We're off and running!

So, we finally went big time... Hope you are all enjoying having control over your own ability to enter your picks and to change them at will. Just don't be late or, as some of you found out on Wednesday, you will be cut off!

As you have probably noticed we don't yet have the rankings page working, but hopefully it will be by this weekend. Then you will all be able to see that I am in the lead. :) haha.

So, then given my perfect score, it probably goes without saying that I thought this week's elimination of David Hernandez was obvious. (Sorry Scotty, but what were you thinking? 6th place?). However, I shall enjoy my lead for now as I am not confident it will hold as the field of contestants is very diverse and the public's taste is even more so. The fact that Amanda hangs in there is testament to that. I actually like her, but I'm not sure if were a voting man if I would vote for her. And where the heck is Sanjaya when you need him?!! Actually, wasn't that him they kept showing in the audience last night? Oh brother.

So where are all of you quiet little peeps? I'm guessing that half the camp will be shooting for Kristy Lee to go next week and the other half Sayesha. I was surprised by how many of you had her going out this week. But, that's what makes this so interesting!

What say you?

BB

Road to the Top 12

Hello Idol Fans,

I have a good feeling about this season.  It looks like the judges did there job at not letting the Sanjaya-types into the competition this year.  Once it gets into America's hands you never know.  

Who are your favorites so far?  From the contestants that we've seen so far, I have 4 favorites:  Asia'h, Carly, David Archuleta, and Michael Johns.  I can't wait to hear everyone sing on Tuesday night's show.  

Let's hear what everyone is thinking about the competition so far and who we should all watch out for.

Sabra Wins Season 3!

During the live finale, Sabra Johnson was named America's Favorite Dancer. She seemed genuinely surprised and happy.

Hopefully she will be an inspiration to many up and coming dancers, as she only starting dancing when she was 15. (She's 19 now.)

I thought the final show was wonderful, with repeat performances of some of the best routines of the season.

Good news to all of you Hok fans: Hok, Shauna, Anya, and Jesus will get to join the top 10 on tour as alternates, and Nigel hinted at them being more than alternates, saying on tour, you may just get to see "the Hummingbird....." (Hok's performance.)

Thanks to everyone for playing this summer, and perhaps the best news came last night when Nigel announced the show had been picked up for another season. Here's to next summer!

Top 4 perform!

Last night we saw the top four dancers from "So You Think You Can Dance" perform. While the show had great moments, I was expecting it to be as great as the top 6 show. It was good, with some great moments (Danny's solo,) and now tonight we will find out who the winner will be.

Some things to comment about:

• The "fox" routine. What????? I actually loved it, but felt it probably wasn't the right time or place for that routine. I loved it, though.
• The male "throne" routine. Loved it. Loved Neil's makeup for it. I think they messed up because we never saw Neil leap over Danny completely like we saw during the "rehearsal" segment several times. Loved the routine anyway.
• Sabra's solo. It didn't blow me away. At all. I expected more.
• The Lindy Hop. I liked it, and it looked difficult and extremely athletic. But, did they seem tired to you? How could they not be?
• What was up with Nigel saying he thought a girl should win it, just because one never has? Someone online said "I voted non-stop for the guys just because of Nigel's comment."
• I love the family support: especially the Schwimmers and the Walls (Danny's family), and I saw a big group for Neil. There are a lot of Sabra fans, too. Me included.

Okay, more comments? Look for your email from Beth for clarification of how to send in your picks for today! Good luck everyone!

Top 6 perform!

Last night the top 6 performed! I don't know about you, but I think they are all fantastic and it's going to be hard to have two leave on Monday night. Then, we will see the top 4 on Wednesday, with a two-part finale - two hours Wednesday, and two-hours on Thursday. Whew! I have to block out some time!

Guest judge Debbie Allen joined regular judges Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe. The six remaining dancers performed two couple dances and one solo dance. In what will likely go down as the best overall So You Think You Can Dance performance show ever, the judges were blown away by several incredible performances, as was I.

For their first couples dance, Pasha and Lacey danced hip-hop to “In the Morning” by Junior Boys. Nigel said “I thought it was danced very well, and I think it brought your characters to life.” Mary said “I just can’t believe the two of you together how it’s come along.” Debbie said “Great opening number.” I thought they did a good job, but Lacey didn’t really get to shine to her full potential, and Pasha was really good, but didn’t blow me away. He was great in character and played the part well, of a geeky guy who has fantasies with a mannequin???

