NOTE: Franky couldn’t live blog tonight. So, I’ll be filling in details and video performances from tonight’s performances.

Tonight, The Top 10 girls will be whittled down to the Top 5 by the judges panel–Mary Murphy, Nigel Lythgoe and Vanessa Hudgens. Each of the contestants will perform a routine outside of their specialty with one of the All-Stars: Brandon, Jonathan, Fik-Shun, Lex, Paul and Robert.

Hannahlei Cabinilla – 18 – Contemporary – The judges have loved her “from the second of her first audition.” She’ll be dancing Salsa with Jonathan Platero choreographed by Oksana Platero. Hannahlei says it’s “all new” for her. The judges were very impressed. “You were on fire,” says Mary. Nigel calls it “Fearless, hot and spicy.” Vanessa compliments the strength of her core.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXAxPyTCo5Y

Magdalena Fialek – 27 – Latin Ballroom – She was cut last year, came back with two other ballroom dancers. She surprisingly enjoyed hip hop at the academy! Tonight she’ll be dancing Contemporary with Robert Roldan, Mandy Moore choreography. Robert thinks she deserves a spot in the Top 10. They dance a very emotional, vulnerable routine, which brings Vanessa and Mary to tears. Nigel says, “You should be very very proud of yourself.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJyrQQlAUVk

Dayna Madison – 21 – Contemporary – Dayna will be performing a Cha Cha with Paul Karmiryan choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin. Paul notes that the choreography is far outside of her comfort zone, but he feels she can handle it. Mary calls her a “little firecracker” but had some technical critiques. “It seemed like you were having the time of your life,” says Vanessa.

Genessy Castillo – 18 – Contemporary – She struggled during the Academy, but she persevered. Genessy will be dancing Hip Hop with Fik-Shun, choreographed by Christopher Scott. Fik-Shun says dancing with her feels like she already made it to the Top 10. Gennesy has been training in Hip Hop. “It was amazing,” says Vanessa, “So much fun to watch.” Mary loved her attitude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDxY1Tb6W6s

Brianna Penrose – 18 – Tap Dancer – She choreographed her last solo, but the judges didn’t like it. She’s performing contemporary with Brandon Bryant, choreographed by Mandy Moore. Bryant says Brianna’s positive attitude in rehearsal erased any scepticism he had. Vanessa felt there were some “stunning” moments. Mary could see her passion, although it felt labored at time. However, Nigel found the routine “heavy” and “plodding.” Not one of your finest moments,” he says.

Chelsea Hough – 24- Jazz – Chelsea really had a hard time with ballroom at the Academy. That’s what she’s dancing tonight–a salsa with Jonathan Platero, choreographed by Oksana Platero. “You did an amazing job,” says Mary, “You soaked up all that technique. “Your hips don’t lie,” says Nigel, “Like you were meant to do it.” Vanessa says, “I thought you did an incredible job.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mleF1oIp44

Stephanie Sosa – 18 – Ballroom – She auditioned in LA with her brother, who was cut on the first day. Stephanie will be performing contemporary with Lex Ishimoto and Mandy Moore choreography. Lex thinks Stephanie can tap more into her emotional side. Nigel thought it was nice, but didn’t have a wow moment. Vanessa felt her passion and pain, but also didn’t see a wow moment. Mary felt it was fairly good, but could have done more.

Sydney Moss – 20 – Contemporary – She didn’t feel like a standout at the Academy, until the Contemporary round. Sydney will be dancing a Cha Cha with with Paul Karmiryan choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin. Oh, that was a bit clunky. Mary is still looking for more. More fire! Vanessa calls it “monotone.” Nigel says her body wasn’t in to it. Well, she’s toast.

Emily Carr – 18 – Contemporary – Her favorite part of Academy was contemporary with Travis Wall. He said the Top 10 was hers to lose. Emily will be performing hip-hop with Fik-Shun choreographed by Christopher Scott. Oh she’s double jointed! OUCH. Vanessa felt Fik-Shun brought more energy. Mary agrees. Nigel felt there was strength missing from some of her moves.

Jensen Arnold – 20 – Ballroom – She made it to the Academy in season 14 (Jensen is SYTYCD and DWTS alum Lindsay Arnold’s sister). The hip hop round at this season’s Academy was a breakthrough for her. She’ll be performing a Jazz routine with Brandon Bryant choreographed by Ray Leeper. Bryant told her to think of herself as a Goddess and him her Black Panther. Nigel wonders what happened to “little miss apple pie.” Vanessa felt Brandon pushed her to new places. Mary calls her performance “assured.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap2mkDfdwq8

Time for RESULTS. The Top 10 take the stage. And here we go. Brianna is first. Nigel feels she loses herself without the tap shoes. Brianna is ELIMINATED. Sydney is next. Nigel felt she missed the rhythm of the cha cha. Sydney is ELIMINATED. Hannahlei is next. Nigel notes her shyness, and that it might keep viewers from voting for her. But her dancing comes across. Hannahlei has made the Top 5. Jensen is next. Nigel worried about her immature performances at first. But she has grown and gave the best performance of the day. Jensen has made the Top 5. Emily is next. Nigel feels her performances fall flat sometimes. Emily is ELIMINATED. Magdalena is next. There are 3 ballroom girls left. But she’s made the cut. Magdalena had made the Top 5. Genessy flew under the radar at the academy, but they have decided. Genessy has made the Top 5. Stephanie is next. She’s the 3rd ballroom dancer. And unfortunately Stephanie is ELIMINATED. The panel say the vote was so close, and urge her to come back next season. Chelsea and Dayna remain. Nigel says it was a difficult choice. But Dayna is ELIMINATED. Chelsea is in the TOP 5.