American Idol Season 9 – Top 3 Performance Week

The Judges tonight were Simon, Kara, Randy, and Ellen.

The contestants will sing two songs, one chosen by the contestant and one chosen by a judge.

Here are the top 3 contestants in order of performance:

Songs chosen by the contestants…

1] Casey James – Song: “Okay it’s alright with me.”

So-so choice (We never have heard this song before tonight), but the arrangement was up beat and the vocals were very good, not great, but we enjoyed the performance. We have to agree with all the judges, it was only “alright” especially because this is probably one of the most important nights in Casey’s career.

2] Crystal Bowesox – Song: “Come to my window“

An interesting choice we must say. As usual we really liked her vocals, but overall, we did not like the arrangement. We agree with Randy, her vocals made it a great song. Even more important we agree with Simon when he said, “The one thing about you is from day one you never have compromised your style and you consistently pick songs that suit your style.”

3] Lee Dewyze – Song: “Simple Man”

Now this was a great song choice and Lee had a great performance. The vocals were spot on with a great arrangement. We think this was the best performance so far tonight. The performance rates right up there with his best performance ever. Great job!

Songs chosen by a judge…

4] Casey James – Song: “Daughters” (Chosen by Randy and Kara)

This performance was better than his first song, but it was not great. We thought it was a little “sleepy” and did not find any sort of connection. Not memorable at all.

5] Crystal Bowesox – Song: “Baby I am amazed” (Chosen by Ellen)

All we can say is “Wow!” Once again we were amazed by Crystal’s vocals. The vocals we absolutely great and even though we were concerned on this song choice, it is opinion that it was her best performance this season. Excellent song choice by Ellen!

6] Lee Dewyze – Song: “Halleluiah” (Chosen by Simon)

Another “wow” for Lee! This song has been done before on Idle, but we think Lee did the best version ever done on American Idle. Simon sent a challenge and Lee answered with a great “moment” and great performance. Lee showed what this show is all about. Just think about it, Lee was selling paint before American Idol and he decided to follow a DREAM…sweet!

We have nothing else to report except that to remind you that tomorrow night is the results show.. Pick up the phone and vote for your favorite are they may go home tomorrow night

So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Week 5 Performance Top 12

One again tonight the viewing audience votes and the bottom three gals and three guys will dance for their lives on tomorrow nights results show. The judges will then cut one gal and one guy tomorrow night.

Tonight all the dancers danced two routines. This week is extremely important because it will decide the Top 10 and the Top 10 dancers will go on tour for a year when this season is over.

Once the Top 10 are chosen the viewing audience will decide who gets cut based on the voting, the judges will only be on each show for their expertise opinions. Also after tonight the couples will no longer be together, they will be picking partners at random each show starting next week.

The judges tonight were Nigel, Mary, and Adam.

Here is my performance review for tonight’s show by couple round one and two:


1] Ellenore and Ryan
Round one: Style Lindy Hop – Song “I have got to be a rug cutter.”
Nigel said, “I really enjoyed watching that routine.” Mary said, “That was tremendous the end was amazing.” Adam said, “That was awesome you guys.” I did not like the style, but the dancers did a good job it looked like. High energy and good execution of the moves.

Round two: Style Broadway – Song “Razzel Dazzel”
Adam said, “You guys nailed it! Ellenore you are a rock star and Ryan you brought the character.” Mary said, “Ryan you dug in and got the character. Ellenore you are unique and I don’t think we have had a dancer like you on the show. You are the ‘it’ girl because you have ‘it’.” Nigel said, “Both of you were in character. Great job.” I completely enjoyed it and I am starting to like Broadway. Very good.

2] Kathryn and Legacy
Round one: Style Jazz – Song “So Deep”
Adam said, “Great choreography by Sonya. You guys keep dancing like that you are going all the way.” Mary said, “Legacy those ‘crab walks’ were outstanding and Kathryn you are ‘drop dead’ gorgeous and did a great job.” Nigel said, “This was my favorite routine of the season. Legacy I never thought you were musical until tonight. Both of you guys were great.” I thought this was an awesome routine and I agree with Nigel as far as this being the best routine of the season.