For their second couples dance, Pasha and Lacey danced “smooth waltz” to “A Daisy In December” by Mick McAuley & Winfred Horan. Nigel said “I thought the rise and fall, the flow of the movement, the lines and everything was absolutely beautiful.” Nigel didn’t like Lacey’s hands going down at the ends instead of making a continuous line, however. Mary said “It was absolutely dreamlike.” Debbie said “This was like Love Story, and everyone watching wanted to be one of you.” It really was beautiful. I think Pasha is probably one of the best dance partners of all time. But, again, it really didn’t show off what they could do. These two would have been the perfect couple for the Paso Doble, right? A Latin dancer and Latin dancer! Come on! That would have been amazing.

For their first couples dance, Danny and Lauren danced contemporary to “Then You Look at Me” by Celine Dion. Nigel said “Incredible! Absolutely incredible!” Mary said “It was a really a special treat to be sitting here actually and watch the two of you dance that like you did.” Debbie said “This was passion and perfection personified.” This piece was choreographed by Mia Michaels, and it was unlike anything we’ve seen before. They were running all over the stage. They did a great job with it, and it was technically difficult as well.

For their second couples dance, Danny and Lauren danced Disco to “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by The Communards. Nigel said “Absolutely incredible.” Mary said “I thought it was so much fun.” Debbie said “What a perfect duo, the two of you together.” This piece was also actually quite difficult, technically. They pulled it off, and actually looked like they were having fun. I can only hope that people like Danny more and vote for him, as he is an amazing dancer.

For their first couples dance, Neil and Sabra danced Jazz to “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics. They were like cops in a “questioning room” arguing over a table. I’m sure that’s the correct technical term. Nigel said “I hope the finale comes up to this standard, because the dancing and choreography this week are just incredible.” Mary said “You were both equally terrific.” Debbie said “That’s how I like it, hard and fast etc.” Nigel gave Debbie a look, like, this is inappropriate and sounds very sexual. He actually looked a little embarrassed. What is going on between those two, anyway?

For their second couples dance, Neil and Sabra danced Paso Doble to “Espana Gani” by Juan & Gennaro. Nigel said “Wow that was absolutely stunning.” Mary said “I think you guys did tremendous.” (Um, grammar police!) Debbie said “I was so thrilled to see y’all dance this tonight.” This was really fun to watch. Neil was great, and looked great! Sabra was cute, too, of course. And, what about the “human donut” move? That was crazy! But again, this dance really should have gone to Pasha and Lacey, who both do Latin dance.

In the solo dances, Sabra danced to “Rock You Soul” by Elisa. Her solo was amazing, I thought. Pasha danced to “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler. He used a mannequin, which was a little different. Don’t know that I loved his solo. Maybe this week’s mannequin partner dance really got him going on the mannequin fantasy. Just kidding, Pasha, you know I think you’re great! I am a little worried, though. Lauren danced to “Sorry” by Maria Mena. Neil danced to “Out Of My Hands” by the Dave Matthews Band. His solo made me say “wow” a few times. Lacey danced to “Le Disco” by Shiny Toy Guns. This solo was on the risqué side, and I actually noticed her hair extensions a lot, Candice! I didn’t love her solo. Danny danced to “The Fear You Won’t Fall” by Joshua Radin. His solo was good, but I don’t think he needed to lean over backwards off the stage. Maybe he was trying to connect to the song title.

Okay, I'm finally going to talk about this "hush-hush" topic: number fingers. We see it in American Idol, we see it in So You Think You Can Dance. Do "number fingers" bug you? They kind of bug me. If someone was #2 and stuck the two fingers up their nose, I would think that was funny, though.

Also, it seemed like all the judges were unusually nice tonight.

Who will be the next two dancers to be eliminated from So You Think You Can Dance? After this performance show, none of them deserve to go home, so it will likely be a very close vote. The next two eliminations will be revealed on the next results show, airing on a special day and time: Monday, August 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). So, get your votes in to Beth by 5:00 pm Monday!

The Top 8 Perform!!

