Ugh Nigel. What’s with the choreography tonight? You complained halfway through tonight’s show that the performances were disappointing, but the problem was not your fine dancers, who did their best with what was handed to them.
We managed to get through an entire season without freaking Disco. Why start now, with a dance that was less a routine than a series of lifts clumsily strung together? And Lil C needs to do less talking and tweeting and more work to make his routines less BORING. Stacey Tookey’s routine for Melanie and Robert was unremarkable, Mark Ballas take your butt-slapping Cha cha back to DWTS where it won’t hurt anybody (except for some D list “stars”), and WTH was that Wellington slap crap? It was “throw the boys under the bus” that’s what the hell it was. Tonight’s show was not a fitting way to end a great season.
The best routines: Sonya’s ode to Sasha “Raise Your Weapon”. The fierce Sasha shined!, Sasha & Marko’s charming Broadway routine to “Whatever Lola Wants” (suck it, Nigel), Sasha and Melanie as surpressed 50’s housewives in a Stacey Tookey routine, and my favorite of the night–Tessandra Chavez’ gorgeous contemporary for Marko and Lauren. Sensational. Marko moves me so much and Lauren was fantastic.
I still don’t care who wins tomorrow, but I think it was shitty of Nigel to tell the boys to their faces that they weren’t going to win. It made me want to vote for them, just on principal.
Also, worst guest judge of the season? Katie Holmes. She had nothing to say, and kept repeating herself, thanking the dancers, telling them they were strong and beautiful, and my favorite–“I believed your story.” Kenny Ortega was only slightly better. He gets more blame, because as a choreographer, he should have been able to offer the contestants some valid criticisms.
Tomorrow, we’ll see reprises of some of the seasons best dances, including the statue dance, tWitch & Sasha’s breakfast routine & the door piece, which is something to look forward to. Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Robin Antin, Lil’ C, Tyce Diorio and Sonya Tayeh will guest judging with Nigel and Mary. And, oh. The Glee kids will be sitting in the audience, but I’m pretty sure only I care about that. Heh.
Can You believe it? It’s So You Think You Can Dance finale week! The Top 4 Sasha, Melanie, Tadd and Marko compete to win So You Think You Can Dance. The winner will be announced tomorrow during a two-hour finale.
UPDATE: Nigel Lythgoe tweets, “I know one thing tomorrow has great routines. Statues, Caitlyn’s Tango, the Matrix Doors, Twitch and Sacha’s breakfast, and the winner…the “Wall” and the “Jail” remember Chris’ routine? Both on tomorrow nights show”
Katie Holmes and Kenny Ortega are guest judging, with Nigel and Mary.
Cat Deeley looks STUNNING TONIGHT in a chic shift and upswept do! <3.
Here come the Top 4!
The Top 4 will dance solos with all-stars and each other.
Katie is so excited to be back. She congrats Cat on her Emmy nom, and pimps her upcoming film. Kenny has enjoyed the “electric” season of SYTYCD. He’s honored and thrilled! Not pimping anything.
VIDEOS: IdolXFactor
Marko and Melanie – Disco – Doriana Sanchez – “I Feel Love” Donna Summer – Yes, this is the 1st disco of the season Odd. Doriana wants them to be matching mirror balls. The lifts will be off the charts. The duo have the proper attitude, they look like they’re having fun, but the lifts look a little labored. Too many in this routine. Ken says it was just like Saturday Night Fever–electric sizzling. Katie says strong, beautiful, “I believe the stories you’re telling. Oh, I can tell the guest judging is going to be useless. Mary thought the lifts were a struggle, and they went in and out of the style (yep, even I noticed that), Nigel also thought it was a struggle. Nigel is looking forward to them doing better in their future routines.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qstg3wGMdJU
Sahsa & AS Mark – Sonya Tayeh – “Raise Your Weapon” – The piece is Sonya’s ode to Sasha because she confronts all of the obstacles in her life. A shirtless (!!!) Mark represents the obstacles that try to hold her back in this muscular routine. He pushes and pulls, Sonya fights back. In the end, she throws him down victoriously. OK These two are awesome together. Katie says I love this number, you are so strong and so powerful. Sonya, you are amazing. I love everything about this. Mary: Whooo hooo! You looked great, before you took one dance step. You looked every bit as mature and seasoned as Mark. Mary calls her a star. Nigel calls her a warrior. He loves Sonya’s darker pieces. “You just thrown down the gauntlet to the other 3 contestants, ” says Nigel Kenny says Sonya’s work is always considerate of the dancers. Kenny reveals that Sasha is battling an injury. “Sasha warrior princess. You are the victor, ” says Kenny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ1hj29bW2I
