Duets Week 6 - We're LIVE!

Welcome to the first LIVE performance show of Duets! Did I mention we’re live? Did I mention that I..I mean America gets to vote tonight?  We open the show with our Superstars (and a newly blond Kelly) singing George Michael’s “Freedom.” Jennifer and Kelly wail a bit together at the end of the song, which leads me to hope for a duet between the two of them very soon.

Quddus arrives to tell us that our remaining five amateurs will be performing songs from the 2000s with their Superstars this evening, and at the end of the show America will have the chance to vote for their favorite….finally.

Jennifer Nettles and John Glosson
Song: “When You Say You Love Me,” by Josh Groban

John has tackled this song on his own so many times on his own that he is a little concerned about how they will make it a duet. No problem – Jennifer promises to be “all up in his grill” because it is a love song. She’s not exactly lying about the grill, but this is classy, and I am sold on their fake romance. Gorgeous.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly’s not shocked that John was amazing because he is amazing every week. Robin points out that technically they were performing as a trio since Jennifer is preggers. Good point – are we able to get J Rome disqualified by that rule so the other contestants have a fighting chance? John (Legend) says John (Glosson’s) voice sounded magnificent but that he laid it on a little heavy.

-----------------------------------

Robin Thicke and Olivia Chisholm

Song: “Need You Now,” by Lady Antebellum

Olivia wants to bring it this week and show that she has a powerful voice. I do love this song, but it’s almost impossible to improve on the original. I can’t quite hear Robin as well as Olivia on the choruses, and I think Olivia is a little shaky...so overall, this is nowhere near as good as Jennifer and John’s duet earlier.

Other Superstars Say: John likes that Robin and Olivia went out of their comfort zones a bit and sang some country music. Kelly calls her out on the pitch problems but does applaud the song choice. Jennifer tells Olivia she looks like a million bucks (uh-oh….the “you look great” kiss of death).

--------------------------------------

Kelly Clarkson and Jason Farol

Song: “Mercy,” by Duffy

Jason has been fighting back from the bottom 2 for most of the season, so he has a lot to prove tonight. Wait…wait…. Is that Jason dancing and looking confident? Hot damn! By the time Kelly joins him and pretty much destroys all personal boundaries, it seems Jason has forgotten about nerves altogether. He must have a friendly grill. Anyway, this is SO good and I am SO happy for both of them.

Other Superstars Say: Jennifer loved the performance and notes that if teenage girls are voting, that’s it. Very true - looking at him makes it harder not to vote. Robin couldn’t take his eyes off of Kelly. Well, duh...that’s a given. He says Jason did a great job. John doesn’t think that Jason’s dance moves were completely comfortable, but he loves that Jason is having more fun with his performances.

-----------------------------

John Legend and Bridget Carrington
Song:  “Halo,” by Beyonce

This could get interesting since “Halo” pretty much has the same backing track as Kelly’s “Already Gone.” This is neither artist’s fault – I’m looking at you, Ryan Tedder. I doubt Kelly will say anything though (however, she did an awesome combo herself live). I'm probably more bitter than she is at this point. Back to Bridget. Bridget is not Beyonce for sure, but she does have one hell of a voice. She struggles in the lower sections of the song, but I do like their rendition.

Other Superstars Say: Robin likes the song choice and that Bridget sings with passion and power. Jennifer points out some pitchiness, but also notes that "Halo" is a tough song to sing. Kelly loved it and lays off the criticism….which bums me out a little.

-----------------------------

Jennifer Nettles and J Rome

Song: “Without You,” by Usher and David Guetta

J Rome has many reasons to be confident this week, and Jennifer is excited for them to take on this fun dance song. Interesting that he gets the last performance slot of the evening. Sure this is fun, but it's probably my least favorite J Rome performance so far in terms of actual singing. I am pleasantly surprised by how Jennifer handles an Usher song though. Get it, girl.

