SYTYCD: Performance Finale

Last night's performance finale showed why Kent Boyd, Lauren Froderman, and Robert Roldan deserved to be called "America's Favorite Dancer" which will be decided in tonight's season finale. They all showed off their artistry, strength, personality, and heart. Judge Nigel Lythgoe declared last night that he "really doesn't mind" who wins this season because they all deserved it. Fellow judge Adam Shankman went one further and called the top three dancers his "favorites out of all the seasons" of the show.

Again, for their part, the top three worked their asses off performing FIVE routines each--two with an All-Star, two with their fellow contestants, and a solo number. Apart from a slightly lightweight Mandy Moore jazz routine danced by Kent/Lauren, the rest of the performances including the solos went BALLS OUT and the dancers more than kept up.


They all had their moments to shine last night. Kent started off the night with a fun, energetic Bollywood number which was tailor-made for him. He followed it up with an open-shirted and effective solo then that lightweight jazz routine with Lauren. His final performance was a dramatic and cool "Malevos" routine with Robert, but his penultimate performance was what got the judges riled up as Kent was overcome with emotion. Shankman told Kent that he just "became an artist."


Lauren showed off how strong she was by keeping up with Twitch in her first routine which to me was a little tongue-in-cheek Obama/Hilary 2008. Next was the absolutely beautiful and dreamlike contemporary routine she danced with Robert showing both of their great balance and strength. After that was her routine with Kent followed by her hot solo. My favorite dance last night was Lauren's final one and it was a Cha-Cha with Pasha. It literally left me breathless as did the judges with Mia Michaels even saying that if she was still a young dancer, she'd want to dance just like Lauren. Wow. Just... wow.


Finally we get to Robert who probably had the most consistent night powering through all of his routines with aplomb and humility, which the judges pointed out time and time again. They also noted how much he has grown, more than the rest. He began with a wonderfully quirky Jazz routine with Mark to the tune of "Whip It" which showed off his strength and personality. He followed that with his routine with Lauren and then he did his fluid solo. Next was his sexy Broadway number which was better than I thought it would be and finally his "Malevolos" routine with Kent.

For this entire competition, I've been rooting for Kent, but Nigel is 100% right on the money when he said it didn't matter who won since they are all so talented and likable, that they all deserve it. Usually there will be one or two people in the finale I really would prefer not to win, but that's not true this season. As for who is most likely to win... Kent has certainly been the frontrunner most of the season, but when all the girls left, Lauren blossomed and turned into a bit of his rival. In the last few weeks though, including last night, Robert has surged. It's all about who is most likely to vote and that probably means that Kent has this in the bag with his legion of girls screaming his name.

Amazing Race Finale

Heading into the finale, Megan/Cheyne were the favorites finishing first in most of the episodes this season. But with the inevitable bunching-up in the airport to get to Las Vegas, it really was anyone's game especially with Sam/Dan's brutal competitiveness and Brian/Ericka's utter resilience.

And up until the end, it really was anyone's game as every single team ended up 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at different moments during the finale. Brian/Ericka was first to Mandalay Bay where one member of the team had to do a first-face rappel. Ericka did this since Brian is terrified of heights. Cheyne chose to do it while keeping his eyes closed while Sam blistered through as if he was Spiderman.

Next up was to go to the Mirage Hotel and take part of a Cirque du Soleil's Love show. While Brian/Ericka was first to reach the hotel, they ended up leaving last with the other two teams having a seemingly easier time working with bungee cords.

Sam/Dan reached their next destination, the Monte Carlo, first despite leaving the Mirage second to Megan/Cheyne who had no idea that the Monte Carlo was their next stop. Teams here had to calculate out $1 million in poker chips. The brothers started out way in front, but Brian/Ericka and then Megan/Cheyne eventually caught up. The brothers started to fight which enabled Megan/Cheyne to pull ahead en route to...

