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'So You Think You Can' pick a winner?

Posted: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 6:00 AM by Paige Newman
Filed Under:

As if summer weren’t delightful enough, it’s also the season of my favorite reality show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” Each year, much to the amusement of my co-workers, I get totally involved with this show about dancers trying to become America’s favorite (not best) dancer. Now that we’re down to eight dancers, I’ve have a few favorites I’m rooting for.

As evidenced by last week’s all-girl Bollywood number, this is a great year for women on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Melissa has brought the beauty of ballet to the competition, while Janette adds the spice of salsa, and Kayla proves that even aspiring models are worth rooting for. But getting closer to the end, Jeanine has really started to catch my eye as the dark horse who could take it all.


Fox
Jason and Jeanine surprised everyone when they came together for a contemporary dance on July 15.

Jeanine was handicapped by having to dance with Phillip for most of the competition, and I’m amazed that America and the judges were able to see past her goofy partner to recognize that she has real talent. She finally, finally got a chance to show it during her contemporary dance with Jason. It was certainly one of the best dances of the season. (And one that was choreographed by former “SYTYCD” runner-up Travis Wall.) Who knew that she had that much passion and emotion in her dancing? Not me. But I do now and I’m going to pick Jeanine as my winner. 

Janette and Melissa have been consistently wonderful. As a recent ballet convert, I love watching Melissa up on her toes, bringing some classical flavor to her dances. As for Janette, the woman could out hip-shake Shakira, yet I’m amazed how easily she goes from style to style.

As for the guys, my hands-down favorite is Ade. Brandon is a great dancer, but Ade has pure passion.  Who else could realistically hypnotize a woman with his hair pick? His solo last week showed why solos are vital to the show. For a tall man, can he ever fly through the air! I was shocked when he was in the bottom two of the men last week. Who are all the people pulling for Evan?

Brandon quickly follows Ade.  Especially since he managed so completely to prove that Lil C and Mia Michaels were completely wrong about him. One of the most gratifying nights was seeing his tearful reaction after finally receiving Mia’s positive critique.

And I have to admit, because he was such a surprise last week, I’m becoming more of a Jason convert. Plus, he is, along with Ade and Brandon, incredibly fun to look at, though no one’s body touches last season’s Will Wingfield – deep sigh.

Enough daydreaming! Jeanine is my pick with Ade and Janette quick on her heels. Who are you rooting for this season?

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Comments

Brandon or Janette. I love personality and both of them have really brought it lately. Plus, Brandon is a freak of nature! To put Dave Scott in competition mode...you gotta really be something special. These choreographers don't get where they are b/c they're insecure...so to rattle one of them takes a lot of skill!

Dionne, Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 9:43 AM)

So much of this competition restson the shoulders of the choreographers. Evan (whom you dislike) secured his space in the Top 20 based on a wonderful tap-dancing routine.  So far, every dancer has gotten to show off his/her favored 'style' of dance (Melissa-ballet, Janette-salsa, Ade- modern) but somehow Evan's has been blatantly ignored and then the judges want to deride him for not reaching his potential.  I'd like to see some of the other dancers try an entire tap-dance routine and see how they would fare. The competition is stacked in favor of modern dancers because of the choreographers and their eye on the Emmy. Fair is fair but somehow in this competition the mantra "Life isn't fair" seems more appropriate.

Jill B, Atlanta, GA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 9:45 AM)

Although I agree that Jeanine has been doing great, I would have to pick Ade.  He is a strong partner, shines as a soloist, and can do just about any style without a problem.  He is fun to watch and he has my vote!

Kasey, NY (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 9:52 AM)

Who are the folks pulling for Evan?  Well, me for one.

Again, this is America's favorite dancer, and I like the Broadway style.  But I suspect some of the support is due to the coverage.

I think the SYTYCD producers did some odd stuff in the prelims.  Example-the out of the blue and somewhat inexplicable outster of Natalie Reid w/o a chance to dance solo, an opportunity extended to lesser dancers.

The show gave him, a talented (but short) and likeable dancer a huge leg up with all the early coverage pairing him and his brother...and then more by bringing up that his brother had successfully negotiated the initial cut and was on to Vegas.  I don't think Evan will win, but I think the way the show highlighted him early on helped him create a solid fan base that is with him to the bridge.

