1. Melissa & Ade
I don’t know if it was Melissa’s costume, Ade’s hips or the combination of the two, but their Rumba was one of the sexiest, most genuine routines ever performed on the “Dance” stage. From the minute it started, I was drawn in by Melissa’s saucy swivel and couldn’t believe some of the ways her body bent. These two are rapidly gaining distance on all the other couples.
2. Janette & Brandon
There are four things a great performance on “So You Think You Can Dance” needs. Killer costumes, to prove the kids are growing as dancers, a routine you want to see again in the finale and a song that drives you to download it. This hip-hop routine had all of that in spades.
3. Randi & Evan
Nigel spent (what felt like) an hour talking about how sometimes a simple dance like this is all the audience needs. I don’t know what the french he’s talking about, because there were so many intricate moves in Mia Michaels’ contemporary routine, I think the real success is that Randi and Evan made the saucy routine. look simple.
4. Kayla & Kupono
I was worried last week when Kayla and Kupono were paired up because I didn’t believe he was a strong enough partner for her. And while he did an admirable job last night, the fact that my eyes were transfixed on Kayla for the entire routine says it all. I do not want Kayla to be in the bottom again, but I think she needs to so her partner can be sent packing. But more on that later.
5. Jeanine & Phillip
Did I love this Tyce Diorio Broadway routine? No, I did not. In fact, I haven’t loved anything Tyce has choreographed in ages. I think his time on this show should also come to an end. As for Phillip, I think his popularity as a person — and that endearing pant split — should carry him through one more week, but as Nigel so explicitly said, he’s going to have to step it up to stick around longer than that.
6. Caitlin and Jason
OK, let’s just get this out of the way: Jason in medieval garb is hands down the hottest costume this show has ever, ever seen. He looked amazing and the dance got a little leeway because of my leering. Having said that, the duo did not slay the routine. In fact, it felt rather weak. And once again, I think Caitlin is the one dropping the ball. If they end up in the bottom three, I’d like to see Caitlin go home so Kayla can snag Jason for herself.
7. Asuka & Vitolio
From the second I saw the blue pants I knew they were in trouble. The costumes were so laughable that I barely noticed the fact that there was no heart in their movements. I say barely because it was hard not to be slapped in the face by their inadequacies. I worry that Asuka’s time has come and she will be the wrench that keeps Caitlin paired with Jason for another week.
8. Karla & Jonathan
If you need proof of how essential the right routine is for any couple, look no further than these two. Last week they glowed in a Stacy Tookey contemporary, but that was clearly due to the choreography and not their innate talents because when tasked with a hip-hop routine, they looked uncomfortable, amateurish and phony. I don’t know if anything could (or should) save these two from being cut tonight.
Who should go home tonight?
Photo: Fox
Video: via Rickey.org