Michael Jackson was there in spirit on the SYTYCD stage this week, as the top 8 contestants danced to songs by The King of Pop.
Actress and dancer Jenna Dewan-Tatum joined Nigel and Mary to judge this special tribute to the King of Pop. All of the contestants danced to Michael Jackson songs, and we got a sneak peak at his new posthumous music video. Each contestant danced a solo, as they fought for their place among the top 6.
Top 8 group routine
The top 8 dancers opened the show with the first Michael Jackson tribute, to his new single “A Place With No Name,” and it was pretty Michael-tastic. It was choreographed by MJ’s own choreographer, Travis Payne, and it featured plenty of crotch grabs and shoulder shimmies, in true MJ fashion. The dancers were all in silver, with slicked hair and painted faces.
Top 8 partner routines
Ricky and Jaimie
Ricky Ubeda was joined by all-star Jaimie Goodwin for a Travis Wall contemporary routine set to Michael Jackson’s (and originally Charlie Chaplin’s) “Smile.” In this routine, Ricky played the friend that picks you up when you’re down, and is like a light in your life. The routine was beautifully and effortlessly danced, which was no surprise from Ricky, but he also had a big huge smile on his face the entire time. The judges normally complain about this, but apparently it’s okay when “Smile” is the title of the song.
Valerie and Ryan
Tapper Valerie took on a Jean Marc Genereux samba with “ballroom beefcake” all-star (Cat’s words, not our’s) Ryan Di Lello. This sexy routine would be a struggle for Valerie, who was definitely outside of her comfort zone. But she gave it her sparkly, smiley best, and even though she looked a little uncomfortable at times, the judges loved her.
Casey and Comfort
Contemporary dancer Casey took on a theatrical Pharside and Phoenix hip hop routine alongside all-star Comfort that was not for the arachnophobic. Comfort was a spider trying to give Casey the kiss of death, as he tried to escape her web of seduction. Casey showed major improvement over his last hip-hop routine, and looked much more comfortable. The judges felt he was clean and sharp, and he is growing every week.
Tanisha and Nick
Tanisha joined season 1 winner Nick Lazzarini for a Stacey Tookey contemporary routine about lost love and regret. In this routine, Nick was a crooner, crooning MJ’s “She’s Out of My Life” about the one that got away: Tanisha. It was a beautiful routine, and Tanisha is a very strong and gifted dancer. However, a routine as emotional as this one revealed her lack of vulnerability. She sells it with her body, but not in the face.
Rudy and Allison
Rudy and all-star (and new Dancing with the Stars pro) Allison danced a dark Ray Leeper routine about obsession. But it was a really sexy obsession. Rudy was awesome and strong and sexy, bringing his performance to a whole new level. But Allison Holker confirmed her place as Queen of SYTYCD, alongside her husband and true King of SYTYCD: Twitch. They can come back anytime.
Rudy & Allison – Contemporary – SYTYCD Season… by IdolxMuzic
Zack and Makenzie
Last season’s finalist Makenzie joined Zack in his continuing quest to make everyone forget he’s a tapper. This week, they took on a Spencer Liff Broadway routine to “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Makenzie was a naïve girl in the big city for the first time, while Zack was the smooth criminal (get it?) trying to sweep her off her feet. Zack was very charming and smooth, and won over the audience as well as Makenzie.
Zack & Makenzie – Broadway – SYTYCD Season 11… by IdolxMuzic
Jacque and Twitch
Twitch joined ballerina Jacque for a Dave Scott hip-hop routine that seemed to take place in a junkyard. The hard-hitting routine was a step out of Jacque’s comfort zone, and she would have to just let go and dance, without thinking about it. She totally nailed it — the ballerina was gone, and she and Twitch had swag for days.
Jessica and Will
Jessica and season 4’s Will Wingfield embodied earth and mankind in a Mandy Moore contemporary routine. The two forces of nature were to be at odds in the routine, but in the end, Will cradled Jessica in his arms. The judges were very impressed with Jessica, and feel that she’s finally living up to the potential she showed way back in auditions.
Control Freakz
Our third finalist in the dance crews competition, Control Freakz, got their chance to strut their stuff on the SYTYCD stage tonight. Casually hanging out in a restaurant setting, they started by raising a glass to popping, and pop they did. They’re called Control Freakz with good reason, because their control and precision are absolutely incredible. They make their movement look so effortless, when it’s definitely not.
Eliminations
Once again, Cat revealed the status of each dancer’s safety after their partner performances, and by the end, we learned that Casey Askew and Rudy Abreu were the bottom two guys, and Jacque LeWarne and Tanisha Belnap were the bottom two girls. There were tears already running down Rudy’s face as the bottom four dancers gathered onstage, and they didn’t let up as he and his top 20 partner Tanisha were eliminated from the competition.
The top 6 dancers will perform next Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8 p.m. on Fox.