Round two: Style Viennese Waltz – Song “You Guardian Angel”
Adam said, “Legacy that was fantastic and Kathryn another great night for you.” Mary said, “Legacy those were great lifts and Kathryn you are perfection.” Nigel said, “You needed better movement and Kathryn you are gorgeous.” I though this was a triple “wow”. It was beautifully danced performance wise. I also like the message Legacy delivered about “Hope” for everyone.

3] Victor and Karen (A new couple this week)
Round one: Style Tango – Song “Montsorrat”
Adam said, “Victor you had great poise and stature. Karen you had great energy and both od you did a good job.” Mary said, “Because you two are a new couple this week I did not think you could pull this off and you did. I was surprised and you guys had tremendous quality and movement.” Nigel said, “You guys had chemistry and it was beautiful to watch. Victor that was fabulous and Karen you really have something special.” This was another ‘wow’ for me. Very nicely done and they had my full attention.

Round two: Style Hip-Hop – Song “Moving Mountains”
Adam said, “That was intense but something was missing. I think the music threw me off. The dancing was great though.” Mary said, “It was okay, but not memorable.” Nigel said, “I did not get anything I could hold on too out of that routine.” I thought it was okay.

4] Mollee and Nathan
Round one: Style Hip-Hop – Song “Ring-a-ling”
Adam said, “Mollee you had a couple of bobbles but that could have been because of your sore ankle, but you did look stressed and the dancing was soft. Nathan you did great.” Mary said, “The routine started slow and picked up as it progressed. There were a few bobbles and I enjoyed watching.” Nigel said, “That was ‘Hip-Hop 101’ you guys needed to mature.” I thought it was soft and just okay.

Round two: Style Can-Can (New style this year) – Song “Can-Can Suite”
Adam said, “Nathan did better than Mollee but both did good.” Mary said, “You guys ‘killed it’. Great energy and made it enjoyable to watch.” Nigel said, “You had great energy and were the perfect couple for this style.” I thought Nathan was good and Mollee so-so.

5] Russell and Noelle
Round one: Style Samba – Song “Hips don’t lie”
Adam said, “I enjoyed it but it was a little too nice. Both great dancers, but I needed more.” Mary said, “The performance level was phenomenal and Russell you brought the joy.” Nigel said, “Noelle you seemed to dance it too ‘clinical’ and Russell good job.” I though it had high energy and I really liked the moves.

Round two: Style Contemporary – Song “A case of you”
Adam said, “You guys were gorgeous and the opening was one of my favorite moments this season.” Mary said, “That was a special routine, it flowed from beginning to end. It was ‘out of this world’.” Nigel said, “Noelle you were totally committed and Russell your technique is getting better each week.” I though it was beautifully danced and the paint was a nice touch.

6] Ashleigh and Jakob
Round one: Style Lyrical Jazz – Song “Time Flies”
Adam said, “That was so beautiful I don’t know what to say. Jakob you are a privilege to watch and Ashleigh that was excellent.” Mary said, “You guys had great chemisty. Jakob your passion and technique is great and Ashleigh you have grown a hug amount.” Nigel said, “I take back what I said about Sonya’s Jazz routine being the best, this was. You two as a couple give too each other what each needs. Great job.” I thought it was very nicely danced, but likes Sonya’s Jazz routine better.

Round two: Style Cha-Cha – Song “Cha-Cha Heels”
Adam said, “Jakob you did a good job and asked Ashleigh if we were welcome to her world?” (This is Ashleigh’s specialty). Mary said, “Ashleigh it does not gate any better than that. Jakob you were sharp and there for her.” Nigel said, “Great job both of you.”


AAN “Comments”
You need to remember that the couples all have been together for several weeks and that showed in tonight’s performances, but this competition is to chose one dancer and not a couple. After tonight when the couples are broken up and begin choosing a partner randomly, things will definitely be a different ball game. Now I am by far not an authority on dance styles, I have to listen to the judges about that. I do know when I am entertained and what I look for is in a routine which dancer of a pair gets my attention. I also look for the dancer that is not even close to his or her style (specialty) and I am entertained by that individual.

Tonight was awesome and I am looking forward to tomorrow nights results and to begin the Top 10 count down starting next week. Bravo to all the couples on tonight’s show!

I have nothing to add except this show “rocks!”

So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Week 1 Performance

To start it was announced that Billy Bell had to leave the show because of illness and Noelle would not be performing tonight because of a knee injury.

Noelle was scheduled for an M.R.I this week and hopefully will be back next week. If she does not return, she will cut from the show. We here at ABN hope you return next week.

