159 replies to this topic

[TWoP Lockley]

From TVGuide

Episode Synopsis: The Top 16 dancers perform, and two more are eliminated. Also: a performance by the members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Christina Applegate is the guest judge.

[keeperrox]

I was underwhelmed by Cyrus and Eliana's routine. The choreography was so geared to Cyrus, which I'm not sure was the right way to go, especially since his style is so unique and personal. I'm glad the judges saved her, but I certainly wasn't excited while watching it like I have been during some past awesome, hard-hitting hip hop routines. It just wasn't as great as they said it was.

[OwlsGo]

The show's back in three weeks? That's not nearly late enough.

It made no sense to keep Darean. His lyrical hip-hop and cha-cha-cha were both terrible. Amber I get, because she was never going to be the tween star that Lindsey could be (Though admittedly, she could have lightened up a bit). Eliana's solo was disappointing.

[Bleeding Love]

The depimping of Will and Amelia begins.

I really don't like this new voting system. Nigel picking and choosing who gets to solo and who doesn't is just another way to manipulate, isn't it?

[GoMavs41]

Sometimes, I really really hate this show. Amber and Brandon should not have been eliminated after their amazing performances tonight. They have both been excellent this entire competition and I can't believe they are going home.

Janelle and Darien's performance was terrible, as was Will and 20's girl, whatever the hell her name is.

The Whitney Houston dance did not warrant a standing ovation and in my opinion the standing o was for Whitney Houston not Whitney and Chechon.

Cole and Lindsay did well. Loved Cyrus and Eliana. The first hip hop routine was danced well, but I'm so sick of the watered down "hip hop" on this show.

Ryan Gosling look alike still remains cute.

[svimouse]

What a crap episode. So much smoke being blown everywhere.

I was underwhelmed by Cyrus and Eliana's routine.

I totally agree. I love Eliana, but she did not outdance Cyrus in any of that routine and that routine was not that fabulous. Waay better than what NappyTabs normally produces but not that fabulous.

And Witney and Chehon's routine was everything I hate about contemporary--lots of fancy lifts and manipulative music and meh. The dancers were great but the routine was utter drivel.

Ugh and the results! Amber didn't "show her potential" you ass, Nigel. She was always that good!

I liked Christina when she gave honest critiques, but her judging kind of devolved over the course of the evening. Still better than most guest judges though.

[A Beaverhausen]

That was bullshit. Amber and Brandon were magical, so they were booted as a result? I hate this new method of elimination too. It's ultimately just based on Nigel's whims.

[callie lee 29]

Well the only female I actually like is gone. Great. And apparently if you try to protest vote for those went home tonight it doesn't recognize the text (!). How Brandon went home and the sloppy blonde guy in red and the boring blonde guy in white are still there I do not understand.

[bluvelvet]

So many of these couples lacked chemistry and I was underwhelmed by tonight. I thought Cole was gorgeous in his routine and didn't really notice his partner. I wish they had saved Amber, glad they saved Eliana as she did a kick ass job in her routine tonight. Actually my favorite of the night was Eliana and Cyrus which I know was in his wheelhouse. The ballroom routines were a mess. Sorry to see Brandon go, in the end I am not of a fan of this new format.

Almost forgot, I did like the first Hip Hop routine but I did forget it at the end of the show.

Also what did Nigel mean that they only had space for a top 16?

Edited by bluvelvet, Jul 25, 2012 @ 9:11 PM.

[kismet kiss]

I'm pretty bummed that Brandon was kicked off. He was so full of life and I enjoyed his performance, plus it is refreshing not to have 20 contemporary dancers. I thought Dariean should have gotten the boot over him, his last performances have been underwhelming and he seems so dull.

ETA: Why are they so in love with Amelia? I find her unlikable and a try-hard. I just want her off my screen, her dance was terrible tonight.

Edited by kismet kiss, Jul 25, 2012 @ 9:10 PM.

[ripa27]

Amber should NOT have gone home, but I was OK that Brandon did. She danced circles around him in their routine. I would have eliminated both Lindsay and Eliana before her.

[musica]

I was very disappointed Amber and Brandon were cut. I thought they were fantastic tonight--the best routine, actually. They were my new favorites.

ETA I do not think Nigel care about the show anymore. There is just something about him that seem like he has checked-out.

Edited by musica, Jul 25, 2012 @ 9:16 PM.

