So You Think You Can Dance - 7.9.09

The group dance was set to The White Stripes Seven Nation Army, and it was a pretty cool dance, choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. Cat looking lovely with a giant bedazzled neckline to her almost mod dress, introduced the judges and let us know it was Nigel's 60th birthday. There were some botox jibes. Happy Birthday, Nigel. They wanted to do a Michael Jackson tribute, but they couldn't get the music cleared, even though choreographers were all on board. That's a shame. It would have been a good show.

The first two couples down on the stage are Caitlin & Jason and Janette & Brandon. As I predicted, Caitlin & Jason are in the bottom 3.

The next two couples to take the stage are Evan & Randi and Phillip & Jeanine. In the bottom 3 are Phillip & Jeanine. I am very happy that Randi & Evan are safe. Interestingly, Nigel revealed that the judges know the morning before the show who is going to be in the bottom 3 couples, and they generally make up their minds before the solos even come up, unless the solos change their minds. And, he said, even the cut dancers tonight might end up on the tour, so it makes me wonder if they are all set to eliminate Phillip, but want us to never fear, because they want him on the tour? Verry verrrry interesting...

Is the final couple Melissa & Ade, or Kayla & Kupono? I notice that Kayla's hair is pulled out of her face in anticipation of a possible solo... good plan, in case. Well, she didn't need to worry. Melissa & Ade are in the bottom 3. I'm sad, but looking forward to seeing Melissa's solo. I cannot believe that Ade is on the stage with that freaking pick in his hair.

While the dancers prep for their solos, it's time for a highlight reel from the coming fall season. Since I intend on watching (and blogging) this in the fall, and it's late, I fast forwarded.

Caitlin's solo was set to Stand By Me, and she put some cute moves in there,but I really think she is going to be the one going tonight.

Jason's solo was shirtless (Skin to Win!) and he showed som really interesting moves and I liked the solo a lot.

Janine shouldn't be going anywhere. She's wonderful. Her little gold lame dress was nice, too.

Phillip's solo was to the Diva Dance from Fifth Element. Love it. He sure does look like an alien! He might be going home, from what Nigel said earlier.

Melissa's solo was wonderful and she isn't going anywhere, I don't think. Watching her makes my toes ache.

Ade's solo was very neat, and included some seriously impressive tumbling. I was worried for him coming into it, but I think his solo might have saved him.

I'm fast forwarding through the musical guest, and I'm guessing that Caitlin & Phillip are going. Let's see if I'm right.

The judges are unanimous on the girl going home. I am right, and Caitlin is going home.

How about the guy going home? It's unanimous again. Phillip looks about ready to cry, and with reason, because he is going home. Still, he and Caitlin are going to be on the tour - "secured with the producers." Cool. I don't intend to go see the tour, but it's good news for them.

Can't wait to see how they do with the mixed up couples next week!

Do you think the right people went home?

So You Think You Can Dance 7.8.09

Cat is looking mighty fab tonight, kind of 40's glam, and she tells us that each couple will be doing two dances tonight instead of just one. That's a way to fill two hours. I like it - more dance = good.

Joining Mary and Nigel tonight is Tyce Diorio. Those that want to vote, the numbers are 1-866-TEMPO-##

Melissa & Ade (Disco, choreographed by Doriana Sanchez. Song: Move on Up, by Destination) Melissa's hair is supa-disco curly, and Ade got to wear a shimmery blue Saturday Night Fever costume reject. They sold the dsico, I think, and of course the lifts were fantastic, especially one where Ade lifted Melissa while she did a complete front to back split and spun her around. Nigel said it was an incredible start to the evening. Melissa fell down at the end of the routine in a hold, and I didn't even notice. Mary said that they must have prayed to the disco gods well, and started screeching. Ade was dripping with sweat. Mary loved that Melissa let go of her ballet stiffness and had fun. Tyce adores Melissa and her versatility, and called her body brilliant. He loved Ade's rhythm, and natural style.

Kayla & Kupono (Contemporary, choreographed by Mia Michaels. Song: Gravity, by Sara Borelis) The dance is about addiction, with Kupono being the addiction. She wants him to be sinister. Kupono has been touched by addiction (friends/family) in his life, so he is hoping to bring that to the dance. It is beautifully danced, and Kayla looked entirely in the control of the addiction. Kupono played the part well. Their lines work really well together, and their performance gave me chills. Kayla looked like she was struggling to get free and never really did. It was fantastic. Good job to them. What a moving piece. Nigel worried that Kayla's hair covers up her facial expressions too much, and I agree. He said that Kupono sold the malevolence. Mary loved Kupono's intensity, and loved Kayla. Tyce thought that Mia's choreography brought another level to their dance, and he feels like he had an experience instead of just watching the dance. He thinks that Kupono's body could be stronger, but his acting was superb, and he called Kayla a beast (in a good way). It was a total stand out. I do agree with Nigel, though... I've felt that Kayla's been covered by her hair a bit.