The Billy news is also a disappointment. Billy is a very gifted dancers and I for one was looking forward to this season watching Billy dance. Billy, we here at ABN are wishing you a speedy recovery and hope to see you again later in your journey.

Also it was announced tonight that the judges will be making the decision as to who will be leaving the show. The announcement will be made at the end of the show. (I have already posted the results.)

The judges tonight were Nigel, Mary, and Adam.

Here is my performance review for tonight’s show in the order performed:

1] Channing and Phillip – Style Jive
Nigel said, “Phillip was good and Channing needed more balance.” Mary said, “Not bad, wants more from the couple.” Adam said, “Phillip, good job. Channing surprised me in a good way.” I thought it was a so-so performance. No chemistry.

2] Ashleigh and Jakob – Style Broadway
Nigel said, “Ashleigh good job. Jakob you are one of the most gifted dancers I have ever seen.” Mary said, “Ashleigh excellent and Jakob, you were perfect.” Adam said, “Ashleigh needs to finish the lines of the dance moves. Jakob, you are setting the standard for dance this season.” I thought it was a good routine and Jakob was excellent. His dancing was awesome.

3] Peter and Ariana – Style Hip-Hop
Nigel said, “I missed the theme. Not a very good job. You both need more.” Mary said, “It was sloppy in the middle.” Adam said, “Something was missing. You did not move together at all.” I thought it started good, and there was good energy. I have to agree with the pair not dancing together, it made the dance fractured.

4] Russell and Noelle (Melody the choreographer of the routine) stood in for Noelle.
Nigel said, “You just proved why children need to learn dance in school. You were totally out of your element and did a very good job. You are an inspiration to others.” Mary said, “You did a respectable job. You were spot on in the beginning.” Adam said, “That was amazing, fantastic job.” I agree, Russell is a “Crumper” and was completely out of his element. Great job!

5] Bianca and Victor – Style Contemporary
Nigel said, “You’re the most connected couple yet. Bianca you are growing and Victor that was excellent.” Mary said, “Bianca good job and great energy. Victor, you took this dance to another level.” Adam said, “Bianca that was very good, but you need more. Victor, you were a revelation and dancing in you’re “sweet spot.” I thought this routine was a “wow”. Bianca surprised me with her performance and Victor was right on.

6] Kevin and Karen – Style Cha-Cha
Nigel said, “Kevin that was a very good performance. Karen, excellent!” Mary said, “Kevin that was very good and Karen you were sharp and sexy. Very good.” Adam said, “Kevin that was really good, great job. Karen “YIKES” that was great.” I thought this was another “wow”

7] Ellenore and Ryan – Style Contemporary
Nigel said, “I enjoyed it completely.” Mary said, “You guys had great chemistry. Ryan you nailed it and Ellenore you did a great job.” Adam said, “Beautiful routine. Bravo! You two are an exciting pair of dancers.” I thought it was danced very well by both.

8] Pauline and Brandon. Brandon was called back to stand in for Billy
Nigel said, “It was not strong enough. It needed more.” Mary said, “You two make a great couple but Brandon you need growth. Pauline you were elegant and had good movement.” Adam said, “Beautiful performance.” I thought they had good chemistry and it was very well danced.

9] Kathryn and Legacy – Style Hip-Hop
Nigel said, “Legacy you brought it. Karen you brought together also. I am looking forward to your partnership.” Mary said, “Legacy you nailed it and were so precise. Karen, right on. You pulled it off.” Adam said, “Great routine and great chemistry. Good job.” I like this one a lot. They had great chemistry and the dance moves were awesome.

10] Mollee and Nathan – Style Disco
Nigel said, “Great energy and that was fabulous. You guys brought it!” Mary said, “You guys nailed it and had awesome charisma.” Adam said, “That routine had infectious energy and I am a big fan of this routine even though I really don’t like disco.” I thought this was the best routine of the night. Great chemistry, awesome energy, and the routine pushed both dancers to another level.

This concluded the performances and then the judges picked two guys and two girls to “dance for their life.” The two guys were Brandon and Russell (I was surprised on this one.) The two girls were Ariana and Pauline.

The final decision was Arian and Brandon was cut from the competition.