[chillinbiss28]

So when they did said the background story for Whitney and Chenon?? dance, and the said it was going to be to “I will always love you” I thought I was going to ball my eyes out. (Backstory- My husband was deported over a year ago, I am planning on moving to Honduras to be with him because of the pain I feel not being with him. “I will always love you” was our song and the song in our wedding after they announced us Mr. and Mrs. Chillinbliss.) Imagine my surprise when I felt NOTHING what-so-ever. Whitney’s lack of emotion and immaturity was so evident that any emotion I could possibly feel was overpowered by my annoyance at her. Perhaps my expectations were too high because based on the description, I felt I was going to see a piece that expressed my emotional pain. Or maybe it just straight up sucked. All I know is that dance was not worth a standing O, IMO.

I really really enjoyed Brandon. I’m kinda pissed that they cut him for another contemporary dancer. How about keeping the new and fresh and getting rid of the same ole same old.

On a sidenote I don’t like the new voting system. It erases the redeemable factor that used to make SYTYCD amazing. I remember Danny (S3) being in the B3 many times because of this attitude. After like the 2nd or 3rd time he got the message and dropped the cocky attitude and went to be runner-up. If they had a male winner in that season he would have been it. They are taking the learning curve away making the show less…something. I don’t know, I just don’t like it.

[nairuti]

This crap always happens. Amber was my favorite performer tonight. And she has been great the entire competition even when not in her own genre.

[nottadancer]

My thoughts on tonight:

Cole and Lindsay, boring, couldn't see Lindsay face throughout most of the routine.

Will and Amelia, I'm a big fan and liked their routine, I did their super connection was a bit off, but I think Uncle Nigel was very wrong, I'm more with Mary on this one.

Brandon and Amber, very nice, Amber danced her butt off and Brandon was great, too bad for them

Matt and Audrey, boring, can't even remember a bit of their routine

Darien and Janell, pretty bad but they are not ballroom experts, Love you Pasha!

Cyrus and Eliana, goodness did they just watch Cyrus do his thing and put Eliana in the routine. Couldn't have pimped him any more if they wanted to. Yuck!

George and Tiffany, I'm drawing a blank can't remember their routine. I guess that says enough

Chehon and Witney, nice to see Chehon in more of his element. Beautiful, for him but Witney just seemed liked she flung herself around. Twas okay for me.

Not liking 2 weeks off, not liking not having all the bottom 3 dance solos. Not liking keeping Darien over Brandon.

[ParadoxLost]

I really don't like this new voting system. Nigel picking and choosing who gets to solo and who doesn't is just another way to manipulate, isn't it?

I wonder if Nigel will have the nerve to cut someone he doesn't ask to solo.

[gik910]

Cole & Lyndsay's performance was beautiful & I have to say that this is one of the first times that the lighting has truly added to a performance for me. Those shadows were haunting.

Amber & Brandon, so a change in partners was exactly what was called for. That was a soulful performance. And yet again, I was obsessed with her legs!

Janell & Darian-I'm sad that a Pasha routine was wasted on those two. But I love that Cat admitted she loves that awful song!

Will & Amelia- I think Mandy's crush on Will was the cutest thing ever. There were some cool tricks & shapes but overall it was not my favorite dance...nothing to do with the dancers & I agree that they are the team with the best chemistry (I'm not sure what Nigel was talking about at all...), I really think it was the choreography. And good on you Amelia , for protecting that pretty skin!

I'm just realizing that I did not comment on George/Tiffany...which I suppose means it was forgettable. I agree that she was hitting harder, but it was just meh.

Audrey/Matt- OK, I get that a lot of girls like Matt-he isn't my cup of tea & the outfit they put him in shows why. If you are going to wear that you need to be manly. To me he is still very much a little boy. On to the dance, it was a bit slow & I felt like that were very timid going into the tricks. Not the best showing from them at all.

Chehon & Witney- Pretty, ethereal, danced well, good tricks...same old, same old contemporary flailing. I feel bad when I don't get into dances like these. They are for the most part always danced well, but it is the same contemporary dance anchored by some really good tricks. But according to the judges, I am a heartless monster. But best chemistry from them so far! Also, Witney looks so much better without all the makeup!

Eliana/Cyrus- Floved this cover of Toxic! I usually hate these "story-line" hip-hops BUT I think it gave Cyrus a chance to shine, and for that I am greatfull. It was still soft choreography, but they both killed it. I really liked the tempo changes in it. Eliana can still do no wrong in my eyes.