But, in the end, if Evan cannot win I do hope Jeanine takes it.

Bwana, Burke, VA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 9:52 AM)

Ade is AWESOME!!! he definitely should not have been in the bottom two last week.  At least he didn't get kicked off! Evan needs to go next...he's just not that dynamic.  As for the ladies, i'm pulling for Melissa, Jeanine, and Janette. Melissa is so good! her pointe work is FANTASTIC!! Jeanine has come out of her shell by shedding Phillip and Janette can adapt to any style! Kayla is also a good dancer, but she hasn't really had that many dances to shine. Go ADE!!!!

Alecsa, cleveland, oh (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 9:53 AM)

I think either Janette or Ade.  Evan is a cutie, but he's not getting better, he'll probably go home this week?
I cried when Will was sent home last year.  I'm glad someone else loves him as much as I did.

Charlotte Council Bluffs, Ia (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 9:57 AM)

I am rooting for Janette or Ade. I like them both so much every one else is good but EVAN! WHY OH WHY is he still on the show he needs to be off. I think Kapono deserved to stay more then Evan but I guess you cant stop America from voting for their favorite and you did say in the article they are voting for Their Favorite not necessarily the best. GO JANETTE!

RJ, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:01 AM)

Ade Ade Ade...love love love him!!!!!!!

Ericka, NY (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:25 AM)

I love Ade and I love Jeanine!!  They both have awesome personalities and I think they can make it to the top two.  

Kim, Leesburg, VA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:28 AM)

I think this is definitely a girls year! I don't really know if I can decide who I think is going to win, but I think that I am definitely rooting for Kayla. I loved the Sonya contemporary (Twilight) and the Mia Michaels addiction pieces that she performed. In all the group routines and dance numbers, I find myself always looking for her. She definitely has a lot of talent and I can't really remember a dance that she has done that I haven't really liked.
As for the guys, I think that they all are really talented too. I really like Ade and Brandon. I love Evan's style, but I don't think that he has been able to showcase it. Jason has definitely blossomed since he lost his former partner. Best luck to all of them.

Nikki, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:32 AM)

I must be watching a completely different show.  Ade?  Really?!?  I'll take a pass on that one.  He deserved to be in the bottom last week and deserves to go home this week in my opinion.  I have yet to see a performance by him that I would call memorable, much less remarkable.

Based on the performances and the depth of the female dancers, I think the winner will ultimately be one of the ladies.  Personally, I hope it is Janine.  Her performances last week were inspired.  God love Phil, he did keep her from actualizing her full potential while they were paired.  

Ultimately though, it is about the favorite dancer of the voters, and based on the cheers during the shows (who knows how much of that is edited), Evan will likely be around a while longer.

MN, Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:37 AM)

I love Evan and I agree that he is probably one of the weakest dancers left, not counting his own style.  But, as others have said, the name of the competition is "Favorite Dancer", not "Best Dancer".  He has a huge fanbase thanks to all of the attention he got in the preliminary rounds.  His brother, if he makes it to top 20, will have the same advantage I think.  Even with all of that said, I would love to see Ade win this thing. Week after week he has come into his own and he is wonderful to watch.  

Carolyn Fansker, Harrisburg, PA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:37 AM)

I love Jason and if he hadn't had to dance all the stupid routines over the first 4 weeks he would have been a favorite long before now. You are so right to say that the dancers are at the mercy of the coreographers. I think he's great.

ronnie munro,red bank nj (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:39 AM)

Evan is cute (according to my wife), fun, and appealing, and he's also gotten more camera time tha almost anyone.  Sadly, his dancing beyond his Broadway comfort zone has been only OK. Janette has been awesome, and Janine has suddenly shown us all just how amazing she is.  I think two of the top four will and should be Brandon and Janette. The other girl should probably be Janine... I think Kayla is good, but have never thought she's as good on camera as the judges seem to think she is in person.  And her solos have been lousy.  Evan should be the next to go (he really should have gone last week), but he has such huge fan support, he may end up in the final four.  I think Ade should be the other guy in the final four, but he hasn't gotten the fan support so far.  My pick to win it all? Janette.