Too Brandon and Ariana we at ABN send our congratulations for making the Top 20 and even though you are leaving tonight, “Let nothing stand in your way as you continue your journey to complete your dream”.

I have nothing further to add tonight except that I am looking forward to next weeks show.

So You Think You Can Dance – “Vegas Week” Call-back.

The show tonight was fast paced with many quick previews of the dancing. The format this year is for the contestants to dance various styles through each segment of each day 1 through day4 of the “call-back”. At beginning of tonight’s show only 77 dancers were left to continue on thought these 4 days. At the end of tonight’s show there were 38 dancers left and next weeks show will be when the Top 20 are chosen.

Tonight’s judges were Nigel, Mary, TY, Adam, Debbie, and Mia and they were busy.

Here are some of tonight’s highlights:

Day 1 of Call-back – Style Jazz.

Karen was in the first group and her husband was in the second group to perform. Karen made it through, but her husband was cut.

Molly from the Los Angeles Audits was in another group and made it through to the next session, but injured her ankle during the first routine. She went to the hospital.

Russell “The Crumper” made it through to the next session and amazed the judges because he has never had any forma training. (I am rooting for this dancer).

Day 2 of Call-back – Style Broadway.

This day began with 69 dancers left in the competition.

Russell “The Crumper” was in the first group and Nigel said, “You were wonderful, creative, and did a good job.” Russell made it through to the next session. (Yeah!)

Molly came back from the hospital to find her group had been rehearsing for two hours getting ready for the next routine. She joined in but found she could not perform some of the moves. The group modified the routine so Molly would only need to do a minimum of moves. They performed the routine in front of the judges. Mia did not like it and Nigel said, “I think you all were hiding behind your character.” Even with these comments the entire group made it to the next session.

Day 3 of Call-back – Style Contemporary (Mia routine)

Kevin one of the “Hip-Hop” style dancers received a comment, “Great technique, your amazing, and brilliant.” From Ty. Kevin moved on to the next session.

This is my highlight of tonight’s show:
“Legacy” the amazing “B-Boy” style dancer who was warned last week after “dancing for his life” that he had better step it up on other kinds of styles if he wanted to remain, Tonight he was nervous at the beginning and when he completed his performance hew was emotional stating to the judges, “I now know what you meant last week because tonight I have learned the meaning of the dance movement’s.” I could see this guy was moved and sobbing with I would guess some would call and “epiphany”. Know what? This is exactly what this show is about! “Bravo! Legacy!”. He moved on to the next level.

Day 4 of Call-back – Style Broadway (Ty routine)

The dance groups were broken up to “guys” and “girl” groups, The “girl” groups started first. One hundred dancers were now gone.

Pauline who last year almost made the “Top 20” performed and injured her ankle near the end of the group routine she was part of. She was sent to the hospital and when she returned she did not know if she moved on or not. Guess we will find out next week.

Bianca performed in a group and Nigel said, “Terrific!”. She moved on.

Ashley who has a husband that will be performing in a “guy” group later received a comment from Nigel when she complete her dance group routine. He said, “Tremendous! You have grown more than anyone this year.” She moved on.

This ended the “girl” group routines. Seventeen “girls” have moved on and will wait until next week for the Top 10 girls will be chosen and be part of the Top 20.

Ryan, Ashley’s husband made to the next session.

Dominic was injured last year and returned only to be “cut” this week.

When the “guys” groups completed their routines twenty one guys had made it through. In total there were now thirty eight dancers left.

All the dancers then performed solo’s. There was a very quick preview of several except for Billy Bell. They showed quite a bit of his routine and Adam was openly moved by what he was watching. I have to agree it was great and even on the “quick” previews, I could tell that the dancers this year are far above any dancer from previous seasons.

Final notes:
To the dancers that were “cut” so far this year I say. “Let nothing stand in your way as you continue your journey to complete your dream”.

I have nothing else to report tonight except don’t forget the “Dizzy Feet Foundation” for kids. Click here for more information.

Next week is the finals in “Vegas Week” to pick the Top 20.

So You Think You Can Dance Fall Season 6 – Auditions Salt Lake City UT

This was the sixth show for Season 6, which this year is running through the Fall Season considered prime time. Tonight is the last audition night and “Vegas Week” starts tomorrow night.

Tonight’s judges were Nigel, Mary and Mia.

Contestants in order of performance: (Not all the contestants that were awarded a “trip to Vegas” performed on this show.)

