Tonight’s show? One word. AWESOME. What a great start to the competition. I am loving SYTYCD. Nigel Lythgoe knows how to produce an effing show. It’s no wonder American Idol sucks since he quit at the end of Season 7.
Weakest dancers tonight–Asuko and Vitolio–but not completely their fault. Tyce’s routine wasn’t all that. Paris and Tony danced a meh routine–Tony is going to have to get by on his personality if he hopes to stick around for a while.
More live blog and VIDEO after the JUMP…
- Jeanine & Phillip – Hip-Hop – Tabitha and Napoleon – “Mad” by Ne Yo – iTunes – VIDEO
- Asuka & Vitolio – Broadway – Tyce D’Orio – “Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago – iTunes – VIDEO
- Karla & Jonathan – Cha-Cha – Tony Meredith – Poker Face by Lady Gaga – iTunes – VIDEO
- Randi and Evan – Jazz – Tyce DiOrio – “I Only Have Eyes For You” by Jamie Callum – iTunes – VIDEO
- Paris & Tony – Hip-Hop – Tabitha & Napoleon – “Let the Beat Rock” (Boys Noize Megamix) the Black Eyed Peas – iTunes – VIDEO
- Caitlin & Jason – Bollywood – Nikuul – “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire – iTunes – VIDEO
- Janette & Brandon – Foxtrot – – Louis Van Amstel – “Come Fly With Me” by Michael Buble – iTunes – VIDEO
- Ashley & Kupono – Jazz – Wade Robson – “Felt Mountain” by Goldfrapp – iTunes – VIDEO
- Melissa & Ade – Contemporary – Mandy Moore – “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx – iTunes – VIDEO
- Kayla & Max – Samba – Louis Van Amstel – Jum Bah Day by House of Gypsies – VIDEO
Hooray! The competition begins tonight! At stake- A $250, 00 prize and the title of America’s favorite dancer.
Cat Deely introduces the judges: Adam Shankman joins Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe on the judges panel.
Adam is directing “step up 3d” with a bunch of SYTYCD alums.Before we go to break–a retrospective of the season so far set to The Fray’s “You Found Me”
Video clips introduce each of the dancers.
Jeanine & Phillip – Hip-Hop – Tabitha and Napoleon – “Mad” by Ne Yo – iTunes – The dance is about a couple who can’t fall asleep without resolving their issues. Jeanine says she’s horrible at hip hop. Aw, that was sort of sweet. Phillip is adorable! Adam says, “that was unfreaking real. Jeanine…you held your own, you’re amazing you step it up…Phillip you have grown so much it is such a joy to watch you dance…you are so generous and present to your partners.” Mary says, “I hate to disagree with Adam BUT I’M NOT GOING TO!!! SCREAM” Mary calls Phillip special. Nigel says, “Jeanine you kept up with Philip. I think you have made a real mark for yourself.” – 888-836-7601– VIDEO
Asuka & Vitolio – Broadway – Tyce D’Orio – “Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago – iTunes – The plot has the dancers making their own silent film, it’s got a bit of locking in it. The routine is OK, but it’s a little precious. Adam says, “You followed an emotional number…as a result, it felt artificial…but you are incredibly good dancers.” Mary says, “I’m left a little disappointed…you needed to bring this routine to life..it was just safe…you are both fabulous dancers.” Nigel says, “I thought the dancing was very strong…beautiful lines…we are expecting you to put your personalities in it…bring your own energy into it.” 888-836-7602 – VIDEO
Karla & Jonathan – Cha-Cha – Tony Meredith – Poker Face by Lady Gaga – iTunes – Karla calls Tony “cute”. Jonathan asks Mary to scream for him. Oh. This is pretty hot. Looks like they’ve got some chemistry going on. Adam says, “I thought that was really good…that was awesome…technique, lines beautiful. Jon you could have more roll in there.” Mary screams just for Jonathan. “I love my cha-cha tough…that was a whole lotta rough and a whole lotta fun.” Nigel says, “Nobody really knew who you were up until tonight…chemistry exploded up on stage…exciting challenging, entertaining.” 1-888-836-7603 – VIDEO
Randi and Evan – Jazz – Tyce DiOrio – “I Only Have Eyes For You” by Jamie Callum – iTunes – Another love story is told here. Randi is married and thinks she can’t act “in love” with Evan. Cute, cute couple. Cat towers over both of them! Heh. Adam calls them out on being short. “You both danced like you were 8 ft tall…you had all of the sensuality…Evan you are a beautiful dancer…I see no style you can’t conquer.” Mary says, “You were at the end of the pack for me..but the two of you were just smouldering and fluid and beautiful…I think you’re going to be around for a long time.” Nigel says, “You were absolutley fantastic tonight…I think you have become a couple people will talk about…beautiful control…they will pick up the phone for you.” 1-888-836-7604. – VIDEO