Other Superstars Say: John says J Rome belongs on stage but notes that this is one of J Rome’s weaker vocal performances. Robin loves J Rome but had a really good time watching Jennifer. Me too. Kelly throws her shoe at J Rome. No really – she throws her shoe at him. She then tells him he is ridiculous (in a good way).

--------------------------------

There are several methods fans can use to vote this evening, but we will not find out the results until next Thursday. I will of course be voting for Jason tonight, though I do hope Mr. Glosson makes it through as well. Olivia is the weakest think at this point in my opinion, but we'll see what the results are next week. Til then!

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 20 Revealed!

Welcome to the 200^th episode of So You Think You Can Dance, Americer! Oh how I’ve missed Cat Deeley. Tonight we will find out who the Top 20 finalists are, and we will also see them perform together, though America will not be voting until the next episode. Nigel Lythgoe informs us that there will be two winners this year: a guy and a girl. Woohoo! Mary Murphy graces us with her presence as well, and they are joined on the judges panel (or “jidges panel” if you are Cat Deeley) this evening by Zooey Deschanel. I’m not 100% sure what her experience has been in the world of dance, but she has a hit show on the Fox network so it probably doesn’t matter.

-----------------

When we left off in Las Vegas 35 dancers remained to be whittled down to the Top 20. In the first group of contemporary dancers (why wouldn’t there be more than one group? This show is about diversity after all), we start with Alexa Anderson. If you recall, Alexa is the dancer consistently criticized for her lack of emotion and personality, especially “Mr. Personality” himself, Tyce DiOrio.  Side note – you’ll find throughout the course of the season that I am not a huge Tyce fan.  Anywho, Alexa was also the last girl rejected last season, so I’m glad SYTYCD threw her a bone and didn’t keep her in the waiting room for 6 hours. Alexa, by the way, is IN! George Lawrence II arrives next. Debbie Allen loves George, and I love Debbie, so I feel that this will go well. George is also in. We then find out quickly that Will Thomas, who is much, much taller than I remembered has also earned as spot, and 2 time rejectee, Amber Jackson finally makes the cut this year as well.

Alexa, George, Will and Amber perform a contemporary style Tyce DiOrio routine, and I will say that I enjoy Tyce’s contemporary choreography far more than his Broadway choreography. More to come on that as the season progresses I’m sure. The contestants dance to Jesse J’s version of “We Found Love” which I rather enjoyed, and Amber blows my mind with an amazing leap into the arms of Will and George. She may be one to look out for. The bench part of the routine is nice too, but that kind of prop will never be used better than it was in Season 2 with SYTYCD God, Travis Wall.

Judges Say: Nigel compliments Tyce, who then gives himself a standing ovation. Mary yells some things that I believe are quite positive. Zooey can’t think of anything to say. Oooooh. Yeah. See – this is a problem because you are the guest judge tonight, and we are expecting commentary. She then compliments their teamwork.

-----------------------

When we return from commercial we take a look at the remaining ballroom contestants. Three remain, but will all three make it through? Um, they should – since there are 20 total and half will most likely be contemporary-ish, can we show some love for the cha-cha fiends of the world? Nick Bloxsom-Carter is up first, and he begins ugly crying before he can hear the verdict. Take it easy, man – you’re in! Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson find out their fates together. They’ve been competing against one another most of their lives, but they are also BFFs and SYTYCD roomies, so if one makes the Top 20, the other will still be happy….in a “you might wake up with a shaved head tomorrow” kind of way. After some torture, however, they are both in, and all is well with the world.

Our ballroom group performs a Jason Gilkenson routine set to J.Lo’s “Dance Again.” This dance is fast-paced and awesome. Doing a partner dance with three people is always tricky, and Nick doesn’t always keep up with the girls, but I’m a fan of this group.

Judges Say: Mary thinks the train has just arrived at the sizzle station and notes that Witney and Lindsay are some of the hottest tamales they’ve had on the show ever. Zooey pauses thoughtfully and says “that was incredible,” also observing that the girls are “like twins.”