1] Bryan (Style -- “B-Boy”)
Nigel said, “Strong moves and that was one of the best Hip-Hop auditions tis season.” Mary said, “Great stuff and great spirit.” Mia said, “Awesome job, one of the strongest Hip-Hop routines.” I thought “Whoa! Great moves!” I liked it.
He was sent to choreography but left because he did not have any experience on other styles. He did try, but left and said he would be back next year when he gets training in other styles. ( hope he does return because he had some awesome hip-hop moves and looked to be an “original”.

2] Tristy (She was the passenger in 25 car accidents in three years)
Nigel asked, “Do you have any training?” She said, “Yes, three years.” Nigel looked surprised and said, “Someone is taking your money.” I also thought it was a weak routine and not structured.
The judge’s decision was a “NO”.

3] Hayley
Nigel said, “I like your attitude.” Mary said, “Wow! String, powerful and confident.” Mia said, “Awesome job.” I thought it was good. I like her moves and the routine was very good.
The judge’s decision was a “YES”.

Then there were five quick previews of dancers that all were sent to “Vegas Week”.

4] Ariana (Style – Burlesque)
Nigel said with a big smile on his face, “Fantastic!” Mary asked, “Did you think we wanted to see a strip-tease?” She said “Yes, why not?” Mia said, “Not much dancing.”
She was sent to choreography and at the end of the night the judge’s decision was “NO”.

5] Iveta She is from Lithuania and she danced ballroom with a partner.
Nigel said, “You are vivacious and danced brilliantly. That was a very special audition.” Mary said, “Wow, you are exquisite.” Mary then got “misty” because she was very impressed by the routine. Mia said, “You have over whelming talent. It was a privilege to watch.” I thought it was a fantastic audition. I thought it was the “BEST” Ballroom audition this season and one of the “BEST” auditions ever,
The judge’s decision was a “YES”. (No doubt here)

This ended day one and it was announced that 13 dancers were put through to “Vegas” from choreography.

6] Pascal (in the promo he said he becomes what ever song he is dancing)
Nigel said, “There was no dancing in that routine.” I thought it was a strange routine. There were not any dance moves and he just flopped around and shook.
The judge’s decision was a “NO”.

7] Ashley and Ryan (Married pair)
Nigel said, “Ryan was very good. Ashley was not real.” Mary said, “I loved the routine and Ryan was great. Ashely was a little fake.” Mia said, “Something was missing Ashley. Ryan did a vey good job. I thought it was agood routine, but oddly enough, I think the chemistry was missing.
They were both sent to choreography and at the end of the night the judge’s decision was “YES” on both dancers.

8] Leigh and Josh (This couple has only been together for two weeks)
Nigel said, “Good job both of you.” Mary and Mia agreed with Nigel. I though it was good.
Just then Leigh noticed she lost a toe nail and her toe began bleeding. Nigel called for a medic. When the medic was done Leigh received a judges decision of “YES”. Josh was sent to choreography and at the end of the night the judge’s decision was “NO”.

This ended tonight show and it was announced that 19 other dancers moved on to “Vegas” after their choreography session.

Tonight’s show notes:
Once again I liked the way the show was presented tonight. They did not show any embarrassing routines and then only the contestants that were going to Vegas were quickly shown. I think this made the show 100% more interesting than last years audition shows.

I have nothing else to report tonight except don’t forget the “Dizzy Feet Foundation” for kids. Click here for more information.

Tomorrow nights show starts the auditions “Vegas Week” when then the top twenty is chosen for the remainder of the season. The “promo’s” looked great. I am definitely excited. Mia made a comment in the promotional Vegas Week video, “This is going to blow season five away!”

So You Think You Can Dance Part One of the Final Performance

Wow, what a night. The show was broadcast from the Kodak Theater and the stage was awesome. The crowd seemed really “in to” what tonight’s Part one of the two part final.

The Top four all danced with each other and did a solo. It was non stop dancing from start to finish. I enjoyed every minute.

A promotional video of the auditions for season 6 was run and the dancing looked awesome. I am now looking forward to next season.

Couple Routines:

Jeanine and Evan danced a Hip-Hop Routine:
I thought it was a great routine and the dancing was very good. Adam said, “Great routine and congratulated both dancers for making the top 4.” Mary said, “Good partnership and Jeanine stood out and Evan held his own.” Nigel said, “Both did a good job.”