Caitlin & Jason (American Style Fox Trot, choreographed by Tony Meridith & Melony. Song: Minnie the Moocher, by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) Kayla was excited to get an elegant sparkly costume, instead of a foil tipped catsuit. I have to say, sadly, I tink the dancing left me a bit cold in the beginning. Once they hit their stride, it picked up some. The lifts were gorgeous. It all seemed kind of slow. I don't know if that's inherent to the dance, but I was not wowed. I still like them, though. Nigel said Caitlin made everything look simple and compared her to Grace Kelly in High Society, which I can see. He applauded Jason's footwork. Nigel said the only thing Caitlin was missing was a glass of champagne in her hand. Mary said they made it look easy and they looked cool and suave. She loved them. I guess it was better than I thought it was. Tyce thought they looked like stars and captured the essence, but wanted more glide.

Jeanine & Phillip (Russian Folk Dance, choreographed by Youri & Lilia. Song: Kalinka by Barynia) Janine is dressed like a stacking doll, and Phillip looks like Hansel. He did the low kicks very well, and his style lends itself to the spinning kicks. They did a spin with her squatting at the end which was cute. I liked it and thought they did well, but it was ... odd. Nigel wasn't sure about the decision to do Russian Folk Dance in the program. He didn't think the choreography was hard enough (next to Joshua and Twitch) and felt he needed lots of vodka to put up with the performance. He loved the leg work on the turn over, and thought that Janine looked good. Mary said that Janine made it beautiful, and appreciated Phillip's leg kicks. She also worried it wasn't hard enough to bring it home. Tyce wants to honor the dance, and thinks that they did very well. He thought Phillip was going to be terrible, and was impressed with him. He is (rightly) judging the dancer, not the choreographer. Thank you, Tyce.

Randi & Evan (Hip hop, choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon. Song: Halo by Beyonce) Poor, married Randi - she is supposed to have discovered she is pregnant in this dance. Color me impressed. They worked it out! I love Tabitha and Napoleon because they can choreograph hip hop that is loving and beautiful. I am impressed with the both of them. Nigel loved that they weren't asked to be urban, just asked to be themselves to a hip hop feel. I love that, too. He thinks that the two of them are an assett to the program. Mary was expecting a train wreck, and thinks that they did a great job. She was looking for Evan to mess up, and didn't see it. She gave a little yip but held off on the screeching. Tyce loves the storytelling, but wants Evan to find more within himself. He loved Randi.

Brandon & Janette (Argentine Tango, choreographed by Miriam Larichi & Leonardo. Song: Libertango, from Forever Tango) Janette's feet and legs were just gorgeous. Brandon was keeping right up with her. There was a lift sequence at the end that was amazing. Great job to these two. Nigel silently started a standing ovation, which was followed by the others on the judge's panel. Wow. Nigel found words and said it was as close to perfection for a ballroom routine as he has ever seen on this stage. He held his ears as Mary screeched them right onto the Hot Tamale Train. She patted herself on the back for her adoration of Brandon from the get go and called Janette flawless. Oh, why won't Mary Murphy shut up? Tyce called them a power couple with great specifics and attention to detail. He compared them to fresh squeezed orange juice. Um... ok. There was more screeching from Mary.

Time for the second dances! Before the second dances, Cat reminds us that next week will find couple mix-ups.

Melissa & Ade (Waltz, choreographed by Ron Montez. Song: Natural Woman, by Mary Blige) Melissa looks gorgeous, and Ade made her look like a natural woman, I tell you. They had beautiful lines, and as always, near perfection in lifts. It was a great dance for their final dance as a couple. Nigel thought it was beautiful and sucked up to the choreographer, and loved Ade's strength. He wanted more rise and fall from Ade. Mary thought it was beautiful and loved Ade's lifts, but wanted more strength and ease from him in some of the more waltzy moves. She did think Melissa was mesmerizing, though, and called Nigel an English muffin. Um, ok. Tyce wanted some more emoting from Melissa, and thinks that Ade is so good he doesn't look like he's working hard. I love them and I am sad that they will be broken up.

Kayla & Kupono (Broadway, choreographed by Joey Dowling. Song: The Dance at the Gym from West Side Story) The dance is about love at first sight, with lots of emoting. Wonderful that Kayla's hair is out of her face. They danced it well, but I don't know if I felt love or just two people having fun. Her dress was super cute. Nigel said he didn't feel the danger and true emotion in the dance. I agree. It was kind of... two people having fun - not true emoting. He did think they danced it well, but needs more. Mary admitted that they didn't latch onto the style, but still thinks they are a force to be reckoned with. Tyce sucked up to Joey, but wanted the two of them to get down and into the dance. He thinks they'll be around for a while.