The guest judge for this week is Adam Shankman (director of Hairspray) joining us for a second time.

The contestants will once again be randomly paired up, but tonight they will perform two routines.

First up are Danny and Sara. They have Argentine Tango and Hip Hop. They start off with their Argentine Tango choreographed by Alex Da Silva. Very sexy routine. Sara was great and did you check out that twist move through Danny’s arm. Danny’s technique is exquisite and when he moves it like he is floating or spinning on ice when he does his pirouettes.

Dominic and Lauren are up next. They got Krump and Rumba. They are Krumpin’ first doing a Lil’ C routine. This should be a good one and for the most part I liked it. However they were out of synch at times. It felt more like a hip hop routine than Krump, but good job. Not the best we’ve seen.

Lacey and Neil got Latin Jazz and Contemporary. First they are doing their Latin Jazz routine choreographed by Maria Torres. I don’t know about the Crunch folks. It seems a little scary to me. You definitely have to have faith in your partner. I really liked the choreography. I wasn’t sure what to expect in a Latin Jazz routine. I really liked the music and that style of dance. I totally agree with Adam’s comments about Lacey needing to connect with her partners more. She focuses on the audience and that takes away from the connection with her partner and fully giving herself to the piece. The judges really tore into them and what they brought (or didn’t) bring to the routine. Will Neil’s bare chest get them enough votes? Not sure.

The final first round routine is with Sabra and Pasha. Can I just say that I love watching Sabra dance. She is my favorite girl hands down. They picked Broadway and the Quick Step. Their first routine is a Broadway choreographed by Tyce Diorio. That was a fun routine. And they got a Mary Murphy scream. Great reviews from all the judges and kudos to Tyce on his choreography. Nigel feels that they both deserve to be around next week.

Now its time for the second round of performances. First up are Danny and Sara with a Shane Sparks Hip Hop routine. Can Danny pull this off? Hip Hop is not his forte. This will be a cake walk for Sara. How did they do? Ok. That didn’t work for me at all. I don’t know if it was the choreography but the performances were not at the level that I thought they should have been. Danny looked a mess and was too worried about his little hat. Adam liked it but Mary called it like I saw it. If this were to be the first time that we saw them, I wouldn’t vote for them. This may affect them with the voting.

Lauren and Dominic are up next with a Tony Meredith Rumba. This is a sexy routine so they have to connect and show the chemistry. Bill Withers should help them out. How about that smooch at the end? I thought they did a really good job. They had the chemistry that was missing in Lacey and Neil’s routine. I can’t comment on whether it was a good Rumba, but according to Mary it was a different Rumba and they performed what Tony choreographed. They needed more hip action in their movements.

Next up is Lacey and Neil with a Mia Michael’s contemporary routine. A “Reunion in Heaven” with Mia and her dad. This will be a special one and as brilliant as her other pieces. That was absolutely beautiful and touching. Mia is so one of the best. Lacey and Neil were great with this. Lacey look like a giddy little girl.

Last up is Sabra and Pasha doing a Tony Meredith Quick Step. That just looks like a lot of work. Very fun and they did a great job. Nigel felt they were the best couple of the night for him based on both of their routines.

So who is going home? Post your thoughts.

Top 10 results show

Bye-bye to Kameron and Jaimie.

No more faux hawks for awhile....maybe not until next season's American Idol.

Jaimie, I will miss your beautiful dancing, and Kameron, I feel I never really got to know your dancing, besides your partnering with Lacey.

I thought that Mia was wearing that upside-down Marine emblem on purpose, but apparently she had no idea what she was wearing. So, hence the appology from Mia about the jacket on Wednesday night. And, Nigel tried to explain the "anti-war" dance by Wade Robeson. I got what he was trying to say. Yes, it would great to have peace all the time, and I think that was Nigel's message.

I loved Mia's opening routine. I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I'm frustrated by the camera angles that we are forced to watch. Sometimes I want to see the big picture more, etc. But, a great routine, I thought.

Thoughts on the show, anyone?