Brandon and Kayla danced a Broadway routine:
I thought Kayla really stood out in this routine. Adam said, “That was so good, it was heaven.” Then he said to Kayla, “Is there nothing you can’t do?” Mary said, “Terrific, Rock Stars, you guys always “bring it”.” Nigel said, “Superb, well done, and it was greatly entertaining.”

Kayla and Evan danced a Jive routine:
I thought they did a great job. Adam said, “I didn’t like it, but Evan did some great lifts.” Mary said, “Great routine, but Evan was not strong enough in his dancing. Kayla stole the spotlight.” Nigel said, “Loved it! Both Evan and Kayla “brought it” and it was very good.”

Jeanine and Brandon danced a Paso Doble’ routine:
I thought it was well danced, but I did not like the music. Adam said, “The flow of the dance was great. They both did the little things very well and carried it on throughout the entire routine.” Mary said, “It was just right and the intensity was awesome.” Nigel said, “Powerful dancing.”

Solo Routines:

Brandon:
I thought it was a powerful performance. Adam said, “Great routine, you’re a super athlete.” Mary said, “I have goose bumps and that Brandon was born to dance.” Nigel said, “Last weeks solo was great and this weeks solo wiped the others out.”

Jeanine:
I thought this was Jeanine’s best solo of the entire season. Adam said, “Are you kidding? It was awesome and you killed it.” Mary said, “You are peaking tonight and it was a good routine.” Nigel said, “Brave solo. You are in the final two in my book.”

Evan:
I really liked it. I do enjoy watching him dance. I don’t know what it is, but there is something special. Adam said, “Your dance style is great.” Mary said, “You are unique and you have a “new” energy that you bring to this show.” Nigel said, “You do bring something special to the show.” Nigel also said, “That he did not think Evan grew as much as he expected over this season.”

Kayla:
I thought it was very good. Adam said, “The solo did not show what she can really do, but looking at this entire season, he put Kayla in a group of dancers that he thought was the best ever,” Mary said, “You are gifted and I loved the solo. Nigel said, “She is and always has been fantastic.”

Special pair routines:

Kayla and Jeanine did a Mia Michael’s routine:
I thought this routine was one of the best routines of this season and that includes the dancing. Adam said, “Both were great and it was beautifully danced.” Mary said, “You guys laid your heart and soul out on the stage. It was great.” Nigel said, “I wanted the routine to go longer because the dancing was so strong.”

Evan and Brandon did a pop-jazz routine:
I really like the dancing of both contestants, but it seems the judges had a different opinion. Adam said, “Evan’s natural sweetness got in the way of his dancing because the routine was supposed to bring out the “meanness”.” Mary said, “Evan was too sweet for the routine.” Nigel said, “Evan’s work ethic is beyond approach, but his “choochie” face was not nasty enough. Brandon out danced him.”
My opinion about both of these guys is that Brandon is a powerful dancer, but Evan has his own way about him. Evan seems to “own” each dance. He adds a little something special to whatever routine he is dancing. I find Evan to be far more entertaining when he is dancing.

Final comments:

I haven’t picked anyone that I thought should win up to this point, but now here is my “two cents”. Looking at the entire season, and reading all my notes on the judge’s comments and my comments I have to pick Kayla as the one that should win this season. She has “brought it” on every performance. I could not find one negative comment about anyone of the routines she has performed this entire season. Granted Brandon is a powerful dancer, but not someone I would pay to see dance. Jeanine I agree is peaking tonight, but I think she has further to grow. Evan is a very close second to Kayla, I must say there is something special with Evan’s dancing, but looking at the entire season, Kayla is in my opinion the winner of this season. The one comment that seems to be repeated buy the judges is, “Is there nothing you can’t do Kayla?” That says it all.

I don’t know about you all out there in cyber-space, but nothing is going to stop me from watching tomorrow nights final show.

So You Think You Can Dance Week 4 Performance

Tonight was another awesome “SYTYCD performance” night and it included a great “special announcement”, which I will get to after the dance schedule summary.
Also note Mia Michaels was a judge tonight and her critique of the dancers is something to pay attention to. Another Mia note is that she has changed her mind about Brandon. A few weeks back she said that she didn’t see his potential and could not grasp the great things other people were saying about him. This week she said that, basically, Brandon has made a believer out of her. She told Brandon that “Dance teachers are normally hard on the students with the most potential and that it’s a way of pushing them to greater heights.” (This brought Brandon to tears and it was a special moment.)

