I’ll be tackling this week’s write-up for SYTYCD as Kevin is M.I.A. this week frolicking off at some cabin at some lake. Thank goodness for summertime holidays! Thankfully this write up will be more realistic now that Kevin’s not around to add his two-bits. Let’s be honest, I’m the one that’s always presented the hard facts and left the fluffiness up to him!

Last night, the top 14 took to the stage on SYTYCD and the night had potential to be fantastic; a variety of new choreographers, a Napolean and Tabitha Hip Hop routine, and Mia Michaels on the judging panel – things were looking good.

Janette & Brandon – Cha Cha

The first couple to the stage were Janette and Brandon dancing a ChaCha routine (to hush hush; hush hush by the Pussycat Dolls). For the first time this year I can truly say that I think Brandon is AMAZE-BALLS when it comes to dancing. There really is nothing this kid can’t do, and can’t do well. Did it have something to do with Mia Michaels sitting on the judging panel and her personal hate-on for him? Maybe! As for Janette, I don’t have anything to say as I found myself watching Brandon the entire time, which isn’t good. I have a sneaking suspicion that once the couples are switched up Janette’s weaknesses will truly come to life. Mary threw both performers onto the Hot Tamale Train, and Mia brought Brandon to tears with her apology and praise. The verdict; THREE MARY SCREAMS!!

Kayla & Kupono – Contemporary

Second to the stage were Kayla and Kupono, dancing together for the second week, doing a Contemporary number (to Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation). All I have to say about this is Kayla is AMAZING. One of the best female dancers this show has ever seen, able to dance with any partner, and absolutely stunning. She is unbelievable. That’s all. Kupono – I’m over the weirdness, and over him. The judges were pretty fond of Sonya’s routine, with Mia commending her on her best choreography to date. Mary Murphy decided they should take a continued ride on the Hot Tamale Train (thanks of course to my girl Kayla), so naturally the verdict; one Mary scream!

Randi & Evan – Broadway

Next to the stage were Randi and Evan doing a Broadway routine (to Rich Man’s Frug by Sweet Charity) by new choreographer Joey Dowling (a six-foot-tall sex-on-legs hot momma). Dowling warned Evan that if he danced the way he was in rehearsals the moves would come across as ‘prissy’. End quote. I thought that was a pretty random thing to say. Then the GAYEST DANCE EVER happened and I thought, oh no, she totally made Evan look gay (which I totally believed but wasn’t right for the number). Unfortunately the costumes didn’t help, primarily Evan’s gloves, so it was just too difficult to buy into the ‘chemistry’ the dancers were supposed to be showing for each other. Mia described the routine as ‘a little heavy’. I have no idea what that means but I completely agree.

Caitlin & Jason – Pop Jazz

Fourth to the stage were Caitlin and Jason (my favourite couple – favourite, favourite, favourite) dancing a ‘unique’ Jazz routine (to Creator by Santigold). The theme of the dance is completely ridiculous, thanks to Choreographer Brian Friedman; Cailtin is a female alien who is to impregnate Jason, the last man left on a nearly destroyed Earth. Really Brian? Is this one of your lame fantasies brought to life through dance? And worse, did you have any part in the tin foil costume that Caitlin had to wear, or was the costume department effed this week because of the direction they were given about the piece?! Naturally the dancing was brilliant, but the costumes were so distracting and cheap that the brilliant skill was sadly overlooked. The judges were under-whelmed and confused, and I think I was stuck in that space ship right next to them.

Jeanine & Phillip – Hip Hop

Next to the stage are fan-favourites Jeanine and Philip dancing a ‘Nappy-Tabs’ Hip Hop routine (to Love Lockdown by Kanye West). I absolutely loved this routine and Nappy-Tabs choreography. They are the best addition to this show. Ever. The couple were locked together with approximately 8 feet of chain, forcing them to be tight, connected, and avoid stepping on the chain. WTF?! UNBELIEVABLE!!!! The costumes were picture-perfect and Jeanine was to die for on that stage. Thank goodness for PVR as I’ve now watched this routine over a dozen times. It gets better each time.

Melissa & Ade – Pas de Deux

The sixth couple to the stage was Melissa and Ade dancing a traditional Pas de Deux (Ballet) with a Romeo and Juliet theme – the love scene. Thankfully this is Melissa’s forte and therefore was able to help Ade rise to the challenge of learning this dance style in only one week. The couple together danced well, but there were some obvious faults from Ade’s side of things. The judges enjoyed the routine, with Mary commenting, “[I] loved it, the chemistry was flawless.” For the first time, I’m going to disagree with the judges. I just wasn’t impressed with their routine tonight and it’s likely due to the routine they had to follow. Sorry kids, you should have had a chain!

Karla & Vitolio – Quickstep

The final couple to take to the stage was Karla and Vitolio, dancing a Quick Step kiss-of-death routine (to Puttin’ on the Ritz by Rufus Wainwright). The only highlight of this dance for me was the mid-routine costume change! Karla went from a frumpy black and white polka-dot dress to a stunning pink and orange ballroom gown with two simple pirouettes. This is the epitome of costumes changes. In the end, I hated this dance, and I don’t think it should be on the show anymore. Mary decided to disagree with me and give them the verdict; one Mary scream!!

Overall the night was lackluster to me. Some of the dances stood out, and blew my mind, while most fell flat. The ending to the show was definitely on the weaker side.

In direct contrast, Mary handed out five screams tonight and two rides on the Hot Tamale Train – so I may be off in the eyes of America. It’s doubtful, but maybe.

Click on the picture below to SYTYCD: Season 5 gallery

The predicted bottom three couples this week:

Randi and Evan – It was their first time receiving a bad judge’s critic and likely the first time they’ll be dancing for their lives

Melissa and Ade – Although the piece was danced well I just don’t believe it was strong enough to garner the votes

Karla and Vitolio – The end of the show Quick Step will definitely land any dancer in the bottom three

Predict girl leaving the show: Randi

Predicted guy leaving the show: Vitolio – he has been in the bottom three too many times

Related Stories:
• So You Think You Can Dance Season 5 Coverage
• So You Think You Can Dance Season 5: Top 10 Boys
• So You Think You Can Dance Season 5: Top 10 Girls