Caitlin & Jason (Lyrical Jazz, choreographed by Mandy Moore. Song: Show me Heaven, by Maria McKay) This dance is in their wheelhouse, stylistically. They danced it beautifully. I love it. The lifts were beautiful, and the emotion was there, too. Her dress did get in his face in one lift, but he got it out of the way well. It was a really wonderful job. Nigel sucked up to Mandy, and thought it was danced well, though he doesn't see chemistry between them much. Mary does see chemisty, but thought it was missing the magic. She thought they danced it really well, but didn't know if it was memorable. Tyce thought that their lines were beautiful and loved the choreography, but thought they needed to give it more.

Jeanine & Phillip (Jive, choreographed by Tony Meridith & Melony. Song: Stuff Like That There, by Better Middler) I thought they did a very nice job, and they looked like they were having fun. The lifts didn't look that bad, either. They got into character and looked like they were having a blast. Nigel sucked up to Tony & Melony, and said it was the best Phillip has been out of his own style. He actually slipped at one point, which I didn't see. He just loved Jeanine, though. Mary guarenteed that Jeanine would be here next week. She was impressed with Phillip's fast partnership and told people not to count him out. Mary screeched that Jeanine was on fire. She put them (at least Jeanine, and probably Phillip by association) on the Hot Tamale Train. Tyce thougt that Phillip made up for any lack of technique in style, and loved Jeanine.

Randi & Evan (Samba, choreographed by Pasha & Anya. Song: Ritmo de Bom Bom, by Jubaba) Pasha! Go Pasha! And Anya, too! They were way out of their comfort zones in this dance, and both of them did a good job selling it, I thought. The hops weren't fantastic, but the character was there. It was kind of like an African Tribal Samba. I wanted more shimmy. I still love them. Nigel doesn't look at Evan like a hot samba king. He does think Randi is hot, but doesn't think they made it work so well as a couple. Mary thought it was a fabulous routine, with a slow sizzle instead of a dynamic fiery dance. She wanted more command. I would agree. She screeched at them that she knew it was in there, but Evan needs to find it. Tyce thought that Evan should have done some research on previous hot sambas on the show, to see what made them hot. She thought that Randi carried the show. Mary interrupted Tyce to place Randi on the Hot Tamale Train (he stopped her before she was done screeching before. I think I might love him a little)

Brandon & Janette (Jazz, choreographed by Wade Robeson. Song: Ruby Blue, by Roisin Murphy) Their routine is about two thieves, with swift, cartoon-like movements. Ah, Wade. It was an odd dance, and they sold it. They were right their with their characters, and they looked like they were having fun. Nigel said that they have proved that they just do anything they try brilliantly. He can barely remember that Janette is a salsa specialist. He thinks they are the strongest couple of the night. Mary screeched that they saved the best for last, and called it spontaneous combustion. I hate Mary, because she used the word "stoled." No, please. Tyce loves that they can do anything.

I adored Janette & Brandon and Melissa & Ade and I think Caitlin & Jason are in the most trouble tonight. Evan & Randi will probably be joining them in the bottom 3. Will Kayla & Kupono's Broadway put them there with them, even though their Mia Michaels routine was amazing? I think so. I think it will likely be Caitlin & Jason going home. Phillip & Jeanine might be in trouble because of the Russian dance, but their jive was so much fun.

The best dances of the night, I think, were Kayla & Kupono's Mia Michael's routine, and both of Janette & Brandon's routines.

Who do you think is in trouble?

The Next Food Network Star - 7.5..09

I really can't handle Michael's strange Flock of Seagulls/punk thing. It's awkward and weird. Just saying.

First up, their first 2 camera cooking demo, with Rachael Ray. They are doing a demo for Yummo - Rachael Ray's organization for cooking for kids. They have to turn grown up food into food that is kid friendly. Their ingredients are brussel sprouts, tofu, and squid. Jeffrey and Jamika got tofu, Melissa and Michael got brussel spouts, and Katie and Debbie were stuck with squid. They have an hour to create their dishes, and then they will be judged on the food and the presentation.

Their judges are children. Really cute children. And, of course, Rachael Ray.
Katie is up first. She's made a quinoa fruit and squid salad. She was talking about eating the rainbow. Every one seemed to like her dish.
Debbie made calamari rings and baked sweet potato. She had a terrible presentation. The kids liked the food better, it seems, but more the sweet potato and less the squid.

Melissa made smashed potatoes with brussel sprouts, and it sounded good, but she messed up on the timing and didn't get to explain why she had the raw brussel sprouts on the side (because you never know what kids are going to like)

Michael made brussel sprout tomato soup and brussel sprout puppets, with looked like deep fried brussel sprouts. His presentation was kind of all over the place.

Jeffrey made tofu nuggets in spaghetti with tomato sauce. He did a really cute presentation. The kids really loved it, and him. He did a great job.
Jamika made a sweet corn and tofu wrap. She got into her story and missed her timing some and didn't finish making her dish, sadly.