Tadd & AS Joshua – Hip Hop – Lil C – “Hustle Hard” Ace Hood. – Routine is all about the hustle! Joshua is a certified hustler, gotta turn Tadd into a hustler too, says Lil C. Tadd’s dancing was solid, but I had a hard time paying attention. That horeo did nothing for me–dull. Joshua won Season 4, for those who don’t know. Mary feared Tadd’s sweetie pie factor would get in the way of a hard hitting hip hop number. BUT NOT THIS TIME! “You have been hustling hard ever since you started this show…you delivered everything tonight.” Nigel does a little Lil C blather to compliment him. He found Tadd a little too sweet. Not a bad job, but not as strong as he’d like. Kenny wants a pair of Tadd’s red shoes. He gives props to the all stars. “They have really elevated the show”. The pairing was perfect, says Ken. Katie says, “I love your smile and your sweetness. I loved the two of you together. I bought it. I love those red shoes. It highlighted how fast you are.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA0ssFqG8dE
Melanie & AS Robert – Contemporary – Stacey Tookey – “Sacrifice” by Sinead O’Connor – Melanie has to leave a relationship to save herself from unrequited love. A very pretty routine, but I feel like we’ve seen this already. Melanie would have been better off with a routine that stretched her capabilities. She is a beautiful dancer, however. – Nigel calls the choreo beautiful, and the dance beautifully done. I don’t know if you’ve captured America’s heart, but you captured mine, says Nigel. Sonya threw down the gauntlet, but Melanie slapped it right back, he adds. Tonight will be a fight. Kenny wants to work with Melanie. He says she brings, theater, emotion and technique to everything she does on that stage. She’s incredible to watch. Hm. Kenny mentions his upcoming Dirty Dancing reboot.Nobody puts Cat in the corner! Katie says “You blow me away. The way you create and tell stories…every movement makes sense. It’s magical.” Mary says she must have been happy to draw her own style. You have that captivating capabiltiy to draw people in. Every thing you do you do it with class. I’m proud of you.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3fAhOVNCbE
Sasha & Marko – Broadway – Spencer Liff – “Whatever Lola Wants” by Ella Fitzgerald – The routine takes place in a restaurant. – Marko is a waiter whom the sexy Sasha wants. Whoa Marko. My eyes are on him during this routine. Cute AND acrobatic. Adorbs. Loving it. Impressive Broadway skills. Sasha was solid, but Marko was the standout here. Kenny says great fun. From leading man to character actor. And Sasha–from warrior princess to sophisticated lady. “There isn’t anything you can’t do. You never leave any change, ” he says. Katie says, I loved it. Sasha you are such a beautiful woman. Reminds me of Cyd Charice. Marko you are incredible. Mary says comedy is not easy. “You both pulled it off.” It didn’t knock Nigel out. “I think you make a better warrior princess than vamp. Didn’t get Marko’s character.” Uhm. I don’t agree!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2P7NtTQLuI
Cat Deeley interviewed the Top 4 last week after they got the good news they would be competing in the final
Melanie’s Solo: Cat asks Melanie tells Cat her best friend throughout the competition was Ricky. She really misses him. She’s also close to Marko. They talk about the Kiss! Melanie is crying through this whole interview, especially when she recalls her late dad. “Song for Viola” – 1-888-836-7601 Text 1 to 83676
Marko’s Solo: Cat asks Marko about how he’s enjoyed the ride. He watched SYTYCD on the internet from Guam. Hearts of Stone was his favorite piece. Marko is honest with his emotions, especially where his mom is concerned. It would mean everything to him to win. Oh yeah, he has that bullet in his arm! “I”m alive and I’m not ever going to quit.” “The Fear You Won’t Fall” – Joshua Radin – 1-888-836-7602 Text 2 to 83676 Aw, Marko’s dad is here for the 1st time!