...the MGM Grand to get their final clue from Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton. The brothers followed them soon after. Their last pit stop was located at Wayne Newton's house. Fast forward to the editing team making it seem like the race is neck and neck and Megan/Cheyne became the official winners of The Amazing Race.

A predictable end? Probably, but the finale itself was anyone's game. Megan/Cheyne kept their collective heads cool even when they got lost and they were able to edge out two teams who lett their emotions got the best of them during crucial times. Plus as "annoying" as these three teams have been, I would've been fine if any of them won. I was slightly rooting for Brian/Ericka, because they were the slight underdog, but Megan/Cheyne still deserved to win.

Project Runway Finale

And then there were three.

The finale of the the sixth season of Project Runway was a bit anticlimactic. Yes, there were bits of drama such as Carol-Hannah still dealing with a nasty stomach virus and Irina thinking Althea is copying her yet again. But for the most part the designers just had to finish and present their lines.


Althea's collection was inspired by 70s sci-fi women and she wanted to have a collection that reflects those aesthetics as well as show us how a woman from today would dress for the future. High concept to be sure and I'm not entirely sure her collection delivered. She played to her strengths doing mostly separates and sportswear inspired clothes. There were a few knitwear as well.

Carol-Hannah's line featured a variety of colors and styles showcasing her penchant to play with volume and texture. The imagination was there and out of all the designer, her collection was the most fun to watch and analyze, but she lacked cohesion. Too bad since if Carol-Hannah just explained to the judges that she was going for that eclectic fairy-tale vibe, everyone would've seen that she did have some sort of vision.

Finally, Irina's collection was an ode to New York and shield-wear for protection. Of course this meant a lot of dark colors (i.e. black), but she softened it up with very intricate knitwear and custom-made tee shirts. Out of all the collections, hers was the most cohesive. If she had just punctuated her collection with a few colors, she would've amazed further.

In the end, Irina won and again it was a bit anti-climactic. I do think Irina deserved to win based on her performance for most of the season and her Bryant Park line. Upwards and onwards. I pray the next season is just a bit more exciting than this one. Here's a suggestion to the producers, move back to New York!

SYTYCD: The Finale

The talented Brandon Bryant, the adorable Evan Kasprzak, the fierce Jeanine Mason, and the versatile Kayla Ramdomski are your top four finalists for So You Think You Can Dance. Despite my feelings of general disappointment for the whole season, I congratulate each and every single one of these dancers for rising to the top this season. They all deserved to win (but I'm personally rooting for Evan and Jeanine).


The finale took place, for the first time in the show's history, at the grand Kodak Theater. Bigger stage and an even bigger audience. The last performance episode was jam-packed with routines with the top four performing with one another. They were all pretty good, but my absolute favorite was the two girls performing a Mia Michaels contemporary number. Usually the boy-boy routine is the more memorable of the same-sex routines, but this season proved different. My favorite moment though had to be when the entire theater chanted "Evan! Evan! Evan!" A beautiful moment for him.

It was Evan who got the short end of the stick from the judges' comments last night with Brandon and Jeanine getting LOTS of love. They praised Kayla, but according to most people by the end, this season was Brandon's or Jeanine's to lose. But I have to give it up to guest judge Adam Shankman who gave them all props in the end. Adam said, "Brandon you tore it up tonight. Jeanine you came out as a dark horse. Evan you may be one of the most popular dancers the show has ever seen. And I just called Kayla one of the best dancers ever on the show." Hear hear.

The two-hour finale tonight was quite well done. The focus was on the judges' favorite routines throughout the season. And that was it. There were two guest performances, but for the most part the whole show consisted of a series of memorable routines. I thought the judges, all seven of them (Nigel, Mary, Adam, Debbie, Tyce, Mia, and Lil C), picked wisely and looked damn sharp. The best and most obvious routine to bring back was Melissa & Ade's heartbreaking Tyce Diorio's "Breast Cancer Themed" routine, but I also was very happy to see Travis Wall's routine for Jason & Jeanine, because it was HOT.

