(S04E20) I think by the twentieth episode of American Idol we were just getting to "Hollywood Week." But here on SYTYCD we're on the cusp of the "Final Four!" Last week, we lost Will and Comfort. Comfort was due, but I really think Mark should have been the one to go on the guy's side. But I can understand Will. Like Katee for the girls, he was the most technically proficient of the guys, but he just didn't connect with the audience in the ways that the other guys do. He didn't come across as aloof to me, but neither was he particularly charismatic.It was nice to see Cat return to form with an absolutely hideous outfit. She looked positively lovely last week in classy dresses that fit her well. This week she wore a sparkly garbage bag cinched at the waist with shower poofs attached to the heels of her ... heels. Adam Shankman came back to the judging panel this week and was a little late to the praising the choreographers schtick they're doing this year. He got with the program with Tyce DiOrio and the flow of choreographer love continued unabated throughout the night.
THE PERFORMANCES (COUPLES)
Courtney & Mark
--(Viennese Waltz w/ Jason Gilkison - "The Time of My Life," David Cook) For the third week in a row, Courtney drew first dance, this time partnering with the quirky Mark. I'm not sure why the rehearsal video we saw focused so much on him touching her boob. I'd figure there's a lot of accidental touching of all sorts of parts on both parts when trying to learn these dances. It happens. I'm going to give them props though for what I thought was an excellent top six worthy performance. Mark redeemed his presence on the stage and Courtney was just elegant and stunning. The emotional connection was real and those lifts were just gorgeous.
--(Jazz w/ Sonja Tayeh - "The Garden," Mirah) This routine was to jazz what The Phantom of the Opera is to musicals. It was a rock and roll hybrid and I absolutely loved the attitude of it. This is the best Sonya has done on the show. It wasn't as heavy on technique as I would have liked but it was a great and powerful performance from the both of them. Mark was in his quirky element and Courtney entered that world as if she'd been born there.
Katee & Joshua
--(Contemporary w/ Tyce DiOrio - "All By Myself," Celine Dion) The king of lifts was reunited with the most beautifuly gifted dancer on the show and the result was just as magical as I expected. This is a union that I could watch night after night as their connection, grace, power and beauty is just beyond description. Joshua is a revelation on this show and keeps blowing me away week after week. Katee is the shiznit. What more can I say?
--(Paso Doble w/ Jason Gilkison - There Was a Thunderstorm In My Area So I Only Know This Was From A Soundtrack) Well, Joshua is definitely strong enough to be the commanding male lead of this dance style, and he performed it just astoundingly. He was so fierce and strong, he just tore the stage up. They both managed the technical footwork demanded and just blew me away. Joshua has no technical training? Crazy!
Chelsie & Twitch
--(Mambo w/ Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - "Ahora Me Toca A Mi," Victor Manuelle) Chelsie was as sultry and hot on this as I expected, seeing as how this is her strength. Twitch was able to keep up with her but looked a little heavier on his feet than I would have liked, and didn't come across as the leader of that dance by any means but it didn't matter because Chelsie was so flawless it didn't matter.
--(Hip-Hop w/ JTabitha & Napoleon Dumo - "Control," The Vitamin String Quartet) Okay, first of all it's a BATON. Not a stick! A BATON! Sorry, I played cello as many years as I danced and these things annoy me. A dance based on dueling conductors is pretty clever. These two just stole the night with this one. It was so much fun and so well danced I was pretty well in love with their struggle throughout. The acting required to sell that dance was no struggle for these two dancers. What a great night of partnering.
THE PERFORMANCES (SOLOS)
- Chelsea ("When I Grow Up," Pussycat Dolls) I would have liked to see a little more creativity and dancing outside of swiveling those hips, though she did it well. She's a great partner, but other partner dancers have found ways to express more dance in their solos than she did tonight.
- Twitch ("Midas Touch," Midnight Star) Wow does this guy know how to entertain. He had gold shoes, grill and frames to go with the lyric and was quirky, fun and still just mesmerizing to watch as he moved across the dance floor. Just an amazing hip-hop soloist.
- Katee ("Can't Stop," Maroon 5) I hate to say it but while her movements were beautiful, her transitions between "tricks" were a little stilted for me this week. Still, Katee is the broad to beat on the female side.
- Joshua ("Like That," Memphis Bleek) Joshua gave us more of a breaker hip-hop style this week, which was a great way to differentiate him from Twitch this week. He came across as incredibly strong with some amazing leaps across the stage and worked well with his music.