KMG, Hampton VA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:42 AM)

I'm pulling for Jeanine and Brandon with Ade close behind. Jeanine is a shining star but lacks the beauty and personality of some of the other girls. I hope people can see how talented she really is...Brandon just rocks!!!! He can pull off any dance they give him. Ade is awesome, has a great personality and is a great solo dancer.
This has been a really good season and I can't wait for the tour!

SDW, Columbia SC (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:43 AM)

Brandon and Jeanine for sure.  Don't get the love for Ade.

Philly Girl (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:47 AM)

Kayla will win...but I do love Evan!

Karen, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:52 AM)

I would pick brandon, jeanine or janette. Brandon has done amazing thus far this season. I really enjoyed his partnership with janette. Jeanine is amazing, you can see her passion for dancing in her movement and janette is full of salsa flavour, she brings that high intensity flavour to all of her dances so far.
I am also curious hy people are voting for Evan,...although he is sweet and cand do broadway well, I do not see that spark when he is doing the routines, I feel like he is just there.
Anyway, cannot wait to watch tonights episode :)

Kat, Ontario (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:58 AM)

Jeanine, she has passion that makes you not want to stop wacthing her she has such talent and entertainment.

Linda, Newark OH (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:11 AM)

I'm going with Brandon! All of the dancers left have alot of talent but he is a powerhouse.

Brenda, Severn, MD (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:14 AM)

The links no longer work!  That is too bad I would have liked to have seen the dances, my cable was out when it aired.

Michelle, FL (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:21 AM)

I am so tired of the "short" comments thrown at Evan! Get over it, people! I agree that Evan has not had the chance to showcase his considerable talents as much as others, i.e. Melissa etc. Ade is strong but brings nothing special to the table. I'd like to see every dancer get every style as the random selection seems skewed. Evan performs every style well and is extremely professional and personable! He deserves to win the whole competition! Thank God there are a lot of people who appreciate legends like Gene Kelly and recognize the need to see that style kept alive. Very strong dancers this season, overall and the eliminations have been right on so far. But Evan stands taller than all of the rest!

Deidre, St Pete, Florida (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:31 AM)

I think the judge's are as surprised by Evan's longevity as much some of us. Not since his early Mia Michaels routine has he gotten rave reviews from them -- sometimes it's like they're trying to throw under the bus. But America keeps supporting him -- he's different from the other guys -- that goofy smile and eagerness to please can be really appealing even if he doesn't excel in many of the styles.
I agree it's a girl's year but after awhile all the contemporary dancers and their solos start to blur, so Melissa's gorgeous pointe and lines and LEGS really standout. But not sure how much further she'll go. She's gorgeous but she may not have the heat and projection in her solos to win the votes. As much as I love SYTYCD -- more like obsessed-- it is about flash and pyro. Subtlety and artistry are secondary to exciting people with a 90 second flashdance. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Oh, and ADE is phenomenal - the air he caught in last week's blackflip -- wow.

Jane, New York (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:33 AM)

I think this is the 1st year that I can't pick my favorite.  Usually there is at least 1 stand out for me.  I love Brandon, Ade, Jeanette, and Jeanine.

sd,lansing, michigan (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:53 AM)

Jeanine, Ade and Jason are my top three, in that order.  

Liz, Lexington KY (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:53 AM)

I just wish that they would change the show to have both the most liked Male and Female dancers. This year has been amazing with so many female dancers that are soo exceptional compared to passed years. It is so hard to decide who will be the best pick. IMHO I think Kayla has the "it" factor.

John Harriz, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:57 AM)

For the girls, I really like Jeanine. I can't root for Janette, almost on principle. Absolutely nothing against her, but I really dislike the gushing she gets fron the judges every week. The way the judges respond to her really turns me off. She never gets any criticism (nobody's perfect) but they often criticize others for things like wardrobe (do they really have control over that?), choreography (which they REALLY have no control over) or some other seemingly nit-picky thing. As for the boys, I like Evan, but he isn't nearly as strong as the others...I think I'd have to go with Ade.

Felicia, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:58 AM)

Jeanine is my favorite. Melissa is boring. Not ballet in general, just Melissa's dancing of it. As to who likes Evan, well, I do. How can Melissa get a ballet routine and Evan not get tap? The judges need to let America makes its' own decisions rather than passing on someone they picked for the competition. It didn't work on Idol this year so why would it work here?