There were two routines I thought they really shouldn't have brought back though. The first was Brandon & Janette's tango because it was honestly the only performance I couldn't remember. The other one was Randi & Evan's "Butt" dance by Mia Michaels. I say this because BOTH couples have had better performances. Though if you ask me I would've just replaced them with the Jeanine/Kayla dance from the night before or another Melissa/Ade number.

I was quite happy with all of the group numbers. Top 20 performed Broadway while Top 16 performed the Salsa. Then to cap off the night, the Top 8 performed with the judges joining them in the end, to standing ovation. In the end, the night still belonged to the top four and one by one they learned their fates. When Kayla and Evan were declared fourth and third place finishers, it was between Jeanine and Brandon. I was praying for Jeanine and she won! She's America's Most Favorite Dancer (well until the fall). Congratulations Jeanine Mason!

For a disappointing season, that finale really reminded me what I actually liked about this season & this show. Until next month!

SYTYCD: Top 14

I'm usually pretty critical when it comes to the routines that the dancers perform on SYTYCD, but I have to say that I pretty much loved everyone's performances last night.

Janette & Brandon displayed their huge talent for fast dancing when they nailed their Cha Cha number. I was only upset that judge Mia Michaels is not drinking the Brandon Kool Aid, but oh well. Kayla & Kupono did a quirky vampire-esque number and it was the FIRST time I truly enjoyed one of Kupono's performances. Following them was my favorite Randi & Evan showing off their personalities with a Fosse-like number. Choreographer Brian Freedman then gave Jason & Kaitlin a weird alien performance which was shockingly good. I just loved the concept and it was brilliantly executed all the way through.

The next three performances I didn't LOVE as much, but they were still great. Jeanine & Phillip had a Hip Hop number where they were chained together. Loved the dancing, but the chain was distracting. Then Melissa & Ade did the "first" Pas De Deux in SYTYCD history, but I could swear this was performed before in the show. He kinda played second fiddle to her who was absolutely marvelous. Finally, Karla & Vitolio did their best with the dreaded Quickstep, but it was still Quickstep.

So tonight I fully expected at least for Karla & Vitolio to be in the bottom and they were. They were joined by Kayla & Kupono who I thought was one of the best performances the night before and by Jeanine & Phillip which was a bit of a pleasant shock. The judges, however, as so far up Phillip's ass that his safety wasn't even in questioned.

As par for this season, the dancers "dancing for their lives" were largely meh. The only person to try anything was Phillip and even then the judges called him desperate. Just can't win, can you? In the end it was Karla & Vitolio to leave and I just have to agree. Karla never made any impact on me and I thought she was bland as white bread. Vitolio on the other hand was up against a resurgent Kupono and an infallible Phillip.

Finally, Kelly Clarkson was the musical guest and she performed her hit "I Do Not Hook Up." I love her.

SYTYCD: Top 16 Results

Tonight's show began with a Tabitha/Napoleon group number that were reminiscent of Havana Nights/Dirty Dancing. Nigel then spoke of the recent deaths of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcet, and Michael Jackson. It was gracefully handled I thought.

After a commercial break, it was back to business as Asuka/Vitolio, Karla/Jonathan, and shockingly Caitlin/Jason were put in the bottom three. Not the bottom three I would've picked, but not entirely surprising either.

A B-Boy crew full of young boys came out and thrilled the audience and enchanted Cat Deely. I actually thought it was kind of a hot mess, but it's the type of performance you can't really critique.

The bottom six dancers danced for their life and other than Caitlin, no one really impressed me. After a performance by the Veronicas, the judges pretty much agreed with me as Caitlin was the only one to get universal praise. They then pulled out the rug from under Asuka and Jonathan. I totally agree with their guy pick, but I would've sent bland Karla home instead for the girls.

SYTYCD: Top 16 Performances

This week the judges and I were in agreement for most of the night which was a complete 180 from last week. Tonight Toni Basil joined Nigel and Mary. On to the dancers...

