Season 5 - So You Think You Can Dance - Top 8 Performance Show with Results!

Well, it was a good thing that Ellen DeGeneres did a cameo as a judge on the show last night, otherwise it would have been beyond boring. The performances were flat this week, a total 180 degrees from the amazing routines last week; it was all I could do to keep my eyelids propped up. I’ll try not to bore you with the details but I might just have to.

The night started with a group routine choreographed by Travis Well. It was okay. The piece was meant to portray a party in the year 2020…I think. I really enjoyed Travis’ piece last week, but I found this group piece mundane. There wasn’t anything outstanding in it, and the costumes were too Robocop for me.

This week the dancers were paired with new partners again. They also had to perform two pieces with their partners and their own solo. Pressure’s on!

Evan and Janette – They started with a contemporary routine by Sonya. Janette really brought it, but Evan lacked the guts to pull it off. He was okay, but not fabulous, which marred Janette’s performance. I found the choreography solid and very interesting and with the right male dancer, it would have been off the hook. Evan and Janette needed more animosity between each other, which, I realize, must be pretty difficult for Evan as he doesn’t appear as though he’s ever been mad in his life. Janette, on the other hand, is full of fire and was able to embody the emotion behind the choreography. She is Mia’s favourite. Who knew?

They also performed a rhumba. Janette was good, but again, Evan felt flat. See previous paragraph.

Jeanine and Brandon – This couple was unfortunate enough to pick a slow waltz, and I mean slooooow. I think I actually dozed off there for a bit. That being said, I was definitely awake for their pop-jazz routine by Laurieann Gibson during the second half of the night. It was powerful and energetic and gave me brand new respect for Brandon. He’s got so much strength and charisma on stage and was really entertaining to watch. Jeanine kept up with Brandon, I’ll give her that, but I think Janette would have done a better job. Brandon and Janette were so well suited as partners, that I hope we get to see them dance together again.

Jason and Kayla – These two pulled off an entertaining Broadway routine. Jason especially stood out for me. He’s getting more and more confident as the competition goes on. For once, I was not looking solely at Kayla. He embraced the sexiness, sauve and debonair attitude needed for this 1920s inspired jazz routine. Kayla was great as usual. Mia even commented that Kayla is well suited for this style and would take Broadway by storm, winning Tony after Tony. I agree, but I’d say the same for Jason.

Jason and Kayla also performed a Shane Sparks Hip Hop routine. Jason played a zombie, while Kayla was his school-girl snack. I really liked the dancing in this number. Jason again made the character come to life. He looked like he just came out of the Thriller video. Loved watching these two. But with regards to the choreography, I felt I had seen it before. Take out the Zombie factor and it was the exact same piece Shane choreographed a few weeks ago. Get some new material, Sparky!

Melissa and Ade – “Reunited and it feels so good….” And then they ruined it by performing a completely lifeless cha cha. You wouldn’t have missed much if you left the room while it was on. Although Ellen’s uneducated, but funny comment (which was an homage to bad SYTYCD puns from judges) was worth seeing, “Are you guys carpenters? Because you nailed it!” Priceless.

Melissa and Ade redeemed themselves with an emotional contemporary routine about breast cancer. It was very touching to watch and brought some of the judges and audience members to tears.

The solos are getting better. Kudos to Kayla, in particular, for getting her s@*t together during her solo. It was well choreographed. She gave us reflective moments, showcased her technique and had a few jump and spin highlights. It was the best one in my opinion.

Who’s going home?

Wow, this is going to be tough. I honestly don’t know. I think it’s Melissa’s time to go, but she might have secured a spot for herself with that moving contemporary routine. I also think Evan should go home too, but he’s got quite the following. Yikes, it’s going to be close.

The Reveal

This week Kyla and Janette were in the bottom two girls with Brandon (!?) and Jason being the bottom two guys. In the end, Janette and Jason were sent home. Jason did such a great job the night before that I don’t think it was his time to go. I think Evan should have taken his place. Lame. As for Janette, she was starting to grow on me. She was so versatile and energetic. I think Melissa should have been going home instead.

Oh, yeah, I should mention that Stepford Wife Katie Holmes “performed.” That is, if you call air band performing. It was pre-recorded and she lip-synched the entire routine. I think Tom needs to reboot his robot.

Who are your picks for the final four? I know whom I’d like to see as the final four – Ade, Brandon, Kyla and Jeanine. But realistically, I think it will be Evan, Brandon, Kyla and Jeanine. What do you think?