KG, Twin Cities, MN (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:59 AM)

Janette or Ade (although I also like Evan but know his days are probably numbered).  AI agree with other comments, that contemporary styles and dances seem to be loved and rule over the others... heaven forbid anyone gets hip hop, quick step or the paso ... they tend to be in the bottom three the following night!

Tracy (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:59 AM)

I'm routing for Evan, I think he is a good dancer in his kind of style, but i dont think he will be in after this week.  Ade is my favorite after he did his solo 2 wks ago.  For the girls,  Melissa is my favorite, with Kayla right after.  I think all the girls are awesome.  

LaMar, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:03 PM)

I really don't get the obsession some of you have with Ade!  Until I saw his solo the other night, I really didn't think much of him at all.  I haven't seen any passion, in fact, I think he's had the same expression on his face and in his dancing for most of the competition.  That "lucky" hair pic is really irritating and MUST GO!

I think the show/choreographers are really taking it easy on the contestants this year.  Until last week, the routines seemed to lend to the dancers' strengths and native styles alot more than in the past.  What happened to actually showing the dance style and using the traditional dance style's music, if there is any?  I still remember the first Paso Doble on the show.  The two that they've done this year were not very good at all!

I also think the judges have been rather lenient this year.  It seems that getting on the hot tamale train isn't nearly as difficult as it has been in the past.  I thought for sure that Nigel was going to have a fit about the Quick Step done a few weeks ago.  He's usually so picky about it but Nigel barely said anything about it.  I thought it was lousy.

I'm really surprised that I disagree with most of you, especially since I've been correct as to who was going home every week.  Go Jeanine!

Stacy, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:15 PM)

Janette, Brandon and Ade for me - all are very strong dancers and all - but especially the first two - are able to do any style as though it's their own - Janette & Brandon blew me away a couple of weeks ago when they had a hip-hop routine and hit every move as hard as anyone could want to see.  All 3 have tremendous star power as well.

Steve A, Oakland, CA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:15 PM)

I have been all for Melissa from the start, though I am not sure she has the fan base that the other girls have - and I hate to say it, but it could be that she is the oldest contestant. The dance she did with Ade, like two shows in, was just so wonderful and unforgetable (where she rode on his back). I do love Ade for the men, and I am also an Evan fan - his style is so fun. I think a girl will win this season, either Jeanine or Janette - but I will hope for Melissa.

Julie, Vancouver WA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:16 PM)

I honestly won't be upset over any of them winning.  By far, this is the best Top 10 they've had in all their seasons combined.

Becky, San Antonio, Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:17 PM)

Oh My Gosh..I have really enjoyed this year's show....
My favorite is Brandon and Janette...with Kayla right on their heels.  To think that girl (Kayla) is only 18...she dances with a drive and passion that is unbelievable.  I do love Evan..he brings back that old Gene Kelly Style that I so miss...and he is giving it all he has..but yes, unfortunately I think his days are numbered. I also agree about the moment Mia praised Brandon so highly.  That was awesome to see. That guy has worked his butt off and gives it all he has..He is AMAZING!!!
Either way...it has been so much fun to watch and I so excited it will be on in the fall too...YIPPEE!!

Brigid, Portland, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:18 PM)

Jill B...Evan considers his "style" to be Broadway, not tap dancing. And he and Randi did do a Broadway number and the judges didn't like either one of them in it. I like him, but he hasn't been shining as much as the other male dancers...who have also been out of their element.

I think that one of the girls should win...but the voting audience is typically teenage girls who vote for the cutest boy.

Love this show!

Jenny, New Milford, CT (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:22 PM)

I was totally on the Will Wingfield love train, and the Danny Tidwell train before that - which I feel naturally leads me to Ade as well.  Brandon is great, but there is something very "little boy" about him that makes me feel kinda like a perv. LOL.  However I do feel it's going to be a girl's year.  If Nigel has his way, it's definitely Kayla, but I'm kinda hoping for that spunky Janette. ;)

Oh and on a side note -  I can NOT believe that darn Katie/Twitch "door" routine was nominated for an Emmy and the Katie/Will piece (from that picture) was not!  Please...