Karla & Jonathan - They performed Hip Hop by Dave Sparks. I thought she danced great, but he looked like a white boy dancing hip hop badly. And the lack of chemistry is still there for me. The judges did not like it as well.

Asuka & Vitolio - Just one word to describe them and it is FIERCE. Seriously. Dancing a Mandy Moore Jazz number, they were just a joy to watch. The judges generally liked it.

Melissa & Ade - They were so hot I'm still fanning myself. Never having danced a Rumba, they just sizzled on the dance floor with chemistry to spare. The judges went insane over it and I couldn't agree more.

Janette & Brandon - I am not the biggest fan of this couple, but I got to admit that they were quite good dancing Hip Hop by Dave Sparks. The judges lavished them with praise, but this time it was deserved so no eye rolling from me.

Kayla & Kupono - They performaned a Viennese Waltz by Jean Marc. It was quite beautiful and elegant, but a bit forgettable. The judges came up with the same conclusion, but they did really like it.

Randi & Evan - I love Mia Michaels and I love this couple, but I'm not usually a fan of Mia's quirkier Contemporary routines and this performance didn't really change my mind. It was still beautifully dance and the judges quite liked it.

Caitlin & Jason - Jean Marc choreographed a Paso Doble for these two. And while I thought it was strong and was generally danced well, I was distratced. By the song, the costumes, and even some of the dance elements. The judges loved her and was a bit more critical of him.

Jeanine & Phillip - They danced a really fun Tyce Diorio Broadway routine. It was just okay, since I've seen better Broadway performances. I loved the feathers more than anything. The judges were quite lukewarm especially towards him.

Overall a good night. A better night at least compared to last week. I don't have an obsession yet like with a Pasha or a Benji from season's past. But Ade and Melisa keep warming up to me week after week. And I'm still rooting for Randi, Evan, and Jason as well.

Best of the Night: Melissa & Ade
Worst of the Night: Karla & Jonathan

SYTYCD: Top 18 Results

Last night's show disappointed me because the judges and I just didn't agree on anything. But let's see what American thought after all of that shall we?

Looking angry and tattooed like Nero from this summer's Star Trek, The top 18 dancers come out and dance a manic Mia Michaels number that reminded me of babies throwing tantrums. We then get a funny montage of Lil C' spewing his bon mots from the night before. It was quite a grand display of pretentiousness if you asked me.

But neither here nor there as we get down to business. Melissa/Ade was the first couple declared safe and I was relieved for them. It was then between Caitlin/Jason and Jeanine/Phillip. America decided that Caitlin/Jason danced worse than Jeanine/Phillip. I vociferously disagree, but whatever. If Phillip is unable to get to the bottom three with that heinouse performance, just put him through to the finals now.

The next three couples came out and sadly Jeanette/Brandon was safe. Just not a fan. Karla/Jonathan was next to be safe, which meant Ashley/Kupono was in the bottom.

Right before we got to the last three couples, Cat showed us Ryan's, Evan's brother, audition for Season Six. Completely shocking the world, Ryan made it through to Vegas. Why not just automatically put him through the Top 20, I don't know. But wow how is this fair to the other future Top 20ers? ANYWAY, as expected Randi/Evan was safe. Not as expected was Asuka/Vitolio being safe as Vitolio let out a guttural scream of joy. Last pair in the bottom was Kayla/Max.

With three different couples on the bottom this week, the judges went off to decide whose dreams they would dash this week. Before that happened though we were treated to a Bollywood number and then the bottom six dancers danced for their life. I thought only Caitlin and Jason did anything worthwhile.

The judges came back after a forgettable lipsynched performance by Christian Debarge. The judges informed the dancers it was not unanimous. But with that we said goodbye to Ashley and Max meaning their respective partners will now be new partners. Until next week...

SYTYCD: Top 18 Performance

Before I talk about the performances this week, I just wanted to say that a guy will definitely win this season. It's just a feeling I have. Plus the guys get louder cheers than the girls. So unless a girl really breaks out, a guy will win.