- Courtney ("Rock Your Soul," Elisa) She threw in some actual pirouettes in that routine and I was glad to see it. She choreographed herself well to the music and managed to make yet another contemporary solo at least a little interesting.
- Mark ("Bum Like You," Robyn) By ending the night's solos with Mark it reaffirmed to me that I'm pretty much ready for Mark to go. It wasn't bad but it wasn't as good as either of the other two guys either.
I can't even decide so I'm going to leave it up to you. How's that for a cop out? Voting begins... right after this next section. Plus, it gives me an idea of what kind of dance you all like. Let's call it science. Yeah! Science!
WORST OF THE NIGHT
There really and truly were no bad routines tonight, so I'm going to have to give it to Mark's solo. Sorry guy, but that just didn't work for me.
The Prisoner -- An early look
Sesame Street's 40th: Five funniest characters
Sesame Street's 40th: Five biggest controversies
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-31-2008 @ 9:32AM
Danielle said...
All the dancing was great last night. DH and I truely want Mark to go home. He's thinking Josh will be the winner. Im still not sure on who it is. Out of the guys, I truely hope Mark goes home and for the ladies.....hmm..thats a tough one...probably Chelsea(my DH would be upset. He loves to watch her moves ;))
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 9:48AM
watts said...
Joshua had technical training, one'f the dances he trained before
football was ballet. It was shown about him & ballet earlier in the
show during the Vegas week I believe.
You're basing on solos to judge who should leave? What about the routines these people have done?
Mark is the most versatile men left and has been in this competition without overpraised and overlooked mistakes or technical errors unlike some other dancers (yes I'm looking at you Joshua (your disco was terrible, off balanced pirouette that resulted to a near fall, the seeming to forget the steps or where to turn to..to find Chelsie) and Twitch)
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 9:59AM
Cindy Gibson said...
What a fabulous night of dancing. I hate to see it all end so soon. The top six proved why they were all there in style. Josh and Katee's Contemporary was my favorite and I thought that when they finished that no one could have a better dance than that. Then Mark and Courtney's Jazz and Twitch and Chelsea's Hip Hop were just wonderful. It will be hard to see any go, but, if I have to choose it would be Mark and Chelsea. I really have a soft spot for Courtney although I think Katee is the better dancer. I think Mark proved he could keep up tonight but, he is just not as dynamic and talented as the other guys. I bet the tour this year will be fabulous.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 10:03AM
Ryan said...
They were all great last night. It's very difficult me to choose.
I love Twitch and Joshua, but I'd love to see Mark sneak in the final four to cause a mild upset. I think I'd just like to see the reaction to that.
I just don't want the final four to be predictable, you know?
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 10:15AM
fowak said...
Seriously? Someone explain to me what is so amazing about Joshua because I'm not seeing it. Yes, he's physically strong and that is great for lifts. And here and there he's had a cool leap or something, but he really does absolutely nothing for me and I do not at all understand the draw to him.
I agree with 'watts' up there who praised Mark :) I'm a Mark fan, for sure. He hasn't been flawless, but always entertaining. And most certainly most improved. Looking at his ballroom pieces before leading up to last night's Viennese waltz, he was so great. I'd love for Courtney to make it to the Top 4. I kind of think it's a toss up between her and Chelsie.
My dream Top 4 would be Mark, Twitch, Chelsie and Courtney. But I predict it will be Mark, Joshua, Chelsie and Katee.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 10:33AM
I miss my stars! said...
I agree, what the hell was up with the green stick? Do you think we, the unwashed masses, are unfamiliar with a baton? It didn't even look like a baton, it looked like one of those fat straws you get when your kid's order a soft drink at Friendly's.
I've mentioned it in another post weeks back so I guess maybe I am becoming obsessed with Mary Murphy's chest, but she needs to lay off the fake tan. Adding a layer of irridescant bronzer doesn't help it look any better.
I like Shankman. I thought it was fun to see how excited he got over Katee and Joshua's contemporary routine. I don't mind them blowing sunshine up the choreographer's collective butts because they have really put on a good show this year.
At this point I would be satisfied with any of these 6 winning the title. They all have something special and I wish them all well.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 11:42AM
Bas said...
Courtney and Mark's jazz routine was my favorite, but Joshua and Katie's contemporary was just beautiful. I like Twitch - I think he is great at what he does, and he has tons of charm and personality, but I think he's the weakest of the 3 men remaining. He had good effort on the mambo, but not to the caliber of the other dancers last night.