Wow, I totally forgot we got rid of 4 dancers last week..I was expecting another dance :(

Super surprised to see Eliana in the bottom, not so much about the other 2 based on last week...After this week the ladies are a tough call for me, I want to keep Eliana & Amber I think. Interesting how they don't want to see everyone dance though

For the boys, I want to keep George & Brandon. Not even a hard choice. I have not warmed up to Darien at all.

Man, I am glad that Eliana was saved but there is no way I would have kept Lindsey over Amber, especially after tonight.
Crushed about Brandon...especially after how classy he exited. That smile!

Nope, do not agree with the eliminations at all tonight.

So unless they ask all 3 to dance it would seem that if you don't have to dance you are safe.


And now we have to wait for 2 weeks. Stupid Olympics.

Edited by gik910, Jul 25, 2012 @ 9:22 PM.

[keeperrox]

ETA: Why are they so in love with Amelia? I find her unlikable and a try-hard. I just want her off my screen, her dance was terrible tonight.

Oh, I so agree. I saved my rant for Amelia's thread, but I find her absolutely cringe inducing. She's just not good, and her facial expressions were completely inappropriate during that routine. She was clunky and practically unwatchable tonight. I'm just glad Nigel didn't fawn all over her after that horrible performance.

Edited by keeperrox, Jul 25, 2012 @ 9:24 PM.

[stafford]

I am surprised that Matthew was even judged since he practically stood still for two-thirds of the dance. I thought Will was terrible (and I really like him). I don't think his white suit helped him...frankly he looked uncomfortable. And to top it off Janelle and Darien's performance reminded me of a choreographed first wedding dance by the bride and groom that won't make YouTube. I am so disappointed that there isn't one dance I'd go back and watch again (even the Whitney dance which was okay but nothing special).

Ugh, I hate to be a "hater" but honestly I am so disappointed given what I thought was the talent on the show. The women are all interchangeable and the only person on the show that has any "star power" (well besides Cat) is Cole. Perhaps two weeks off will improve the show. Bring on the Olympics!

Edited to add that Lindsay's hair was such a distraction during the Whitney dance. We only saw her face at the very end. One word...scrunchie.

Edited by stafford, Jul 25, 2012 @ 9:24 PM.

[svimouse]

I wonder if Nigel will have the nerve to cut someone he doesn't ask to solo.

They did it last week when nobody got a chance to solo.

[Canadian Bakin]

Will and Amelia have hardly been challenged. 'Out of their genres'? Hardly. Their hip-hop was character pop and they've had contemporary and jazz. Everyone else (off the top of my heads) have had at least one of the partners out of their comfort zone, haven't they? Chehon finally got to be in his, and it showed.

Oh, I was worried about Eliana. I guess people worried about Cyrus bringing her down need not worry, as he's obviously getting votes that she isn't.

Tiffany and George - hated their outfits. Guess it was okay.

I don't see the Ryan Gosling thing in Matt that much, because Matt is just not all that for me and Ryan is.

Brandon, I'll miss your smile, even if you weren't my fave dancer. You did light up my TV screen.

So Witney's mother named her after Whitney Houston? I guess spelling wasn't her forte.

I like Cole; I'm kind of meh on Lindsey. Not sure why they kept her without a solo, although I'd say it was based more on this week than last. Which brings me to ...

Showing the results a week after is weird because I can hardly remember why a dancer didn't get votes and their performance this night is on my mind! Glad that they got their goodbye pieces though.

[GeminiDancer]

I'm sure Will and Amelia hear that bus a'coming (though the choreography was awful)!

Janelle was easily the worst of the night, and it's her time to go. It sucked that she wasn't up for elimination and that we lost a very charismatic dancer in Amber. I've found her belly dancing to be very average at best though I couldn't pinpoint what specifically. Watching the cha cha tonight, I got it. Her movements are skeletal, so she lacks any depth and dimension.

I'm so sad to see Amber go, but I knew she was going to be fodder with the quickness. She was so amazing during her routine with Brandon. All those other girls would not even have an inch of sex appeal necessary to pull that off. I don't know who of the guys other than Brandon would be able to do it well either.

I would have dug "Hip Hop 1" if it didn't have the babysitting story. I'm glad Nigel said that they need some grittier hip hop. How about you put your money where your mouth is and get some new choreographers. We have some for jazz and latin. Why not for hip hop? What can we do to get Luam on the show?

[trojan69]

Nigel picking and choosing who gets to solo and who doesn't is just another way to manipulate, isn't it?

What he is actually doing is giving them the chance to screw up and make their choice easier.

Eliana was not good. However, she was royally shafted by that horrendous tutu. How was anyone to see precise movement/popping underneath that monstrosity?