This week Lil' C is judging with Nigel and Mary. And while I know these three have WAY more dancing credentials than me, I just kept disagreeing with them the whole night. So it was a bit frustrating for me tonight.

Randi & Evan - The show started out with a bang with these two performing an Jive number by Louis Van Amstel. I just couldn't stop smiling throughout their routine. It was so much fun. The judges, however, were not wowed as I was. Yes, they thought it was fun as well, but they thought it could've been done better.

Melissa & Ade - This is a couple I love rooting for, but I just wasn't blown away with this Jazz routine choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. I love bits and parts of it and thought it was cool, but it just didn't really grab me as much as I wanted it to. The judges liked it more than I did with Lil' C even calling Ade the one to beat now. That's some chutzpah.

Caitlin & Jason - These two danced the first Hip Hop number by Shane Sparks tonight. While I thought it was cute and sexy, the judges had less than friendly opinions to say the least. They pretty much called them posers without really saying it, which is lame since I actually thought Jason made a convincing popper while Caitlin held her own.

Janette & Brandon - Doriana Sanchez choreographed these two in a Disco routine. I don't really like these two, but I thought the first part was quite good. I thought it fell apart towards the end and I just don't feel the chemistry between them. The judges were totally in loved with it which kinda made me roll my eyes, but whatever.

Asuka & Vitolio - We get a Waltz by Louis Van Amstel performed by these two and let me tell you it was just absolutely beautiful. Just beautiful. While it didn't make me cry, it made Mary cry and who could blame her? Just a strong and emotional performance from the pair of them. This is also the rare performance where the judges and I agreed.

Kayla & Max - Brian Freedman makes a comeback to this show by giving these two a Pop Jazz number. From the beginning, I was distracted by the ugly costumes. The latter parts were better, but for the most part it was just meh for me. So of course the judges loved it. At this point I just didn't know anything anymore. Oh well.

Karla & Jonathan - These two dance a Contemporary number by new choreography Stacey Tookey. They performed to the beautiful "Falling Slowly" which I love. And while I thought they did their moves quite flawlessly, I still felt ZERO chemistry between these two. The judges, for their part, practically had an orgasm when judging.

Jeanine & Phillip - This was excruciating for me. This Tony Meredith Tango number had nothing for me to praise. Both dancers were a bit sloppy. The song was terrible. And the dance itself was quite dull. And while the judges rightly critiqued them for their awful technique, they pretty much did everything in their power to excuse it all to kiss Phillip's butt. Sad. I hate it when judges play favorites.

Ashley & Kupono - The final Hip Hop routine by Shane Sparks was largely met by the same meh from the judges. Actually they quite liked Ashley, but they had nothing good to say to Kupono. I thought the complete opposite. I was actually pleasantly surprised by his performance (and I don't like him!) while I was meh towards her.

So as you can see the judges and I pretty much almost had the complete opposite thoughts. But they have years of dance experience, while I took a dance elective for one semester in high school. Make that as much as you will, but hey I'm the voter, right?

Best of the Night: Randi & Evan
Worst of the Night: Jeanine & Phillip

SYTYCD: Top 20 Results

The first results show of the season started out with a fantastic group routine to the tune of Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow." At first I thought Wade Robeson choreographed it since it totally looked like his patented zombies, so it was a bit of a surprise to hear that it was a Shane Sparks number.

After showing a montage of the dancer's first week and how they were getting along with their partners, it was down to business. The first three couples came out and I was pretty sure they were all safe since the judges (and audience) loved them last night. Sure enough Kayla/Max, Randi/Evan, and Jeanine/Phillip were put through safety.

The next four couples were brought out. Caitlin/Jason were immediately put to safety. I was worried about Melissa/Ade, but they too were safe. It was between Ashely/Kupono and Paris/Tony. I actually expected both of them to make it to the bottom three, but shockingly enough Ashley/Kupono was safe.

The final three couples came out and Asuka/Vitolio was the second team to make it to the bottom three. So it was between Janette/Brandon and Karla/Jonathan. I was hoping it was the Janette/Brandon, but it was Karla/Jonathan to go to the bottom.