Best of the Night (in order of performed):

Brandon and Janette danced the Cha-Cha. Once again out of their element and they pulled it off. This couple is quickly becoming one of the best couples on the show this year. This weeks Cha-Cha was one of the best Cha-Cha routines ever danced of all the seasons. Last week they danced one of the best Hip-Hop routines this year and a few weeks ago they danced the best ever Disco routines.
Nigel said, “Best ever Cha-Cha routines”. Mary said, “Awesome.” Mia said, “Brilliant!”

Kupono and Kayla danced Contemporary. This couple only has been together for two weeks. Tonight was a Wow!”. Nigel said, “Fabulous”, Mary said, “Great chemistry”, and Mia said, “Great routine and amazing performance.”

Ade and Melissa danced Classical Ballet. This was the first time that a Classical Ballet routine was danced on SYTYCD. The these was Romeo and Juliet and they danced it beautifully. Nigel said, “Great!”, Mary said, “Loved it and great chemistry.”, and Mia said “Brilliant.” Mia also said, “I am happy to see Classical Ballet being introduced on this show.”

The other routines of the night:

Evan and Randi danced Broadway. I thought it was very well danced, but the judges gave it mixed reviews. Nigel said, “Even though he was some what disappointed in Evan’s performance, he still had the couple in the top 10.”, Mary said, “She enjoyed it.”, and Mia said, “They didn’t take the routine to a higher level.”

Jason and Caitlin danced the Jazz. It was a “strange” routine but I thought they danced it well. Nigel said, “Very well danced and then went on to say that Caitlin’s costume made her look like a dancing condom!”, Mary said, “So-so routine”, and Mia said, “Danced very well.”

Vitolio and Jeannine (New couple this week) danced “The dreaded Quick-Step.” I thought they danced it very good and it looked to me to be one of the best Quick-Step routines ever danced on SYTYCD. Nigel said, “Very good overall.”, Mary said, “they brought-it.”, and Mia said, “Good job, great routine, and wonderful.”

Phillip and Jeanine danced Hip-Hop. Since this is Phillip’s specialty he should have “nailed it” and he did. Now Janine, I thought was even better because she was out of her element and did a great job. She “hammered it.” Nigel said, “Tremendous”, Mary said, “Jeanine brought it and fabulous routine.”, Mia said, “She liked it.” This was probably a great pick for Phillip and will probably keep him another week, but wait till he gets another non-hip-hop and hopefully a Tango… (Make a believer out of me Phillip. I have you on the bottom of the “guy” list.)

The Great Announcement made tonight by Nigel!

Nigel announced tonight that a new foundation named “The Dizzy Feet Foundation” is being formed to help under-privileged children. Many people from SYTYCD and many other top stars are involved in its creation. For more details on the foundations web-site: <Click Here>.

This is what’s it’s all about! Bringing a opportunity to children so they can follow their dreams to dance, create a way to enjoy the dance, and even better, allow them to follow the path to their true potential.

There is nothing I can say to everyone at SYTYCD about this new foundation except “God bless everyone involved!”

SYTYCD Joshua Allen – A Winner’s Journey

Last years So You Think You Can Dance’s winner was Joshua Allen. I remember seeing him for the first audition and thinking, “This guy is something special.” “I will be sure to watch his progress.”

SYTYCD has created a video about the season four winner and I must say it is inspirational. The highlights are “The Quest, the chance, the win, and the future.” Joshua uses words like dream, commit, succeed, be yourself, and be true to yourself in the video. Even though this video is about Joshua’s journey, I think it can be applied to every ones journey in general.

Here is the link <Click here> and I hope you all enjoy the “message” as much as I did.

Nothing is better than watching someone continue their journey when they are following their dream.

So You Think You Can Dance Week 2 Performance

Another “wow” week! With this being the second week some comparisons can be done. This week had more dancers out of their element, which is I think, “key” in this competition.


Nailed it two weeks in a row:

Ade and Melissa danced Jazz this week “nailed it”. My surprise was Melissa. Her specialty is ballet and you would never know it by the way she danced this week.