Top 10 perform

Tonight on So You Think You Can Dance, the top 10 performed. Everyone received a new partner and the format changes for the rest of the season. Each couple performed a partner routine as usual, but a solo routine was added for each individual dancer. And, from here on out, the judges no longer get to help decide who stays and who goes. America will vote for individual dancers, and the guy and girl with the lowest vote totals will be eliminated, up until the final four, I believe. The guest judge tonight was Mia Michaels.

Cat is wearing another cave-girl outfit, this time shiny and blue, with lots of eye makeup. And, of course, she looks fabulous.

Pasha and Lauren start off the show with a hip/hop routine choreographed by Shane Sparks. They both wear skeleton outfits, which looks kind of cool. It was a fun, creative routine that was really entertaining. I was worried for Pasha, but he pulled it off. The judges are all impressed by the routine.

Jaimie is the first to perform the solo to a John Mayer song. Good routine. Jaimie's always good at her solos, and she doesn't hurt herself here. Dominic performs the solo routine, wearing the peace sign, and he does a good job, but shows that contemporary isn't his best thing. I think it was really good, considering, and showed lots of that coveted emotion that the judges keep talking about.

Sabra and new partner Kameron will be performing a Tyce DiOrio contemporary routine. They dance to a version “Amazing Grace”. I loved the music, and actually loved the routine. Sabra is beautiful to watch, and I thought that Kameron was good, too. But, not as fabulous Sabra. Okay, so the judges then took out their daggers. Mary and Mia both really call out Kameron. Mia even says that the routine “exposed” Kameron. Everyone loves Sabra, however. I would agree.

Next up for the solo is Sara. She is good, and I thought showed really good feeling and emotion.

Pasha comes out to dance his solo. He was good, but didn't really stand out from the other solos.

Lacey and Danny are paired up, which I thought should be fabulous. I thought they WERE really great - they looked amazing out there. Danny has such beautiful lines and style. Lacey was superb, as I expected at this kind of dance - Samba

Lauren and Neil dance their solos. They were good. Each brought a few interesting moments. Sabra quickly follows and she wins for the biggest scream. I liked her version of this.

Kameron comes back strong after his verbal abuse from the judges and performs his solo well.

Jaimie is teamed up with Dominic and they'll be performing the Viennese Waltz. Ooooo, I was worried for Dominic. Dominic is a funny guy, and tries to add humor and over-acting to this dance that he's never done before. Here come the daggers again. Nigel uses the phrase “over-egg the pudding”. Nigel is really disappointed with the hamminess of Dominic. Mary and Mia also agree that the lines and technique were terrible. The judges are pretty brutal.

Lacey dances the solo. She's good. Danny puts the solo out of it's misery, as he's the last to perform it.

Sara and Neil are the final couple tonight, and they'll be dancing a solo. These guys were fabulous. So fun, and so entertaining. Looooooved it!!!!!!!!!! Neil shows off some ridiculous athleticism and Sarah continues to impress. The judges all love the routine. Neil has really shown that he has skills, and so has Sara.

So,..... let's hear it y'all. Who is going home? I think the sexy award goes to Danny and Lacey, and the fun award goes to Neil and Sara. The cavegirl award goes to Cat. The most reprimanded tonight might be a tie between Kameron and Dominic.

....And then there were ten!

Oh, man! Hok is gone. I loved his dancing and his accent.

Best wishes to you, Hok!

And, for the girls, Anya is gone. It's a shame, because all her partnering was superb. It's the solos that got her. I was smiling a huge smile at her outfit, too.

Okay, comments?

Top 12 Perform

Tonight the top 12 performed, and it's a big week, as the judges told us...and told us.....and told us, because the top 10 get to tour. So, here we go!

Cat Deeley looked great in a slinky coral slouchy drinking straw wrapper. The judges were Wade Robson, choreography master, along with Mary, wearing a black giraffe dress, with black sleeves that were missing the shoulders, and sand dollars in her ears, and Nigel, looking better than usual, I thought, in his dark suit with red polka dot tie.

First up were Sabra and Dominic. These two sure are likable. They danced a jive. Wade called them firecrackers that were focused with positive energy. Mary thought they were terrific, but there were some technical things that weren't exactly right, and Nigel thought they were amazing, and great partners for each other. Nigel came up with his geeky comment of the week, to Dominic, "You are living proof that they are still producing gold up there (in Sacramento.)"