-------------------------------

We move on next to the ballet dancers, and I honestly didn’t realize the remaining boys in this category were leaving professional ballet careers for this show. Eliana Girard seems like a judges’ favorite already, so it is no surprise to me when she is put through to the Top 20, but the judges do decide to torment Daniel Baker and Chehon Wespi-Tschopp (don’t worry – after today, I will only be using first names). After making them think only one will go through, they both do, and we are treated to a ridiculously incredible routine choreographed by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden. Granted, I have NO idea how Daniel and Chehon moved at all in those pants….unless they were painted on ….

Judges Say: Nigel loves Desmond and Dwight and commends all three dancers for their brilliance. Mary does one of those piercing “WOOOOs!” Cat doesn’t even bother to ask Zooey for an opinion.

-------------------------------

We are now half way to the Top 20, and the next group to hear their fate is comprised of the jazz dancers.  Only two make it through though – Tiffany Maher and her lookalike, Audrey Case. SYTYCD decides to lump belly dancer Janelle Issis into the jazz group too, which is great because I am really interested to see how she makes it into the competition. My excitement is stifled, however, when Janelle makes it back to the waiting room but allows the door frame to get in the way of her head. She follows that up with falling ill, so Audrey and Tiffany perform a Sonya Tayeh routine as a duo instead of a trio.  After seeing them perform though, I am really glad it was just the two of them. The performance allowed to Sonya to maintain her quirky style, but it also allowed the two girls to really push one another.

Judges Say: Zooey, who is starting to make my right eye twitch now, says “Oh my gosh….you girls are amazing!” She then goes on to talk about how they did not upstage one another but supported each other instead. Whoa. I’m inclined to think that one of the producers approached Zooey during the commercial break and informed her that she would need to start speaking with substance. Nigel then compares Audrey and Tiffany to a pair of dancing Pebbles Flintstones. So….they are pudgy toddlers?

--------------------------------

For round two of the contemporary dancers, we find out the journey has ended for Joshua Alexander, the poor soul who tried to execute a back flip and ended up in the hospital. I grieve for a minute before I discover that Matthew Kazmierczak, who is a dead ringer for Ryan Gosling, has made it through so I quickly wish Joshua safe travels.   Dareian Jujawa is known this season as the man with brick feet, but he is through as well. Janaya French joins Matthew and Dareian in the Top 20, which is super for her considering she has received no screen time.  Now we are down to Amelia Lowe and Jill Johnson for the final spot in the group (for real this time – only one of them is going through). I’ve been pulling for Amelia from the get go. There is something so classic about her, and it could easily just be the pale skin in a world of bronzers and spray tans, but I like her. She’s IN – the judges say they are looking for star quality, and I’m not too sure how Jill feels about that. This group performs a Stacey Tookey number, complete with amazing partner work, and as much as I enjoy Ryan…er…Matthew…Dareian catching Amelia’s leap was the highlight of the routine for me.

Judges Say: Zooey begins once again with the “Oh my gosh” and then tells us the performance was like watching a painting move. Okay. I can be on board with that. Mary is a big fan of Stacy Tookey, and she notes that the standing ovation the judges just gave the contestants shows them exactly how the judges feel about them.

----------------------------------

Our final group tonight is kind of, sort of hip hop. Cole Horibe, the dancer who combines martial arts with hip hop makes it through, which is kind of a head scratcher to me, but maybe I will be wowed later. Stepper Brandon Mitchell makes the Top 20 as well, though I don’t recall seeing him much on the previous episodes. The nail biter here (not really) is Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer v. Feliciano Turk. Cat’s voiceover tells us that Feliciano excelled in every style during Vegas week, and Glitch struggled. We know this already because dude has had more screen time than any other contestant. Glitch makes it through though because everyone loves the underdog. These guys perform a Christopher Scott number with a style that is hard to describe. There is a baseball theme, and each dancer dances his own way, and then it’s over. This is my least favorite performance of the night.

Judges Say: Nigel finds the combination of the martial artist, stepper and animator thrilling. Mary says they hit it out of the park. See what she did there? Cat has the line of the night though: “Zooey, let me guess…speechless?”  LOVE HER.