I'm loving the little critics. Jamika got a lot of criticism for her inability to multi-task.

The second challenge for the week is cooking on Rachael Ray's show. They will be taking kid food and making it into adult food, and they have to work in teams.

Katie & Debbie will be working with chicken nuggets and mac & cheese.

Melissa & Michael have tomato soup and grilled cheese.

Jeffrey & Jamika have hot dogs and baked beans.

They have 45 minutes to shop. Michael is not a planner and Melissa wants to triple check the list. Debbie is looking for pancetta and Katie wants to use whole wheat pasta and low fat milk. Jeffrey and Jamika seemed to be struggling coming into a cohesive plan.

After grocery shopping, they have 1 1/2 hours to prep for the show.
Michael & Melissa: Grilled Cheese skewers & tomato soup with basil, topped with something I wasn't familiar with.

Katie & Debbie: Shrimp Macaroni and cheese with fontina, gruyere, and swiss, and whole wheat pasta and baked chicken nuggets
Jeffrey & Jamika: Chorizo & shrimp hot dogs over rice and beans. It sounds kind of dreadful. They are so worried about stepping on each other's toes that neither one of them stands up for themselves.

Time for presentations on Rachael Ray's show! 5 minutes to cook.

Melissa & Michael are up first. Melissa did a really great job, but Michael seemed to panic and stood next to her holding ingredients. Melissa got a little intense and shrieky. At the end, Michael perked up some, and they did a good job. The judges seemed to like the food well enough.

Katie & Debbie were working well together, though the judges seemed a bit bored with Debbie's "cause I'm Korean" schtick. Katie was not looking at the camera at all until the very end. They did much better than I thought they would do. The chicken was dry, but they seemed to like the mac & cheese.

Jeffrey & Jamika are last, and Jamika is totally unhappy with their dish, and it has totally taken the wind out of her sails. Jeffrey did a really good job with the presentation, and Jamika just stood there looking unhappy. The judges worried that Jeffrey was hogging the spotlight, but Jamika was shut down. The judges said the presentation (Jamika in particular) made her sad. They also didn't like the food, and said it tasted like raw powdery spices.

Rachael Ray was concerned at Michael's silence, and loved Katie & Debbie's partnership on camera, and was also saddened by Jamika's silence.

The final 5 are going to Miami, according to Rachael.

Time for evaluations.

Katie was told she should have made more connection to the audience and to the camera. They didn't like the chicken at all. In the mini challenge, the judges were split. Susan thought she was condescending, and Bob agreed, though Bobby liked her.

Debbie got called on her repetition of her Korean descent, and Bobby wanted more from her. They liked how at ease she was on camera.

Melissa got a little hectic and they asked her to explain the raw brussel sprouts, and liked the idea when they heard her reasoning.

Michael was full of energy but had no substance in either presentation. The judges worried that he doesn't wing it well. They want his humor and his creativity.

Jeffrey came across as domineering in the demo, and Bob said it was hard to watch. Susan wanted Jamika to jump in and didn't blame Jeffrey.

Jamika didn't recover well from her poor performance in the mini challenge, and she can't fake the confidence.

Debbie is safe, but they want to hear more from her. Melissa is the second one safe, and she has to worry about calming down and toning down the frantic. Jeffrey is also safe, and I think that is earned.

Katie, Jamika, and Michael are in the bottom. Michael was the first one safe. Damned Flock of Seagulls Punk. In the end, it was Katie going home. They knew she wanted to be there, but she has been in the bottom for three weeks. In the end, they didn't think she has the star quality. I agree. She wasn't going to win.

So You Think You Can Dance 7.2.09

The group dance today is choreographed by Tyce, and it was set to Brand New Day from The Wiz. In honor of Michael Jackson? It was pretty cool. Cat is in a dress that looks like something Darryl Hannah would have worn in Blade Runner. She's just missing the funky eye makeup and the short choppy do. Her hair could use a brushing, though. Perhaps she went out last night and didn't get a chance to change.

Right down to it, the first two couples to take the stage with Cat to find out their fate are Karla & Vitolio and Evan & Randi. One of them is safe. One of them is not. Evan's white bow tie with a black center is distracting. Randi & Evan are safe (yay!) and the new couple of Karla & Vitolio are in the bottom 3 couples. It's going to be a tough night, because everyone was so fantastic last night.

Next on the stage are Brandon & Janette, and they are safe. Now Kayla & Kupono and Melissa & Ade are up. They both had such great dances. If one of them is in the bottom 3, I would say it should be Kayla & Kupono, but did America vote for ballet? In the end, the ballet got the votes, and Kayla & Kupono are in the bottom 3. The judges are shocked, Mia in particular, who thought they were the best performance last night.