I may be the only one, but the worst dance of the night for me was the baton fighting hip hop. Ugh. I thought it was cheesy and blah, not helped by Chelsie's facial expressions. All the girls are very talented, but I would probably send Chelsie home.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 11:58AM
Jen said...
I thought last night was wonderful & really don't want this show to end!! This season has been the strongest & most entertaining to watch! I truly want Mark to go, but it could be Twitch because he was not as strong on his first dance. But then again, Mark's solos are getting old & about the same every week. When it comes to the girls, I have no idea who will go. I believe Katee is the strongest technically but when it comes to the other 2, it is a toss up. Courtney has more personality & Chelsie acts like a brat at times, but is a good dancer. It will all come down to popularity!
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 12:07PM
CA said...
We enjoyed both of Joshua and Katee's routines. They are both good apart, but create something special together. Joshua's movement in the paso was sensuous and strong, while Katee's grace contrasted nicely. I like Twitch, but am afraid he's the least versatile & might go home. We wanted Mark out because he dances so tentatively most of the time, his moves are "small" in contemporary and ballroom. Fortunately for him, Sonya took his chicken-walk move and the hand-flippy thing he always does and made it make sense in a dance. Like Comfort, I think he dances other people's choreography better than his own. Too bad Will still isn't in. I prefer him to Twitch and Mark.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 12:11PM
David said...
Is it just me, or did this season feel really short? They should start couples dancing at the top 24, or have a couple of non-elimination weeks. I'm just not ready for this show to be over.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 12:21PM
Paula said...
Eventhough I wouldn't make him the top dancer, I love Mark's facial expressions, especially in the jazz routine.
Did you notice that Chelsea also had the shower poofs on the heels of her shoes? She even lost one during the dance.
I adore Cat, she's so great with the dancers, like a big sister. Despite all the glamour she doesn't put on airs -trying on Twitch's grill, saliva and all!!
What a great show tonight and all season. Bringing this quality of dancing to the masses is so ground breaking.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 1:03PM
Gina said...
This week was really hard for me to pick a clear best dancer. Mark even stood out this week, and he really hadn't been for me. Honestly, I think anyone can win this now with how they performed last night. Joshua really stood out to me last night as well. He and Katee are amazing together as a couple.
http://celebritytoday.today.com
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 1:42PM
Donna said...
All season long, Mark has been my fave. I'd loved him with Chelsie, and I loved his dances with Courtney last night. Their waltz was beautiful. The jazz routine was my fave routine of the night. My choice for top four:
Katee, Mark, Joshua and Courtney.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 3:27PM
shelia said...
Like others have said, how quickly this season has gone! The show in general and the dancing in particular has been nothing but pure entertainment! (AI take a hint!) With the new, upcoming and established choreographers this show is HOT for a wide audiance! I'm 64 years old and don't vote, but rather watch for the thrill and enjoyment of it. Yes, THIS SHOW IS GROUNDBREAKING!!! Congratulations to the producers and FOX! Keep up the good work!
7-31-2008 @ 3:25PM
goldie said...
I agree...this season felt REALLY short. Its over next week??, Crazy! I am really torn on who should go this week. I like all three guys, but I think Twitch is the weakest. I've gone back and forth on Mark and actually wanted him gone the past two weeks. I really wish Gev were still in the competition. But, now I kinda like Mark, so who should go now? And, I like all three of the girls. I guess my personal pick to stay would Chelsie, Courtney, Mark, and Joshua, but I don't think thats who will stay. Oh well...looking forward to the finale though...thats gonna be awesome!!
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 4:53PM
Doug Nelson said...
How adorable was Chelsie with the Beethoven hair?
I enjoy all the dancers, but I really watch for the choreography and design.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 9:27PM
Luka said...
The judges have been soft this season, especially the last few episodes where they haven't critiqued ANYTHING. It's like Idol earlier this year. They keep blabbing about BEST SEASON EVER and trying to overhype the show. I think Twitch is awesome in his element but not very good in other styles. Joshua is overrated as is Chelsie. Courtney's amateurish and while Mark is fun and quirky, he doesn't convey a lot of emotion when he dances. Katee's the best technically and is a powerful dancer but she lacks personality. I think Season 3 was better for overall dance quality, entertainment, and personality/likeability of the individual dancers.
Reply
8-01-2008 @ 1:05AM
Virginia said...
The show is good and the dancer are great. The one compliant I have is; the Hostess and Judges do not need to influence the crowd to vote for our President especially since some of them are not US citizens. We welcome all people to our Country, but Hollywood needs to stay out of the picture and entertain us with good shows.
Thank You.
Reply