the night. Plus they're totally forgettable. Only a few more weeks until the Top 10 and I'm finally starting to get excited for it!