-----------------------------------

The remaining 20 or so minutes is filled by large group routines. Travis Wall choreographed a contemporary number for the Top 10 girls (except it’s 9 tonight due to Janelle’s ailment). The theme is the girls trying to go through the gateway to the afterlife. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the doorway used on SYTYCD, but I generally like the concept because it symbolizes the journey these contestants are taking trying to achieve a level of stardom.

Judges Say: Nigel calls the performance beautiful and inspirational, noting that all of Travis’ routines flow effortlessly.

-----------------------------------

The Top 10 guys take on a Sonya Tayeh routine with a ton of muscle and fighting. She begins rehearsals by asking them to remove their shirts….she then makes a comment about wanting to eat them up. I now picture her gnashing her teeth. I’m not sure what these guys are wearing as the performance begins, but I also don’t care. They are beasts, and I love it.

Judges Say: Nigel does not care for the maternity pants. Heh. Zooey then gives Cat a run for her money with her (almost) line of the night: “Wow, it must be really difficult to lift each other.” I imagine it is.

-------------------------------

The final performance of the night includes the Top 19 and comes from the mind of Mia Michaels. Let me just say I slapped the couch with both hands and “wooed” loudly when I heard this. Oh Mia, I have missed you greatly. Just promise me you will stay. With SYTYCD’s ratings slipping last year, I do hope bringing back this brilliant choreographer will help. When the performance begins, I think “The Matrix has you.” I’m enthralled immediately though, and this is so damn good I am posting the link.

The next episode will show us exactly how this year’s elimination will work as we make our way to the two 2012 winners. Til then!

Duets - Week 5

Tonight the six remaining Duets contestants take on songs from the movies. The five amateurs that make it through this episode will move on to the LIVE episodes, competing for AMERICA’s votes for the remainder of the season. Jennifer’s contestants have never been in the bottom 2, so she has a lot to prove this evening, but she is not about to play it safe…

Jennifer Nettles and John Glosson

Song: “My Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion (Titanic)

Jennifer is a hoot, first of all. Between re-enacting scenes from the movie and poking fun at Robin Thicke during rehearsals, it’s going to take me a minute for me to get back into “this song plays after just about everyone on the Titanic dies” mode. I do hope they pound their chests like Celine (watch here around the 2:23 mark). There ends up being no self-violence, but they do a wonderful rendition accompanied by a small strings section and a piano.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly likes that they made the song a little different and notes how well Jennifer and John complement each other. She closes by saying “I can’t stand you.” Robin says it looks like John and Jennifer have been singing together for 10 years. John (Legend) says the performance was both beautiful and fabulous. Paging Steven Tyler. We go to the chart, and John is first of course.

------------------------------

Kelly Clarkson and Jordan Meredith

Song: “Take My Breath Away,” by Berlin (Top Gun)

Jordan’s parents join her this week to support her (and meet Kelly), and they embarrass Jordan by making her sound like a Kelly stalker. Join the club, kid. Jordan starts the song solo with a new hairdo which I am digging, but she still seems a bit timid until Kelly joins her onstage just before the chorus. They are completely in sync with one another at that point though, and I love it.

Other Superstars Say: Robin misses the sultry sexiness Jordan had in previous weeks. He doesn’t believe Jordan’s breath was taken away by love. Jennifer loved the phrasing of the performance, but does note some pitchy moments for Jordan. John says their voices sound “super nice” together...no really...he said "super nice." He thinks Jordan showed some nerves in the very beginning though. We go to the chart, and Jordan is second.

------------------------------

Robin Thicke and Olivia Chisholm

Song: “Stayin’ Alive,” by The Bee Gees (Saturday Night Fever)

Olivia is fighting back from the Solo Showdown this week and hoping to stay out of the bottom 2. Helloooooo Robin Thicke. The way he opens the song is quite sexy, and the outfit is perfect. He could absolutely carry this song all by himself….and I kind of wish he had. Olivia sounds much better and looks more comfortable this week than last week, but I’m not convinced she should go too much further in this competition.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly says this was her favorite Olivia performance so far. Jennifer likes the more upbeat songs for Olivia’s voice, and this is also her favorite Olivia performance. We go to the chart, and Olivia is second, bumping Jordan to third. Hmph.