After an sexy tango performance by true professionals, the six dancers did their solos to try and convince the judges to keep them. No one really wowed me. In fact all of them more or less disappointed. They either lacked energy or their performance lacked that certain je ne sais quoi.

Sean Kingston performed as the judges deliberated. They were unanimous for both the girls and the boys. Paris and Tony were the first couple to leave. I'm a bit shocked they got rid of Tony so early, but he has had about nine lives and got through simply because of his looks nad personality. When he faltered with his own style, well, bye bye Tony.

My favorite part though? Listening to Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone" as the goodbye song for the girls.

SYTYCD: Top 20 Performance

I started watching So You Think You Can Dance in its second season. Skipped the first season because it was a reality show on FOX. Come on, could you blame me? But then I fell head over heels with the show during that second season. I've been a big fan ever since. Having said that, it's a new season and new contestant. So with Adam Shankman joing Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe, how did I think they did for their first performance show?

Jeanine & Phillip - They danced Hip Hop with Tabitha & Napoleon and definitely started the show on the right foot. It was so smooth and fun, I couldn't stop smiling. I made sure to keep my eye on her since I knew he'd knock it out of the park and I gotta admit, she made me into a fan. The judges loved it.

Asuka & Vitolio - Tyce Diorio choreographed a Broadway routine for these two. While I thought they were quite fun and good, I doubt this performance will resonate with America. In fact the judges were at best lukewarm when it was their turn to talk.

Karla & Jonathan - Both of them danced the Cha Cha and I was a bit disappointed. I thought they had no real chemistry nor did they display much heat. Most of it because the song/routine was just too fast for them to develop much connection. All tricks, but no heart. Of course the judges completely and utterly disagreed with me so what do I know?

Randi & Evan - They danced a Jazz routine choreographed by Tyce. And it was fabulous. They had the connection that the couple before them didn't have. The judges were totally in love with it which made me happy. Just an adorable couple overall with some powerhouse dancing skills.

Paris & Tony - They danced Hip Hop by Tabitha/Napoleon. I was excited to see this, but was ultimately let down. She did a great job for someone who had never done this before, but he was the one who disappointed. Didn't have the pop and syncness I expected. The judges were generally lukewarm so they agreed with me.

Caitlin & Jason - To the tune of Oscar winner "Jai Ho," they danced a Bollywood number. I had very high expectations for this couple with this genre with this song. And while they didn't really meet them, I thought they did quite good. The judges were a bit more enthusiastic in their praises, totally loving them.

Janette & Brandon - They were saddled with the dreaded Foxtrot tonight and sadly they didn't overcome it. In general it was a very solid performance, but it was largely forgettable. Plus shockingly enough it was Brandon who seemed heavy footed which is odd since he's a contemporary dancer! The judges quite loved it though.

Ashley & Kupono - Both of them were choreographed by "genius" Wade Robeson to mixed results for me. It was weird and just a bit abstract. They lucked out that this was towards the end, because if not it would've been discarded as forgettable. Instead the judges praised it as part of the "diversity of dance." Couldn't stop looking at her, but he left me cold a bit as did the whole performance.

Melissa & Ade - They danced a Contemporary routine by Mandy Moore. To put it simply, it was absolutely beautiful and I pretty much loved it. They were both just so light and fluid and totally connected. Brought the judges to tears and I do not blame them. Just breathtaking overall.

Kayla & Max - Rounding out the night, they danced Samba. And did they DANCE. It pretty much left me speechless. Just very hot and very sharp. The judges definitely liked it and it was a great way to end the show.

In previous seasons, I would rank the performances and make predictions on bottom three/going home. And even though I'll probably still do that down the line, this was the first performance so I'm going to let them all simmer for another week. Some of my early favorites did good, but other didn't. Some of those who I knew NOTHING about pleasantly surprised me. And overall it was a great night of dancing. I'm sure there will more to come this season.