So You Think You Can Dance: And This Is Crazy

So, Carly Rae Jepsen was last week’s guest judge. I almost wanted to end my commentary and turn off the episode when I saw her on the panel, but I pushed through it. I assume this is just FOX’s way of trying to draw in a younger audience (those rumors about Selena Gomez as an Idol judge are still swirling).

 

Before we get to the competition, it’s worth noting that SYTYCD has recently racked up some Emmy nominations. Aside from the show’s overall nomination and Cat’s (she better win, damn it) nod, several choreographers were recognized as well: Sonya Tayeh, Mandy Moore, Tabitha and Napoleon, and Travis Wall. Nicely done. I’m hoping that the show’s continued recognition might keep it going for another season amid declining viewership…

 

Results! Mackenzie, Mariah and Jenna found themselves in the bottom 3, and the guys up for elimination were BluPrint, Alan and Curtis. The Judges sent Jenna to safety right away but the others had to dance for their lives. Why just Jenna? Did we only have enough time for 5 solos so they picked Jenna’s name out of a hat? Seems strange to me.

 

After the dances and solos were complete, it was decision time. After a lackluster jazz routine that greatly resembled a kinda/sorta hip hop dance (seriously, I’ve missed Brian Friedman but have no idea what was going on in that performance), BluPrint and Mariah were sent packing. At this point in the competition I do think that was the right call. And hey, we still have Fik-shun to ruin our spell check feature.

 

Tonight the Top 14 will be back at it as we move one step closer to welcoming back the All-Stars. As of now, I do not have a favorite…or even a few favorites. That all may change in the coming weeks though. Til then!

So You Think You Can Dance: Forever Your Girl

Okay, so I have seriously missed Paula Abdul. Say what you want about her antics and possible sobriety, but I just love her. She was a welcome guest judge on this week’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance. I thought a Mary/Paula combination might make the stage explode, but all seemed to be well in the end.

The bigger news of the episode, however, was the eliminations did not happen at the very beginning of the show (thaaaaaank you). They did announce the bottom three guys and bottom three girls when the episode started, but they at least allowed all of the performances to happen before delivering the news. For the guys, Jade had to say goodbye due to an injury, leaving BluPrint and Curtis breathing sigh of relief. The ladies at risk were Alexis, Jenna and Jasmine Mason…with Jasmine heading home. I’m honestly surprised and incredibly disappointed that Jasmine’s journey is over. I thought she was so talented and mesmerizing to watch, and I absolutely preferred her to Alexis and Jenna.

On Tuesday the remaining 16 contestants perform again, hoping to make it through the initial announcement of the bottom six. My post will again be delayed, and I apologize. It truly feels strange to not be on a couch glued to the TV for each episode the night it airs…but thankfully internet allows me to see the episodes when I can. We’ll find out which 14 dancers make it through shortly. Til then!

So You Think You Can Dance - 2013

I’ll be honest in saying I am not as on top of this show as I should be this year. I’ve been traveling for most of the season so far and will be gone for the rest of the month. I should, however, be able to provide a full recap the last two episodes and I will do my best to at least update eliminations each week.

As for this year’s format…I am not a fan of the “eliminate now, dance later” scenario. Why would we do that to these contestants? Might as well say this..

Nigel: “Oh hey, Carlos and Brittany, we really like you and your partner dances might be amazing tonight, but we’re going to go ahead and tell you that you are going home now.  Do you still feel comfortable performing with your partner and not screwing them over by snot crying throughout the dance? Okay, good.”

With the elimination show being scrapped last year, and ratings already down this year, I can’t imagine why we would start a show with an elimination. Where is the suspense in that? Might as well say this…

Cat in an excited, teasing voice: “To find out who goes home next week…just watch the first 10 minutes of the show! You can then watch the recap of that show in the first 10 minutes the week after!”

The turn that the show has taken is really a bummer. Here’s hoping someone breathes new life into it by the end of the season to avoid cancellation next year. Perhaps it will be BluPrint? Or Fik-Shun? Does spelling or grammar even matter anymore?

I’ll post when I can but would love to know your thoughts on how the season is progressing…or not progressing.