-------------------------------

John Legend and Bridget Carrington

Song: “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” by Tina Turner (title track)

Bridget and John are both feeling Meleana’s elimination from last week, but they move forward with a sassy Tina Turner tune. I am initially unsure of how I feel about this song as a duet, but they make it work. Is the rendition good enough to be number 1? In my opinion, no, but it's a solid performance for sure. Bridget still can’t take her eyes off of John though, so I wonder if that will be part of her critique.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly compliments Bridget’s legs, but she doesn’t think the song “goes anywhere,” meaning it isn’t really tough to sing. Thaaaank you. This show often lacks actual critique outside of "pitchy."  Jennifer gives Bridget a “yes, ma’am” and says she forgot she was judging during the performance. This is Robin’s favorite Bridget song to date. We go to the chart, and Bridget is third, bumping Olivia and Jordan down. Ugh.

-------------------------------

Jennifer Nettles and J Rome

Song: “I Will Always Love You,” by Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard)

J Rome shoots to keep his number 1 spot by taking on Whitney’s biggest song ever, which is risky considering the number of Whitney tributes we’ve seen on TV in the past 5 months. Because the song has the Dolly Parton origin, I think J Rome and Jennifer both have a lot to bring to the table on this performance. Wow. This is really good. REALLY good. I forgot I was supposed to be typing…. and now I worry for Jordan.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly wants to speak first and loves that J Rome stretched himself and challenged himself with this song. Robin says there is a reason J Rome is number 1 each week and that J Rome’s future is incredibly bright. John fakes some tears and then says the performance was well done. We go to the chart, and surprise – J Rome is first.

-------------------------------

Kelly Clarkson and Jason Farol

Song: “Come What May,” by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!)

I love this song, and I may have been completely obsessed with this movie when it came out. I have my fingers crossed for Jason now because I don’t want him to end up singing against Jordan in the bottom 2. Okay…breathe. Kelly and Jason have the Moulin Rouge! curtains behind them as they start. Grin. Poor

Jason doesn’t seem too confident with the song until the second half, but the closing is strong. The song may have been a bit too low for Jason, but I still heart both of them.

Other Superstars Say: Robin says Jason looks like a young Hugh Hefner and he’s very lovable. However, Robin would have liked to hear Jason sing a song that utilized his upper register. Jennifer can see Jason becoming very well rounded now after watching him take on a musical theater type role in this performance. John liked the theatricality of the performance, but he also does not think Jason was able

to show off his voice in the song. We go to the chart, and Jason is last….with Jordan. Curses!

Here are the final standings:

1. J Rome (Jennifer)

2. John (Jennifer)

3. Bridget (John)

4. Olivia (Robin)

5. Jordan (Kelly)

6. Jason (Kelly)

The Solo Showdown begins with Jason singing “Mamma Knows Best” with a whole lot of attitude and soul. Jordan follows with “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” which could be the opposite of what happens tonight. Unfortunately I do believe Jason did a better job, and I hate that this is happening. There's no light at the end of the tunnel tonight.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly is just pissed. Robin says that the show is just the beginning of their careers…blah blah blah. Jennifer tries to be motivational as well, and John loves them both.

After the Superstars have entered their “final secret score” (nonsense), we find out that Jordan is leaving. In terms of who America would vote more for, Jason is the best bet to move through to the live shows,  but still, I’m not happy. I have to wonder if the scoring system means anything at all. Would the producers of this show allow the live episodes to start with Robin or John having no partners left? I think not. I think Jennifer or Kelly had to lose a partner this week regardless.  If Duets gets a second season, they need to seriously reconsider the scores, voting, and timeline.

Next week the rest of us will get to take part in this show, and I will be able to finally be able to run my blackberry into the ground. Til then!