Last up are Phillip & Jeanine and Caitlin & Jason, and I'm thinking the alien routine might have alienated voters. (Sorry for that, I think it was nearly an obligatory comment) The audience is full of people in pointy tin foil hats for Caitlin. That's funny. They are her relatives. In the end, it's Phillip & Jeanine heaading to the bottom 3. I think Caitlin & Jason were more suprised than anyone. Mary is looking forward to Phillip's solo. Cat is looking forward to seeing Jeanine's solo, since we haven't seen her do contemporary yet.

Guest dancers are contemporary ballet dancers, Patricia & Desmond. It was a really neat routine, but I don't dig men in sheer skin tight fishnet half shirts so much.

Solo time!

Karla's solo: She has some really unique moves, and as I said last week, she has a kind of Mark vibe to some of her movements. I'm not sure if it was enough.

Vitolio's solo: It was a nice solo, with some great leaps, but I don't know if it was enough for him, either.

Kayla's solo: She brought a lot of emotion to her solo, and the judges love her, so Idon't think she is going anywhere.

Kupono's solo: His solo was really boring and his leaps didn't look impressive. I think he's gone. He basically spun around and grabbed his shirt a lot. I think it's his time to go.

Jeanine's solo: Really neat and I think she had the best of the night for the girls.

Phillip's solo: Can I just watch the Phillip show? He's so cool. He's astounding. He brought his all to it.

I think Karla and Kupono are gone. We'll see.

Time for Kelly Clarkson!!! Wooooo!! No fast forwarding here! She even looks like her clothes fit her. Bonus. I worry a bit about the state of Kelly's voice for the long term. Her music is not easy on the vocal chords and she sounds a bit strained sometimes. I love the song she's singing (I Do Not Hook Up). She's still my favorite Idol. Go Kelly!

The judges were unanimous in their decision on the girls. They loved Jeanine's solo, and agreed with me that it was the best of the girls. They thought Kayla was throwing a lot into her solo but not dancing from the heart. Karla is lacking star quality they are looking for, even though she's a great dancer, and Karla is heading home. Kayla had better step it up!

The judges were also unanimous with the decision for the guys. They thought that Phillip's solo was a little desperate in his solo, but he's phenomenal in his style. They warned him that he still has a lot of hard work to do to manage the other genres, and he's safe. Good. Vitolio's stage presence is lauded, but he again didn't deliver much other than that presence. They hated Kupono's solo (and so did I). Gah. They kept Kupono, and ousted Vitolio. I thought for sure it was Kupono's time to go. He'd better do a better solo if he finds himself in the bottom again. I think his actual dance this week was grand, so I guess I can see Vitolio's elimination.

Since the couple was eliminated, there will be no change-ups next week.

Can't wait to see if everyone can bring the same level of dance next week! This is going to get hard really quickly.

Do you think the right people went home?

So You Think You Can Dance - 7.1.09

Cat's looking a little like a Pink Lady up for the prom, with a cute hot pink dress and an out of place studded belt. Interesting.

Joining Nigel and Mary tonight on the panel is Mia Michaels. Cat asked Mia the loaded question of whether her opinions about certain people (Brandon) has changed, and she didn't name names (Brandon) but her opinion has changed for the better, for a "small male dancer" possibly with "the initials Brandon" according to Nigel.

This week, they are having the couples recap their performances so far in the show. Is that really necessary? It's only been a couple of weeks. Anyhow...

Anyone wishing to vote should call 1-888-TEMPO-##

Janette & Brandon (Cha Cha, choreographed by Jean Marc Genireaux and France. Song: Hush Hush Hush Hush, by The Pussycat Dolls) We already knew that these two can move quickly, from the Disco a couple weeks ago, and Janette has quite the shimmy dance on. She pulls some faces that I don't love, but they work for the most part. This was one hell of a cha cha. If Mary likes the cha cha rough, she ought to adore this. It was something else. What is it with Cat and the bumping? Nigel said it was possibly the best damned cha cha he's ever seen on the show ever. I'd agree. It was amazing. He called Brandon the Michaelangelo of the dance floor, and called them brilliant. Mary applauded Janette for her cha cha feet (which are very different from salsa feet), and then she drooled over Brandon some more, then screeched their entrance onto the Hot Tamale Train. She may have said some other things, but I muted her. Mia ate her foot and said that she is toughest on the dancers who she sees talent in, and spent some time drooling over Brandon, too. She warned him that he would love her and hate her on the journey. She took some time to tell Janette she's been on fire since Day 1.

