SYTYCD Top 9

So last week, Robert was in the bottom 3 and no one addressed the fact that it was probably because he pretended to puke when Cat was announcing his call-in number. And pretending to barf is not funny, and not cute - it's just weird. Not in a good way.

Then they voted Cristina off even though I think we all cared less about Melinda. But I didn't feel strongly enough about the elimination to actually bother posting.

Plus, RemoteKontrol was the guest artist and they were AWESOME, although the gold costumes brought to mind street performers you would totally avoid on Pier 39.

Anyway, on to the Top 9!

They begin the show by promoting one of my least favorite elements of the show. The awkward "get-to-know-the-dancer-Q-and-A" segment. Not boding well.

Filming of the opening montage has not improved, and the solos are not more interesting.

Why do we now need to show what dances are coming up ahead of time? This adds nothing to my enjoyment.

Show, you are making me cranky. GET DANCIN'.

Adechike, Hip Hop: Wow, I did not expect him to be so awesome at this. He was groovy, and his iso's were impressive. VERY well done.

Ashley, Contemporary: On the one hand, it's too bad she keeps drawing the same dance styles and isn't being given a chance to show range. On the other hand, she is TERRIFIC at contemporary.

Billy, Solo: These kids are BRINGING it tonight. He is so odd, and fluid, and extended. The kid is gifted.

Robert, Jazz: All snarly face, no substance. It seemed like nothing actually happened in this routine. Boring.

Jose, Solo: I believe I've used this critique before about a different b-boy or hip hop dancer, but there's nothing he does that makes me think "He does that better than anyone else." Plus he doesn't bring enough speed to his movements.

Melinda, Salsa: Remember when Ellenore got caught in her skirt and danced through the whole routine anyway? This lady is no Ellenore. And she's not much of a salsa dancer. It looked like she forgot stuff, and was trying too hard. Plus her personality just seems wooden.

Kent, Solo: This points out why Billy Bell is unique. Kent's was well-done, and perfectly serviceable, but it didn't seem... impossible. And some of what Billy does just seems so unexpected and impossible.

Ales, Solo: The roll at the end was very cool, but I would've liked to see him play with the ape theme more. If this guy could ACT, I think he'd be a lot more formidable.

Lauren, Broadway: She performed this capably, and demonstrated how to kick ass with a costume failure. But it was meh. I think I hate this choreographer.

Ashley, Solo: With her music choice, I thought she might do something more interesting. Nope. It was just athletic toe pointing.

Billy, Contemporary: Partnered with someone I don't find him nearly as intersting. And I thought that before the judges started talking.

Robert, Solo: He's good, but I don't care. Contemporary overload.

Jose, Samba: He did well! The only part I found distractingly terrible was his samba walk, and some of the standing postures were stiff. But he clearly felt the rhythm and moved his hips well.

Melinda, Solo: No. You cannot tap to everything.

Kent, Jazz: He looked suuuuper dorky. Closing his mouth might've helped, but it wouldn't've been enough.

Adechike, Solo: Terrific. I thought I was tired of contemporary male solos tonight, but he was great. Very sinewy.

Lauren, Solo: Her feet seemed to move very quickly for such a slow piece. Pretty good.

Alex, Hip Hop: What a clever, clever piece!! Tabolweon really choreographed to his strengths, and it was incredible. Just fantastic. So apparently he DOES have some comic chops.

Predictions: Bottom 3 doesn't really matter because clearly Melinda is going home. So let's say the other 2 are Lauren and Robert.