Brandon and Janette danced Disco and I think it was the best Disco routine ever danced on SYTYCD. Great energy, fast movement, and very well done.

Max and Kayla danced Pop-Jazz and once again “nailed” it. It was a strange routine, but they pulled it off with their dancing. Judges consider Kayla a front runner and I agree as I said last week.

Most improved since last week:

Vitolio and Asuka danced the Waltz and this was my “special” routine this week. It was touching, beautiful, and inspiring. Compared to last week they improved the most this week.

Jonathon and Karla danced contemporary compared to last week, “nailed it”. I don’t usually like Contemporary, but they held my attention throughout the routine. Jonathon looked like he has danced Contemporary all his life even though it was completely out of his specialty. Mary said the same thing. In fact Mary said, “I have never said this on this show. Jonathon you danced like contemporary is you’re specialty.”

So-so routine of the week:

Evan and Randi danced Jive and it was ho-hum for me and the judges liked Randi, but there was some criticism of the way Evan moved, but as a pair the judges liked it.

Worst routines of the week:

Jason and Caitlin danced Hip-Hop and for me it was “clunky”. There wasn’t any flow or as the judges put it, out of sync. Last week they danced “Bali wood” great, this week was a bust.

Kupono and Ashley danced Hip-Hip and I agree with Nigel, “It was under-whelming”. It looked like Kupono did not have any confidence even though Ashley danced it fairly well.

Phillip and Jeanine danced the Tango and it was bad. Philip’s technique was really “not good at all” and he danced without confidence. When he did a lift you could see the exertion in his face. Last week a world class Tango pair danced and did not change their expressions once during the entire dance routine. That is how the Tango is done. Granted Phillip was completely out of his element, but facial expressions should be easy to maintain.

For more information on the Top 18 <Click here>.

Nothing more to add until the "results" show tomorrow night.

So You Think You Can Dance TOP 20

The Top 10 Girls
Janette Manrara, Kayla Radomski, Paris Torres, Jeanine Mason, Karla Garcia, Caitlin Kinney, Melissa Sandvig, Ashley Valero, Randi Strong-Evans, and Asuka Kondoh.

The Top 10 Guys
Vitolio Jeune, Kupono Aweau, Ade Obayomi, Jonathan Platero, Brandon Bryant, Tony Bellissimo, Maksim Kapitannikov, Jason Glover, Philip Chbeeb, and Evan Kasprzak.

It is going to be a great season!

I have Nothing else to say right now except, “Let the dancing begin!”

American Idol Finale…

WOW! What a show and congratulations to Chris Allen!

I was amazed at the result, but I guess my wife had it right, “Adam is in a league of his own and will go on to super stardom. Give someone else a chance to win.” It looks like voters agreed with her take on who should win.

The show had all the “bling”, “pizzazz”, “promotion”, “special effects”, an audience could ask for. I think it was the best “Rock” music show I can ever remember watching in many years.

Even though it was a great entertainment event, my take on the show is it was a celebration of people who follow their dreams. I noticed that the contestants that made it the farthest never once said they were doing it for “my kids”, “my parents”, “my family”, etc. I think they were doing something they love and believe in. They remained themselves throughout the competition and did not change because of something someone else said. I think this is something most people aspire for. To know who they are and know that there is nothing that can stop them from achieving their dreams. No limits, no fear, overcoming hurdles, and continuing the dream.

I congratulate American Idol for bringing this “reality” show to the public and showing us that all the contestants from this year and previous years are following the same path. If you think about it, the show itself is a dream of someone who had an idea, acted on the idea, and “made it happen”. Some may say “they did it for the money and the fame”, but I think when your doing something you absolutely love, the money and the fame do not matter. The “money and fame” are perks.

I have nothing to add at this time except I invite you to take a few moments and post a comment.

American Idol Finals..

Who will be the next American Idol? I voted for Adam. My wife voted for Chris. My daughter went out with her friends to a movie, “17 Again” and did not vote. My 3 year old grand daughter was sleeping and I knew she liked Adam, so I voted for her.

Now my wife agrees that Adam is the best singer, but her reasoning is that Adam was so far advanced against the other contestants that he will be a super-star no matter what and she wants to give someone else a chance at stardom.

My reasoning is that, yes, Adam is in a “league of his own” and should get all the accolades that come with being on the show and winning.

I have Nothing to add until tomorrow nights final decision.