Kayla & Kupono (Contemporary, choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. Song: Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation) Sonya's choreography is so weird, but it's so neat. They were playing kind of a battle, with Kayla struggling against death and Kupono pulling her towards it. It was really neat. They had some fabulously synced up leaps. Nigel appreciated the vampiric inspiration, and thought that Kupono was a new man up there. I would agree. He moved just beautifully, and for one of the first times, I really thought he belonged. He said the pair of them were reaching their true potential, and they complement each other. Mary said that in spite of the death involved in the dance, they are alive and kicking, and Sonya played to their strengths, and she spent some time admiring Kayla's impressive legs, and Kupono's character work and also his beautiful feet. She's keeping them on the hot tamale train. Blessedly, there was no screeching. Mia thought that they were just gorgeous together, and heaped some love on the costume and makeup people, and said it was Sonya's best piece ever on the show. She loves Kayla's commitment, and loves the growth in Kupono, and his calm power, and compared him to Mark from last season, who I just adored. It was a wonderful performance.

Randi & Evan (Broadway, choreographed by Joey Dowling. Song: Rich Man's Frug from Sweet Charity) Though it is Evan's style, it was a different side of the style than he's used to, and the rehearsals looked intense and rough. In the actual dance, though? They brough it, and they were wonderful. I just love watching them! It was a really fun dance, and I kind of like Evan's hair all messed up. Randi makes a great flapper! Nigel said it was a really great homage to Bob Fossey. He loved Randi, but was a little disappointed in Evan, but said they are still in his top 10. Mary said it's hard not to go crazy when they have dancing this great. She thinks that Evan did the style pretty well, and Randi, too. She really enjoyed it and thought it was entertaining, but was kind of subdued about it. Mia heaped praise on the choreographer, but picked on Randi and Evan for being too short to pull of the choreography well. She felt that Randi moved a little heavily, and she expected more from Evan. She gave them a good job instead of a bravo.

Jason & Caitlin (Pop Jazz, choreographed by Brian Friedman. Song: Creator by Santigold) Caitlin is an Alien who blew up Earth, looking for a human mate in Jason. It requires Caitlin to be totally dominant, and that's tough. I give Caitlin props for dancing with spikes on her head. Jason had some really great character going on, too. It was a really weird dance. I didn't see anything wrong with it, per se, but it was really odd. Nigel thought that Brian Friedman is from a different planet. He agreed with me, that it was very weird, and thought that they really did commit themselves, though he thought that Caitlin looked like a dancing condom, and if she was trying to impregnate the human, she had a bit too much on for that. Mary thought they dug in with the characters, but didn't think the choreography played to their strengths so much. Mia thought that Brian was just going to have fun. She didn't like the tin foil all over Caitlin, but thought it was enjoyable. I'd agree. They shouldn't go home for that. BUT - the other dancers have been astounding tonight, so we'll see.

Jeanine & Phillip (Hip Hop, choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. Song: Love Lockdown by Kanye West.) The routine is about being connected and locked into a partnership. And they'll be chained together. Color me impressed at their ability to dance witha chain connecting them. They used some of Phillip's contortionism, but not a whole lot. It was pretty darned cool. Nobody tripped on the chain. Nobody split their pants. It was good. Nigel said it was tremendous and thinks maybe they should be chained together for life, and loved it. He sucked up to Napoleon and Tabitha some, for good measure. Mary loved the creativity of the dance, and loved how they worked with the chains attatched to their ankles. I hate how Mary talks to people like they are puppies. "You are just so good up there, yes you are!!" Mia loves Napoleon and Tabitha so much she joined Nigel in calling them Nap & Tabs. She worried that she was caught up in chainography and the uncontrollable sloppiness in that, and it took away from how hard they were hitting it, and how great a job they did with it, because they did do a great job with it. Jeanine admitted to having chains all over the place in the apartment. Awkward moment there. I love them.

Melissa & Ade (Classical Pas de Deux choreographed by Thordal Christienson. Song: Love Scene from Romeo and Juliet) It's a pas de deux from Romeo and Juliet, and Melissa has always wanted to play Juliet, so she is thrilled. It's the first time there have been pointe shoes on the show, and Melissa felt at home in them. It was just beautiful. I loved to see her in her style. Nigel applaudes the show for doing classical ballet. He said that Ade's feet could be a little better, but loved how his carriage was and his strength in lifts. He then patted the show on the back for diversity in styles. Mary just loved it, and thought that the chemistry was totally believable, and said that Melissa's pointe work was wonderful. She said they put her in a dream-like state that she didn't want to wake up from. Mia said that classical ballet celebrates everything that makes you a great dancer, and was so glad to see it danced as well as it was. She said it was a fairytale and done just beautifully, and you can't fake it, because classical ballet exposes everything, and loved Melissa's ballet work. Cat reminded them to give a shout out to the choreographer.

Before the final dance, it's a bit with Katie Holmes, talking about the Dizzy Feet Foundation, for underpriveledged dancers. Carrie-Anne, judge from Dancing with the Stars, is also involved. It's pretty cool. Many people in the dance world are involved. And then there's Miley Cyrus. *sigh* Because it's impossible to get away from her. Luckily, other, more talented people, are also involved. The show's 100th episode on the 23rd of July, and there will be a tribute to Judy Garland, choreographed by Tyce D'iorio, and featuring Katie Holmes. Now, back to the dancing.

