The show opened with a group number to"What's a Girl Gotta Do?" by Basement Jaxxx featuring Paloma Faith. It was a very "Alice in Wonderland"-inspired routine (that property is very hot right now, between the Tim Burton film coming out next year and the SyFy mini-series starting in a week). Russell, dressed as the Mad Hatter crossed with Flavor Flav, beckoned a nearly unrecognizable Kathryn to sip from a bowl, and then things got trippy. It reeked of Wade Robson weirdness, and felt like "Rama Lama"'s sequel in the herky-jerky, creepy movements. I loved the costumes, and I liked many of the moves too, although some of the dancers weren't hitting it nearly as hard as you would think. Legacy got a major showcase in the middle of the song. But surprise! It was actually a Tabitha and Napoleon routine. I would not have guessed that.

Results. First two couples up were Karen and Victor and Ashleigh and Jakob. Of the two, Karen and Victor deserved the bottom based on their terrible hip-hop routine, even though their tango was brutally hot. Meanwhile, I didn't think Ashleigh and Jakob nailed it Tuesday either, as I found the cha-cha lacking in heat, even though the judges loved it. And ultimately, Karen and Victor landed in the bottom, moving Ashleigh and Jakob right through to the Top 10. Certainly Jakob is deserving. Ashleigh has gotten better, but I would argue she wasn't strong enough for Top 20 to begin with. (And, if you think about it, didn't even really make it, since she only got in after Paula dropped out.)

Next two couples: Mollee and Nathan and Legacy and Kathryn. Of the two, Mollee and Nathan are easily the weakest - I think Legacy and Kathryn are one of the strongest couples in the competition this year. And America got it right: for the second week in a row, Mollee and Nathan were in the bottom. These two were the golden couple when the show started, but I think America has grown as tired of their irritating behavior as I have. I've found Mollee grating since Vegas, but Nathan has been coming across as a snotty little brat lately too. In fact, Adam basically told the two of them exactly that, warning Mollee and Nathan that they need to watch their comments in their clip packages. I'm so glad he said that, because I don't think those two boobs have any idea how bad they look to the average Joe.

Last two couples were Ryan and Ellenore and Russell and Noelle. I like both of them, but Russell and Noelle had the worse night Tuesday, failing to exude any real sexiness in their samba. Somehow, Russell and Noelle made the Top 10. It's surprising, because I think that aside from Ashleigh, Noelle is probably the weakest female left in the show. I certainly don't think she's deserving of Top 10.

We then had a soloist from the American Ballet Theater, Paloma Herrera, performing a number from "Don Quixote." I'm glad this show is showcasing more of these incredibly technical styles that the competitors would be incapable of pulling off. We may not see any ballet routines on this show, but it's such an important dance form, and it needs the exposure. She was great, but really, you already knew that.

Solos: Karen was dressed like a hooker crossed with a ballet dancer (so, a Pussycat Doll?), and her solo was only moderately better than last week's, as it was basically lots of strutting and hair flipping. She can shake it, no doubt, but...what else can she do? Victor really throws himself into his solos, which I appreciate. I also appreciate the tight shorts he was wearing. It was not the most technical solo we've seen from him; instead, it focused more on drama and attitude. Not sure if that was the way to go. Mollee did more gymnastics. I thought this was a dance competition. Still, it was a better solo than Karen's, and she did this one wicked cool combination toward the end. Nathan proved why he deserves to be there, with a solo that combined both his hip-hop hitting and his lyrical abilities. I would have liked more content, but his musicality was great. Ellenore did a very cool, weird jazz solo that was loaded with personality, but light on tricks, except for some impressive balance moves. Ryan shook his fine ass, attacking the stage with a passion and flair we haven't seen from male ballroom dancers on this show for a couple seasons now. It reminded me of the heydays of Dmitri and Pasha, and that can only be good.

Based on solos, I would say that Victor is screwed, and probably Karen. But really any of the girls could be in danger at this point.

Then Shakira came on and had to deal with serious mic problems. I will confess, I don't understand Shakira. I don't particularly like her voice, with that goaty yodel or whatever the hell you want to call it. I don't understand the kind of music she performs - what is she? Is she Latin pop? Is she r'n'b? Is she a Christina Aguilera-like ballad belter? Is she electro pop, like the shitty song she performed on the show? (Note that I didn't say "sang" on the show, since there was almost no singing in the number whatsoever.) And why is she styling herself to look like Beyonce now? Too many questions.

Eliminations. Girls first. Nigel said they were unanimous in their choice. Nigel told Mollee that he really saw her fight for her place in the Top 10 in her solo. Nigel told Ellenore that there's nothing she can do to improve in the competition - she's already great - but she needs to connect with the audience more. Nigel told Karen that tonight's solo felt as though she was giving up, and so she was eliminated. I'm OK with it. At this point I don't think we need two female ballroom dancers in the Top 10, and while I think she's stronger than Ashleigh, and sexier, she's been unlucky with her partners (and Ashleigh has been VERY lucky with Jakob.)

Then the guys. Nigel said the judges were not unanimous in their decision. He told Victor that he has grown exponentially on the show, and compared him to Kelly Osbourne on "Dancing with the Stars." Nigel told Ryan that he's been great to watch at the different styles, but found his solo unimpressive. I don't know, I thought he brought tons of energy to it. Nigel told Nathan that he came to the show as a brilliant dancer, and remains one, but he's not growing. Nigel told Nathan that if he had his way, Nathan would be going home. But instead, Victor was cut. The result was not surprising, but Nigel's takedown of Nathan kind of was. I would think Nigel would consider Nathan his meal ticket, but maybe he's as over Nathan's apparent attitude as I am. Hmmm.

So we have our Top 10: Jakob, Nathan, Legacy, Russell, and Ryan for the guys; Ashleigh, Ellenore, Noelle, Kathryn, and Mollee. I think it's definitely a guy's season -- I don't think any of the girls really stand a chance -- and if I had to pick a Final 2 it'd be Russell and Legacy, or possibly Jakob. But we'll see.