Before I dive into the reveal, this season looks absolutely amazing just from this episode, and I'm not just saying that to say it every year. I know I'm going to get a ton of hate, but I thought Season 9 was a bit of a dud... Needless to say I wasn't as hopeful this time last year as I am now. My favourite season so far has been Season 7, and none have made it up to the bar set by that season in my opinion (perhaps because of Billy Bell, let's be honest here), but 10 looks fantastic so far. Nigel and the rest of the producers probably really decided to pull up their socks for this season if they're looking for a renewal when FOX doles them out for next summer.
OKAY ACTUALLY RECAPPING NOW. First genre to be revealed is Hip-Hop, which, to no one's surprise, included Fik-Shun, who has grown a fan base already and is probably the most adorable person on the show. They told him he needed to work on his technique a bit, but really, personality is what really gets you through on this show. The judges also included Phillip Chbeeb's roommate Emilio Dosal, who I pretty much fell head over heels for in the first few minutes of his audition, but because of an undisclosed "injury", he had to pull out (*sobbing*) - more on that and the repercussions later. Third (or I guess, kind of second) to join the Hip-Hoppers is FEMALE HIP-HOPPER Mariah Spears, who the producers never spent much time on but apparently shot through everything. This is especially exciting because the only Hip-Hop girl that has really made an impression in the past five years or so is Comfort. The routine they're given is a Luther Brown routine (wasn't a fan of Luther's during his SYTYCD Canada days, and unfortunately I'm still not) that seems the same old, same old to me. Same sensuality and leather pants that seem to be in all of Luther's routines. Mariah can really kill the sensual-gritty thing, but unfortunately Fik-Shun just couldn't pull it off without pulling an adorable ear-splitting smile every once in a while. I have to admit, they danced it well.
Next we're given the first round of contemporary dancers, which are at a surprisingly and refreshingly lower number this year. First to join is Makenzie Dustman, who was actually one of my favourite auditions this season. The producers hadn't spent much Vegas time on her, but she stood out to the judges from the beginning as well, apparently. Jasmine Harper is the next one through. Okay, I have a bit of a problem with what story they're pulling for Jasmine H. She dated Cyrus, cool. I can only imagine the cross-dating that goes on behind the scenes on this show, and honestly, I just really don't care (except for Allison and tWitch. Always except Allison and tWitch). They better not try to fabricate some sort of on-screen romantic thing between Cyrus and Jasmine H. because I will actually punch my television. This just has no place on the show. I can't remember exactly what round it was, but I remember for one round in Vegas she danced a pretty emotional routine and admitted it to being about Cyrus. I can only imagine Cyrus' reaction while he watched the Vegas round. Oh, good god. I know she's trying to make a name for herself but at this point everyone only knows her as Cyrus' ex, which is a shame because I think she's extremely talented.
Rant over. Two contemporary guys, Tucker Knox and Nico Greetham, get through next. Nico has an ENORMOUS fan base already, probably partly because he's extremely good-looking, but he's also extraordinarily talented and I expect him to go super far. The first four contemporaries get a Stacey Tookey routine, which, although I adore Stacey to the moon and back, just was nothing new. It was stunning, of course, but it just looked really similar to a ton of contemp routines on this show before. Regardless, all four danced it very well.
OH MY GOD TAP. My favourite thing about this season is probably the huge dose of tap we've gotten after an immense dry spell. Alexis Juliano and Curtis Holland both made it through the top 20 immediately, and after Hip-Hopper Emilio dropped out, Aaron Turner was apparently 21st in line and nabbed the last spot. The group routine they do is choreographed by a newcomer choreographer, Anthony Moriegerato, to a song by Jason Mraz. There were so many things I loved about this, but putting a tap routine to the scatting genius that is Jason Mraz was absolutely brilliant. The three were amazingly synchronized, and we'll see how far they get in the competition. So far, Aaron seems to be pulling the biggest fan base and has the most likable personality. But again, time will tell.
Okay, break just to acknowledge how happy I am to have Adam Shankman back on the panel. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ADAM. We needed you back.
Next are the animators. I think it's so so cool that Cyrus has pioneered this genre in the show, and although I have no idea for certain, it's probably opened up a brand-new demographic beyond the chassé/jeté crowd (and hey, I'm part of the chassé/jeté crowd, and I absolutely love the animators) that the producers have enjoyed. Plus, it's neat that they've been able to give Chris Scott this new niche to play with. Anyways, the judges give both Jade Zuberi and BluPrint a spot in the competition, and the Chris Scott group routine they get given is nothing short of amazing. I just really hope they don't play up some Jade vs. BluPrint angle that seems pretty non-existent to me, to be honest.
Second contemporary group. Carlos Garland makes it through, who, out of the 3 contemp guys, seems the least strong, but we'll see how far he gets. Hayley Erbert, and, to absolutely zero surprise, so does Malece Miller, who has able to make a name, image and fanbase for herself within weeks. The second group routine was choreographed by Mia Michaels, and to be honest I much preferred this contemporary one. The story wasn't my favourite ever, but how many storylines can you think up with two girls and a guy? Plus, one of the dancers could have easily become the third wheel or the awkward third one but it never happened. So kudos to Mia for that one. Another bonus for Season 10 - the Mia Michaels comeback.
Next are the ballroom dancers. I know next to nothing about ballroom dance, to be honest, but all four this year - Brittany Cherry, Jenna Johnson, Paul Karmiryan, and Alan Bersten - all seem very strong. The routine seemed like more of the same to me, but hey, what do I know? Prediction; Jenna will last the longest of the four. She seems the most versatile. Paul's already won the Armenian version of SYTYCD, which hopefully he won't drive home for too long on the show because voters will get sick of it and want to give other people a chance.
Last, but not least, is the Jazz group, which only counts two dancers this year; Amy Yakima and Jasmine Mason. Amy Yakima has probably had the most airtime of anybody, and has seemed to blow through everything easily and effortlessly. It's almost tipping to the point of unfairness how much airtime she's been getting, when someone like Mariah Spears has gotten next to none, but hey, there's always somebody. In any case, I do agree that she is gorgeous and talented and I predict that she will go super super far. I absolutely adore Jasmine M., too, and I hope that she'll also last at least until the top 10.
Finally, we get a top 10 guys routine and top 10 girls routine, and a full cast top 20 routine. Chris Scott blows everyone out of the water, again. His sand routine was hands-down the best routine of the night, because it was gorgeous, creative, and highlighted every single style without doing it blatantly. The top 10 girls routine was choreographed by Ray Leeper to "Let's Have a Kiki". When I saw the song title I instantly groaned because I've hated it ever since the Glee version of it with Sarah Jessica Parker's character and Rachel and Kurt. So I couldn't really look past the annoying song, to be honest. The top 20 routine was also another amazing Sonya Tayeh routine, which, if it wasn't for Chris Scott, would take top honours for the night in my book.
So I leave you with the sand routine.
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