Vicki, Trenton, NJ (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:36 PM)

After Katie was robbed last year, it seems to me you could just roll a die to see who's going to win.

As for Ade, I'm not surprised he ended up in the bottom two.  His comment about his last dance with Melissa was interpreted as a slam by a lot of people I talked to.

Will (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:47 PM)

It was Evan's brother whose style was tap.

Kelly, Boxboro, MA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:55 PM)

I would pick Janette to win it all.  I think she has been awesome.  I have not seen her make a mistake yet. Certainly one of the most talented dancers the show has had.....ever!

Patches Mobile AL (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:56 PM)

Evan is still on the show because he is a breath of fresh air...  The other male dancers have such similar styles that I get confused with them!  The judges wanted Evan and Melissa in the top 10 because their dance styles will add something extra to the tour this year.  Hasn't every winner (except Benji) been a "contemporary" dancer?  

Valerie (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:26 PM)

EVAN ROCKS..I love him because he is different,an old school gentleman dancer...He is short, but powerfull, maybe not the Best all around, but look at the solo dances..his and Jeneane..they looked like a complete performance in and of themselves, everyone else's solos did not go with their music, had no beginning & end..Jeneane is My pick, but Evan is a solid #2 for me.

Donatella, Knoxville, TN (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:51 PM)

Katie and Will were robbed last year for sure!
Love, love, love Brandon this year, but it really is a girl's year this year, so I WAS rooting for Randie, but now that she's gone, I'm rooting for Janine!!

Daphne, Annapolis, Md. (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:26 PM)

I love Brandon and Ade, would be pleased with either of them winning. I think the dancers are  better this year but the dances/choreography were better last year.

Sonji Jones, Piedmont, South Carolina (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:28 PM)

I love Brandon and Ade, would be pleased with either of them winning. I think the dancers are  better this year but the dances/choreography were better last year.

Sonji Jones, Piedmont, South Carolina (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:30 PM)

Evan is not as strong as Ade, Brandon and Jason in my opinion. I don't know why he's still in the top 8 dancers. He is probably great at tap but he was terrible in latin, broadway and contemporary rounds. I love Janette and Jeanine as well.

Kelsey, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:31 PM)

I know it is "favorite dancer", but I have to vote for the best, and clearly that is either Janette, by a hair, or Brandon. They are both amazing.

Personally, I love Melissa (sexy sexy), but I think if you had a bunch of ballet dancers, she is very good, but would not rank as great.

I think Ade is clearly the second best male dancer, and despite the Phillip handicap, Jeanine is nowhere close to Janette.

Anyone else think that Tabitha and Napoleon are WAY overrated? Their dances this year, on the whole, have been very underwhelming.

Kevin, Nashua NH (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:52 PM)

EVAN! All the way! The judges have been tougher on him than any other dancer. They say that it is because they "expect more" out of him. Well I tell you what; every week he puts up dynamic performances and every week, the judges just hammer him with negative criticism.
If he is losing the sparkle, it is because it's getting pizzed out of him week after week. Funny how the guest judges DO recognize his talent and give positive criticism. I would like to see the other dancers attempt his style/genre of dancing.
As others here have said before me, he has not been allowed to showcase his style, other than the routine where he staired at the girls behind. Good luck Evan.

Al, Houston, Tx (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:54 PM)

I think the Phillip/Jeanine pairing worked as much to her advantage as it did against it, since she didn't get much coverage in the audition rounds.  It seemed like the producers did that in a lot of the pairings (Jason/Caitlin, Evan/Randi, etc.)... so Phillip did more good than harm in the end, since Jeanine is totally still here.  I still think Ashley should have stayed longer, but whatever.

I say Jeanine or Ade for the win.

Candice, Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 3:02 PM)

Since you and so many others have asked, I'll tell you why I like and vote for Evan.  I do because he takes me back to the days of old Hollywood musicals.  He invites the audience into his dancing, and brings them along for the story.  He danced an entire story in a 30 second solo.  He is an entertainer, and he is my favorite dancer.

The show was stacked with contemporary dancers this season.  I appreciate Evan because of his talent, and because he is different.  

Travis, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, July 22, 2009 3:03 PM)



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