Next came Jaimie and Hok. They danced Broadway to Mr. Bojangles. The judges praised Jaimie - across the board. She danced beautifully, had great lines, and was classy. But, they all wanted more from Hok. I thought he was a little trapped by his choreography, but ..... the judges didn't like his performance. Uh-oh.

Third were Sara and Pasha. They danced jazz, and Wade liked the routine a lot. Mary and Nigel thought they did a great job. Even so, Nigel felt it might not be enough to keep them out of the bottom three, because it was so stylized. Sara actually looked great - so cute. Pasha, you know I love him, but the outfit really did nothing for him. They were really really good tonight, though!

Next came Lauren and Neil. What was up with the costumes? Beanies and goggles. Too funny. I liked it because it was so unusual. Mia Michels of course. Mary said it was really good, not great. Wade thought it was really well executed. Nigel didn't understand it, nor like it, but thought they did a good job.

Anya and Danny were next, doing the Foxtrot. All the judges loved them. Wade said that finally Danny showed emotion and personality. Mary thought they were fabulous, and Nigel said it was the best Foxtrot they've seen on this stage. They were great. Danny was actually smiling, and gave Anya a kiss on the cheek at the end that showed genuine happiness and connection with his partner.

Lacey and Kameron were next with a Britney Spears schoolgirl number. Boy chasing girl. I think that they played the roles well for the choreography. Oh wow, what an original theme, girl in cheerleading outfit being sassy with a boy. But, I think that Lacey played it well, and danced really well. I was surprised that she was that good at hip hop. Wade said that Kameron wasn't "snappy" enough for him, and that he "wasn't in the pocket." Oh, master of choreography, we know it didn't have enough quick snappy movements, while leaning slightly backwards. But, ..... I think that Lacey did outshine Kameron slightly. Mary said that Lacey was "right on point," and Nigel said that the dance wasn't his favorite.

So......who will it be going home tonight? The judges said that this is the last time that they will have a say in who stays and goes. After this, it's up to the voting viewers.

Let's hear what you think. Were the judges too harsh on Hok? Do they love Sabra and Dominic too much because they are newer dancers? Will Sara and Pasha be seen on the town in their suspenders and neon? If Anya is in the bottom three, what crazy outfit will she wear? Were those swimming goggles that Lauren and Neil were wearing? Let's hear it!

Top 14 Results Show

I can't believe it! Sanjaya is finally off the show!!!

Oh, I mean Cedric. The nice part of tonight with the guys, is that I didn't have to feel bad about someone leaving. Cedric probably knew it, too.

But, it's a different story with the girls! Shauna could really dance. So could Cedric in HIS style. But, Shauna has years and years of training, and could do many styles. So, it's hard to see her go. But, that's how it's going to be now. They all have to go bye-bye eventually, until the top two! I think if Anya ends up in the bottom three again, the judges might not keep her around much longer because of her solos.

I act as if I actually watched it. My DH (Darling Husband) accidently stopped it from being recorded because he was watching part of The Devil Wears Prada. What???? So, if you actually got to watch the whole show, and not just the last 10 minutes of it (like me,) please post your comments!

I loved the comments from today, so keep up the posts. I love it!

Is this Cedric's week?

So, I won't take time to recap all of the performances - mostly because I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. As for Cedric, I thought he was the weakest guy last night and in my opinion, the judges were making nice with him given how badly they trashed him last week. I think it was over done and once again, their comments could have an unfair impact on the voting public. Last week, I think he and Shauna got so many sympathy votes that they were not even in the bottom three. This week, the comments were so positive that they could unfairly color the opinions of the viewers. At any rate, I'm putting him in the bottom three and out this week.

As for the girls, it's a much tougher call. I have a feeling about this being Anya's week to go. However, I do recall last week the judges absolutely panning Lauren as though they would have eliminated her, but was ultimately spared because of their obvious pre-disposition to dismiss Jessi. I think Nigel made it very clear last night that it didn't matter how well she would have danced in her "dance for your life" segment, that they were not going to condone the idea that one could fain illness and somehow escape elimination through. You could tell by the resolution and lack of explanation that in their view, it had to be done. As for Shauna, I could also pick her to go, but I think she somehow saves her own life well when put in that position. Sabra, same thing.

What are your thoughts?

~Bradey