Karla & Vitolio (Quickstep, choreographed by Jean Marc Genereaux and France. Song: Puttin' on the Ritz, by Rufus Wrainright) Ok, color me impressed at the dress transformation! It was astounding! They managed to get the feet in there, I think. It didn't always look effortless, but I think they got the steps pretty good in there. It was entertaining. Nigel loved the choreography and the quick dress change. Mary tried to make a joke and failed. Nigel thought their quick step was very good. Mary screeched that they did a great job, and thought it was well done, though sometimes they drifted just a little, but thought they did a fantastic job. Mia thought that Jean Marc is just a genius, and loved the growth in Vitolio, but worried about his consistancy. She said that they didn't kiss death, they made out with it, and that's a good thing. She warned Karla not to look scared.

Yipes! Everyone was great tonight! Janette & Brandon's cha cha was killer, Kayla & Kupono's contemporary was funky and fun. I loved Randi & Evan, but they may be in the bottom 3. Hope not. I worry about Caitlin & Jason, because of that weird alien dance. Jeanine & Phillip were awesome. And the Pas De Deux from Melissa & Ade? For heaven's sake! I wonder if Karla & Vitolio are going to be in the bottom just for the new partnership. Who would you put in the bottom 3?

The Next Food Network Star - 6.28.09

Bobby met the wannabes for the first challenge, and challenged them to make their best burger. The winner will have their burger at Bobby's Burger Palace in CT. They will have to represent a region of the country, and they have 20 minutes to cook, and 30 seconds to present it to the selection committee.

Melissa gets my vote immediately because she's making a Burlington, VT Burger with cheddar cheese. However, that doesn't look like VT cheddar. It's orange. VT cheddar is not orange. Give me Cabot, give me Grafton!

Katie's turkey burger didn't cook properly and she is nervous about serving it.

Presentation time!

Melissa's presentation of her Burlington Burger (hey, she went to college in VT! Cool) was very good. She nailed her presentation. The committee loved her burger. Lots of lip licking.

Jeffrey's burger with chutney and avocado looked yummy, but they were worried they didn't learn much about him.

Teddy's Pennsylvania Burger looked yummy, and he wasn't over the top, but he wasn't engaging. The committee wasn't thrilled.

Deb's Cal-Asian Burger looked yummy and she is a very good presenter.

Michael's Mulberry St Burger was good looking, but he is so strange to watch. I don't get why they love him.

Jamika's New Orleans Burger looked yummy, but she was over rehearsed again, and sounded like a commercial. Bobby didn't dig her sausage under her burger.

Katie's undercooked San Francisco burger was not presented very well. The ingredients were appreciated, but the rawness = not ok.

The bottom two are Jamika and Katie. Melissa is in the top, but the winner is Michael. It may have tasted great, but I just don't like him on my tv. He's unappealing.

Time for the second challenge! They get to the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum. Guy Fieri enters and tells them that their challenge is to cook their own all American Home Cooking Dish, using ingredients in regional baskets, and it will be served at a homecoming party for soldiers returning from the middle east. The winner will have their recipe in the upcoming issue of USA Weekend.

They have 1.5 hours to prep. They are cooking in shifts of two, because of a tiny kitchen.

Teddy has NY - skin on duck breast, apples, and cream soda. He's making a DLT sandwich.

Jeffrey has Maine - Smoked Sea Salt, blueberries, and lobster. He's not sure what to do with the blueberries, but then decided to make pot pies. He was thwarted by tiny electric burners, and timing. It may or may not work out.

Teddy's presentation included a lot of ums and ums, and flustering moments. Not good. The food seemed to be very good, though.

Jeffrey was embarrassed by his pot pies. They looked kind of nasty. His presentation was quite good, and he told a cute story, but the pot pie was called "disgusting." Oh, that's not good.

Melissa has New Mexico - skirt steak, chilis, and honey. Looks fantastic, but she is not used to working with chilis because her family doesn't like them. She was smart and tasted all the chilis before trying to cook with them.

Katie has Georgia and it didn't mention what her ingredients were, but catfish was one.

Melissa had a great presentation. She did a honey chili skirt steak tostada with a honey mango salsa on top. She had a fantastic presentation and connected because her mom was in the military. The committee loved her food and her presentation.

Jamika had Wisconsin and had cheddar cheese, amber beer and kielbasa. She doesn't like beer but made a casserole.

Katie's presentation was focused on the military aspect, because she has a cousin going to the middle east for another tour. Bobby called her middle of the road.

Jamika had issues with her potatoes and they weren't cooking. She threw her potatoes in the food processor and they turned into goop, but she hopes that it won't matter once it's in the casserole. Her presentation was good, but her food was gluey.