As for launching Brandon....if the show is alllll about rewarding growth, how the hell did Uncle Nigel go along with Ameriker? A tapper showing such strength across genres and he is tossed in favor of "magic?" Huh?

Ameriker didn't do so good this time. I thought Ms. Applegate demonstrated a good eye for dance. She would be very good at remote auditions.

Now Uncle Nigel can devote all his energy to Idol for two weeks. Lord knows it needs it.

Edited by trojan69, Jul 25, 2012 @ 9:28 PM.

[westsideuhoh]

A standing ovation to quite possibly the worst choreography to a horribly cliche Whitney Houston song? AND then kick off the strongest female technician who has been great in every routine? I DON'T UNDERSTAND. RAGEQUIT.

[mshesterp]

I wonder if Nigel will have the nerve to cut someone he doesn't ask to solo

I was actually convinced that's what he was going to do with the girls...I thought Ms. Ballroom was going home because they wanted to see more of the other two and she was the least interesting. I was amazed she was safe from the get-go.

I agree with the above poster about Witney...she seemed to immature for that dance. I liked it, but the musical cuts were distracting. chehon was impressive though.

I quite liked the last hip hop routine and thought eliana kept up with Cyrus. The routine was rather charming. In the first hip hop, the girl impressed me with her moves, George's partner. Very smooth and sassy.

The music to that salsa was godawful. They're ending up in the bottom fo sho.

I Was surprised that Will and Amelia didn't get a tongue bath, but I was right there with them. I didn't feel anything for it, but blamed Mandy Moore and the music more than them.

Cole and Lindsey I liked, but it reminded me of the Alex and Allison routine a few years ago to Hallelujah. To me, overrated. And stop with all the hair flipping. I wouldn't
have known she was a ballroom girl, tho.

[dramawitch]

I'm interested in the different reactions so Amber and Brandon. He's grinning and thanking everyone for the experience and she looked like she wanted to cuss everyone out. Honestly, I haven't liked Amber but she is a very good dancer. there was no way Eliana was going anywhere as Nigel has been tongue-bathing her for weeks (which is actually why I think she wound up in the bottom....Cyrus' fans aren't voting for her cause Nigel keeps talking about how she's covering for his bad dancing...just a theory). I'm surprised they kept Lindsey. I'm actually just happy that George is still there. I love him.

[GilvearSt]

How do I vote for the Alvin Ailey dancers? Because they were by far the best dancing of the night.

I don't understand how a show this popular has to rely on the same ten choreographers week in and week out. It leads to some awful choreography. NappyTabs twice again, Mandy Moore twice, Tyce for the group number, more Stacey Tookey. I love Stacey Tookey but now I just want a Stacey break. Find some fresh blood because the routines are all very rote at this point and even the strongest dancers can't bring them to life. At one point Nigel said he wants his Hip-Hop "grungier." Well, Nigel, look in the mirror because you and the attitude fostered on your show are the big problem with Hip-Hop. Hire someone new! Use NappyTabs way less!

I don't hate the eliminations, but I do think Lindsay probably was weak enough last week and Amber strong enough this week that Lindsay would have been my choice. I certainly wouldn't have given her a free pass not to dance for her life. I really liked the Amber/Brandon routine but he spent half of it sitting on that chair so I see why they made that decision.

Of the routines tonight, I loved Amber and Brandon but of course I can't vote for them now. Chehon and Witney's was nice the whole thing was clearly set up to get them votes and the song itself did a huge amount of the work. The Cha Cha was a mess and the Salsa was worse. I felt like Audrey and Matthew were too "up" dancing that salsa. High school cheerleader up. Tiffany and George were also cheerleaders.

[mshesterp]

I actually loved the group routine, and was surprised it was Tyce. I thought it was just so interesting. Been really happy with those this season.

[JasTurtle]

I've always been a fan of Amber and Brandon is the most charming guy that I can remember on the show. They were so good together and I'm sad to see them go.

My favorite dance besides Amber/Brandon was Eliana/Cyrus. I'll probably root for them now just because they both seem to have really great personalities.

Matthew was so stiff during that salsa and the Whitney Houston dance was nothing special. It seemed really short, but maybe I was distracted by how the song was cut. I prefer to not be so familiar with the songs used so I won't notice things like that.

[GeminiDancer]

I actually loved the group routine, and was surprised it was Tyce. I thought it was just so interesting. Been really happy with those this season.

Tyce excels with contemporary. His Broadway is utter shite.