Sasha & Tadd – Cha cha – Mark Ballas – Sassy fun and hardhitting, this cha cha will be, says Mark. Whoa. Slap that butt Tadd! Unfortunately, not so much. Both are out of their styles, and struggling, although I like Sasha’s hip action. Katie says, “You’re such strong dancers…you look terrific.” Mary feels the same way, but…this did not work tonight, she says, “the connections, the body positions, the leg action, the chemistry. Sasha fared better, Tadd struggled.” Nigel feels the same way. “Tadd you just couldn’t cope with this style. Sasha, this wasn’t good for you either.” The duo says it was really hard, but they had fun. Kenny says, “I think all of America knows what you can do. It was too ambitious for tonight. You have 4 routines. Walk it off and let it go.” Mark Ballas? EPIC FAIL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFMVJhHD1gE
Marko & AS Lauren – Contemporary – Tessandra Chavez – “Shirk” by Me’Shell Ndegeocell0 – Two people in love with each other, but can’t make it work. It will be emotionally and physically challenging. Wow. No kidding this choreography is stunning, and Marko and Lauren are KILLING IT. Best routine of the night so far. Moving. The choreo has been mostly disappointing tonight. Marko, like Melinda is a very expressive, fearless dancer. Mary says, “You just thrust greatness upon yourself. It was just so beautiful, honest, communication in the dance. We can feel it over here.” Marko is crying.Nigel says, “Ive been a little disappointed this evening. You’ve joined in the finale tonight. That was a fabulous performance. Congratulations.” Kenny says “What a gift to Marko and to the audience and the show. They were made for each other, their connection and spirits were alive. Wherever you are stay there, it’s working.” Katie says “Marko that was amazing. I loved all the little moments. It’s so special. You’re magical.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBu9jv3hHDI
Tadd’s Solo: Tadd tells Cat he thinks his solos helped him. He was really nervous about “Meet the Top 20”. There’s a “Keep off your shirt” website. Winning would change his family’s lives. “Mama Knows Best” by Jesse J His solos are really entertaining. So likable. 1-888-836-7603 Text 3 to 83676
Tadd and Melanie – Ray Leeper – “Show Me What Your Working With” – Clothes will be coming off, ” says Ray. The shoes come off first. Oh. Now Tadd’s shirt. A really, fun, athletic routine. To finish, Melanie pulls off his pants to reveal heart covered boxers. Hilarious. Both played their roles perfectly. Nigel says, “That just brought my evening to life. I know people wear their hearts on their sleeves, but not on their underpants.” Nigel says, “Melanie, You had a character well before you started dancing. Tadd you totally redeemed yourself on that routine.” Kenny says, “Before Melanie started she had me gripped to the stage. You’re in that moment, in the zone. That has a lot to do with your power. The chemistry was exceptional.” Katie loved it, “So much fun, a breath of fresh air. Wonderful acting.” Mary says, “Tadd you brought sexy back for sure. Redemption is the best medicine, brother! Melanie was that a strut across the stage or what!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lROTaDJJfc
Sasha’s Solo: Sasha tells Cat she was glad to have auditioned with her sister. Her favorite moment was when Lady Gaga threw her shoe–and she caught it! She loved the number with Twitch. “I’ll dance with him again, ” she says. The “wall” piece hit “something” in me, Sahsa says. She put her journey into the dance. – “Be Be Your Love” 1-888-836-7604 Text 4 to 83676
Sasha and Melanie – Stacey Tookey – “Heart Asks Pleasure First.” – A pair of suppressed 50’s housewives come together to give each other the courage to break free (They don’t). These two are a joy to watch. A powerful and poignant piece. Kenny says, “Two actresses that can dance. The picket fences were like jail bars. Really powerful. Beautiful piece, beautifully executed.” Katie says, “I love seeing the exploration of friendship. You did an excellent job.” Mary says, “It’s so beautiful to watch the two of you together. You’re so well loved, no matter what happens.” Nigel says, “The two girls held each other in their arms before the routine started. It doesn’t matter who wins. You both can grace any dance company in this country.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWwpWSY5X8U
Marko & Tadd – Wellington Slap – Stepping – Chuck Moldonado – This particular style began in the mines of Africa. The routine is done in miners gear, with wheelbarrows as props. Not sure this particular style is translating well here. Shouldn’t we be able to hear some slapping? These weird styles always fall flat. Tadd is harder hitting than Marko, but both had better routines tonight. Katie says, “You guys are great..I love everything you’ve done in this competition. You gave it your all.” Mary says, “You didn’t look exhausted. That was absolute solid gold for me.” Mary calls it cute. Miners in Africa cute? “I love you guys to pieces.” Nigel says, “It was a little difficult, you weren’t together tonight. I thought a girl would win, and I have not changed my mind. I’m pleased you’re here in the finale, but I still think a girl will win.” Kenny says, “Guys you did your job. Congratulations to you all.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfDXJTGPwxY
Interviews and Solos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAB8djHcgd8