Michael had Hawaii - macadamia, pineapple, and kampachi. Is that a fish?

Debbie had chicken breast, zinfendel, and almonds for California.

And then Michael whacked Debbie in the eye with the corner of his sheet pan. Youch.

Michael's presentation was focused on the love of macadamia nuts. He was engaging, I suppose.

Debbie finished her meal, and was subdued in her presentation, and her food was a little bland. They were disappointed in her.

Time for the evaluations!

Jamika's presentation was called delightful and not over-rehearsed, but her food was a gluey mess.

Katie's food looked healthy without lecturing about it. Her presentation style is still questionable. They did bring up the raw burger, and that is not ok.

Michael's food was good, but he has "not made friends with the camera" yet.

Jeffrey was embarrassed by his food, and it was called suprisingly awful. They said he was flirting up against the edges of blandness. They want more from him.

Melissa's presentation was fabulous and her camera energy is starting to reach the right level, not over the top. They loved her dish. Her dedication to learning the chilis was lauded.

Teddy's sandwich was really good, but his presentation was a mess. He wrote on his hand! Seriously?

Debbie's injury brought her down some, and her food was not a home run, so she did not have her best week.

The winner for the week (and the cover on USA Weekend Magazine) was Melissa. Bravo! She deserved it!

Debbie and Michael were also safe. Teddy's inability to find his own onscreen comfort zone sent him home this week. I think it was his time. If Katie can get it together, I'd watch her show.

Next week, they're on the Rachael Ray show! Fun times.

So You Think You Can Dance - 6.25.09

The Group Dance looks like the aftermath of an orgy in the beginning, but then it cut to fancing instead of simply writhing on each other. Then several of them got to dance on puddles, reminiscent of one of my favorite music videos, Love to Hate You, by Erasure. I cannot find it online, but do look for it - it's wonderful.

Cat is wearing a very... interestingly cut dress. Oh, no... it's a jumpsuit. Oh, Cat. No. Just no. Never.

Before getting down to it, Nigel took a moment to mention the terrible news of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson's deaths. They are showing a clip of the Thriller Video in homage. Ah.... I remember seeing this when I was a kid. I actually went, all on my own volition, as a zombie from the Thriller video for Halloween in kindergarten...

Now, it's time for the results. 5 couples take the stage.

Asuka & Vitolio are up first, and I think they deserve to be in the bottom 3. Asuka, at least. They are in the bottom 3. Brandon & Janette are safe. Good good good. Evan & Randi had my love last night, and also America's (or, as Cat said - "The Butt Made the Cut."). Good. Jeanine & Phillip were lovely last night (though Jeanine was better than Phillip). Are they safe? Yes, they are! Good! They didn't expect to be safe. Left on stage are Melissa & Ade, and their rhumba was insane. Are they safe (as they should be)? Cat read the painfully written copy ("It was Ade to remember, but will it be a night to forget?" groans...) and they are safe. Yippee!!

Back from the break, the last three couples take the stage. Jonathan & Karla should be in the bottom 3, and they are. Will the couple joining them be Caitlin & Jason, or new couple Kayla & Kupono? It ought to be Caitlin & Jason, though I don't think they should go home. They are in the bottom, and I am 3 for 3. Woo.

Fast forward throught the professional dance, though it is very talented kids. I caught Cat mussing with the littlest one's hair. Cute. Still. Jumpsuit. No.

Asuka is up first in her solo, and she is sexy, but she is just not up to par with the others. And ballroom solos are hard.

Vitolio's solo included some very impressive leaps and was passionate. I hope he stays.

Karla has a lot to prove in her solo, and I think she proved it. Her solo was interesting and showed some of her unique styling. I would love to see her with Vitolio.

Jonathan did some tumbling but failed to ipress me with his dancing. Again, bland bland bland. Hope he's gone.

Caitlin's solo was emotional and expressive, and I just really love her. She connects. Hope she's safe.

Jason is the last solo, and he also showed some very unique and interesting moves. I think he should stay, too. Really like him.

Fast forwarded through the performance by The Veronicas. I kind of like them, but the hubby wants the tv.

Time for the moment of truth. The judges told Caitlin that she is growing in confidence and gave the best solo. She's safe. Good for her. They said that Karla seemed a little desperate in her solo tonight. They just think that Asuka is an exciting performer, but they don't think she is growing in the competition. They were unanimous in their decision to get rid of Asuka. I think it was the right decision.

Now, to the men. The judges thought that Vitolio is holding back too much, and they want him to deliver. They told Jonathan that he is good at gymnastics, but they don't think he's showing why he should be kept to be America's best dancer. They also told Jason that he had a desperate solo tonight, and they want him to remember he is dancing for his life. Jason is safe. They decided to give Vitolio another chance, and WOOOOOO, Mr. Boring Acrobat, Jonathan, is gone.

Can't wait to see Vitolio & Karla. Bring it.