‘SYTYCD’ Recap: A Night of Firsts…On The Edge of Glory

Where do I begin? I could start from the beginning and talk about how dark and twisted the Sonya Tayeh Top 20 dance was. But that’s expected. I could talk about how fluid, in sync, emotional, and strong the dancers were during that opening number. But, with this bunch, that’s expected. I suppose I could dive on into the intricacies of the choreography in the opening number or the genius costumes that are likely to give me nightmares tonight (in a good way) or the raw display of talent on that mega stage. But, you guessed it, that’s expected. So, what we won’t do is praise the opening number.

I got it. We could trek into the world Keri Hilson’s “musical” prowess. Keri lived up to the title of her song. She lost control. Not only was her backtracking pretty obvious, but I’m not so sure this song can make the big time on the radio. It sounds fairly generic and not very grabby. That and all 20 of the contestants can dance better than her slew of hoppy ladies she brought along. How about we discuss the Gopak dance? Nigel Lythgoe and company wanted to show us how that really is to be done, considering Jeanine and fellow season 5 contestant Phillip didn’t masterfully wow America with that a few seasons ago. Aside from jumping across the stage like a gazelle and extending his kicks into the air powerfully, I’m not really sure what to say about it. I’m no Gopak expert. I did, however, feel like he needed a partner.

As shimmering Cat moved us through the night’s festivities, it was time for the DFYL segment of the show. (DFYL = Dance For Your Life) Since this is all about the contestants, let’s go through these performances twitter style.

Mitchell Kelly, part 1 | For a DFYL solo, it started off slow, especially since he couldn’t dance last night.

Jordan Casanova | The stage tends to have a “sexification” effect on little miss Jordan. And America wants more.

Tadd Gadduang | Climbing from side of stage was genius. He pulled out all the stops; I wanted to jump in and try with him!

Clarice Ordaz | If that leg extension was all she did, that was reason enough to say. Period.

Jess LeProtto | I’m afraid America doesn’t get his shimmying personality. Maybe he should tone down the facial expressions?

Miranda Maleski | Her versatility is to be rivaled on this show, and that’s saying a lot. She danced like there’s no tomorrow, perfection at it’s finest.

Robert Taylor Jr., part 1 | His extremities are like jello, but I’m starting to wonder how serious this guy about the competition. Wooo man, woo away with your skill.

As Madame Cat Deeley shared, Lady Gaga made her television debut on this very here show. Not the very same stage because Nigel and Co. decided bigger was better, but we won’t go there. So, naturally, it’s time to use SYTYCD for another Gaga platform – the world premiere for her “The Edge of Glory” video. Personally, I was bored and glad they cut early for commercial. It looked to me Gaga was channeling Nickelodeon’s Hey Arnold and MTV Skins all at the same time. Not really sure where that was going. Oh, that’s where. In case you missed the memo, Gaga is on board to guest judge later this season. This is huge for the show because it’ll rack in a crazy number of extra viewers, however, I really hope the show doesn’t go the route of pure celebrity judges. Stick to ones with dance backgrounds (like Megan, who did great this week) and please keep on tradition with the rotation of choreographers through that 3rd chair. Kplzthnx!

Less than 10 minutes to go and we still haven’t gotten our results. What’s up with that, you ask? Well, wait longer. Time to DFYL part 2. Whaaat? Robert Taylor Jr. and Mitchell were asked to dance again. Mitchell redeemed himself in my eyes, although the slow opening does not a DFYL extravaganza make. With that, Nigel brushes off the boys to praise the girls. Nigel calls on the boys to praise them. More “Why the face” moments from my couch and seats across America, only to lead to the conclusion that (if I may brag, it was the Yak’s idea initially) we’ll be restarting Season 8 next week with our Top 20 Redux (which is unprecedented move by the SYTYCD team)! No one goes home, but, as Uncle Nigel begrudgingly reminded us, 2 couples will be sent away next week. For reals this time.

So, what did you think about tonight’s results show? What make you of Gaga’s video? How about our 7 solos tonight? Are you pleased with the judge’s decision? And who wants next week to be here already so we can unwrap more presents from this crew? PS. Please make next week the return of NappyTabs to the choreography lineup.