Paris & Tony – Hip-Hop – Tabitha & Napoleon – “Let the Beat Rock” (Boys Noize Megamix) the Black Eyed Peas – iTunes – Paris was in a bad accident. Her leg is numb from the knee down. Tony was torn between dance and sports. Tony thinks he’s really got to hit it, because he does hip hop. Tony might be the weakest dancer in this whole bunch. I think the judges passed him on personality. Adam says, “I thought it was really good…but I found the costumes distracting…both have to work on rebound…there was a little bit of mush…Tony don’t get by as the cute guy on the show.” Mary says, “I don’t think it will be memorable…Tony I expected you to be in it all the time…if you get crump you’re in trouble…Paris it was just good.” Nigel says, “I agree with Mary…Paris I think you’re fantastic….you were just doing steps. You’re stank stank…it wasn’t real.” – 1-888-836-7605. – VIDEO
Caitlin & Jason – Bollywood – Nikuul – “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire – iTunes – Caitlin is worried about getting the intricate finger work right. But it’s beautiful–lots of strength and Caitlin and Jason have personality and charisma. Adam says, “You guys rock! Jason, your handwork was supurb…you made it look effortless…you are gonna be a force of nature…Caitlin, you just blew it out there…” Mary says, “I’m glad Bollywood came to Hollywood whooo! That was good…Jason you have charisma that reaches out of those eyes….Whoo hooo.” Nigel says, “You brought it tonight, you were absolutely fantastic…Caitlin from the moment you came alive when he touched you….that was beautiful to see.” – 1-888-836-7606 – VIDEO
Janette & Brandon – Foxtrot – – Louis Van Amstel – “Come Fly With Me” by Michael Buble – iTunes – Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on the dance floor is how Louis describes the Foxtrot. Really great connection between them…very animated faces along with the beautiful dancing. Adam says, “America is sad to see Brandon dancing in clothes…but it works. It was lovely…absolutely beautiful. You had so much character in performance.” Mary cracks a botox joke. Lolz. She says, “Jeanette you were elegant…you are Miami but you chilled it out tonight…lines were lovely…lifts were effortless. Brandon you were a powerhouse.” Nigel says, “You found the carriage in a very short time…beautiful…you kept the framework beautiful…work on your feet.” 1-888-836-7607. – VIDEO
Ashley & Kupono – Jazz – Wade Robson – “Felt Mountain” by Goldfrapp – iTunes – The number is about 2 crash test dummies. Jazz blades…no jazz hands! The dancers are head to toe in white, and have to mimic the herky-jerky movements of a robot. Yet, it’s a love story too. Freaky and well-danced. Adam says, “There is no other show that’s going to bring this kind of diversity…I had to work at watching the dancing…your technique is exquisite…extraordinary…Wade you are one sick puppy.” Mary explains that she doesn’t always get Wade but says, “I was with you tonight…Kupono, you were marvelous in that number…Ashley, I couldn’t keep my eyes off you…marvelous…entertaining.” Nigel says, “We’re talking about a genius here, Wade Robson…they get people talking about dance. You adhered to the characters. Dancewise I was in a completely different world…you kept me there.” Awesome robot dog! 1-888-836-7608.- VIDEO
Melissa & Ade – Contemporary – Mandy Moore – “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx – iTunes – Melissa, a ballerina, is ancient at 29. The routine is about that moment when you first fall in love. Lots of crazy lifts! Melissa and Ade are both incredibly strong. Adam, choked up says, “What we get to see once in awhile is special…Melissa, you are living proof that you get better with age. Ade, your power is so profound…quiet and extraordinary.” Mary SCREAMS. “I feel like I was just put through the wringer…the lines were beautiful…the lifts were beautiful…you can’t deny training. Melissa, you are spectacular. Ade you are living up to my expectations.” Nigel says, “Everyone is proving what a fantastic Top 20 we have this season…Melissa, I’m so delighted you made it through…Ade, no one has seen how good you are yet…America has so much more to look forward to.” – 1-888-836-7609. – VIDEO
Kayla & Max – Samba – Louis Van Amstel – Jum Bah Day by House of Gypsies – Max’s brother died in a car accident 5 years ago. Max is right in his wheelhouse here, but Kayla has never danced ballroom. This routine is fast paced and sensational. WOW. Adam says, “THAT WAS SO GOOD OMG. Only God could have created this girl in front of me ARE YOU KIDDING ME. It’s like you were born in the ballroom. Max, she could have never looked that good without you. Mary says, “I can HEAR IT I HEAR A TRAIN WHOOO HOOO.” Nigel puts headphones on. You’re on the Hot Tamale Train! Nigel says, “That was truly sensational, that had everything we could ever wish for. Kayla you are just one of those dancers who appears can do everything. Max you were also terrific….I would like to see you be a little bit sharper…you have topped an absolutely brilliant night tonight.” 1-888-836-7610. – VIDEO
