Meet Your Season 8, So You Think You Can Dance Top 20

I haven't been blogging about this year's So You Think You Can Dance, because I didn't feel the need to waste my time writing about the auditions.  Ryan and I saw them, and nothing's different.  Well, the hot tamale train a.k.a. Mary Murphy was back, but other than that it was the same routine, as it is year after year.  There were a few we had hoped would make it, but nothing too earth shattering.  Then again, I would have been pissed if little Jess Leprotto would not have made it through - he's adorable.

This year's top 20 were chosen a wee differently this year, instead of choosing them, and waiting to the following week to see them perform, they actually revealed the contestants a handful at a time, then cut to a live studio audience on their new stage.  It was pretty spectacular way of introducing the contestants - Kudos to the producers of the show!

The first four dancers to be chosen were Melanie Moore, Sasha Mallory, Miranda Maleski, and Ricky Jamie (The Contemporary Group).  They performed to a fabulous song I never heard before, "In This Shirt" by The Irrepressibles.  Choreographing this performance was Stacey Tookey.  I absolutely loved this piece!  I'm a big fan of contemporary dancing, so this, along with a couple others, was my favorite tonight.

Next up were Chris Cole, Tadd Gadduang, Robert Taylor Jr., and Wadi Jones (The Hip Hop Group).  They performed to, "Everyday (Coolin')" by Swizz Beatz feat. Eve.  Choreographing this performance was Dave Scott.  Another excellent performance, not to mention two of my favorite boys, Tadd and Wadi were in this bunch.

Another one of my favorites of the night, Iveta Lukosiute, who had auditioned before, but never made it, finally got her chance.  She performed a ballroom number with season 3 hottie, Pasha!  They danced to Ven a Bailar (On The Floor) by Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull.  I actually like this version better than the one currently playing on the radio.

Jordan Casanova, Marko Germar, Missy Morelli, and Clarice Ordaz (The Jazz Group), danced to, "Vanguardian" by Steed Lord.  Choreographing the performance was Sonya Tayeh.  This performance had Sonya written all over it, and rightly so - it was utterly amazing.

The next two contestants I'm in love with.  It's okay Ryan knows this. :))  Jess Leprotto (Broadway) and Nick Young (Tapper) were next to learn they made it to the top 20.  They performed to "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter" by Nina Simone - never heard of it.  This performance was choreographed by Christopher Scott.  While I love the two boys, I'm not a fan of broadway or tap, but they did make it really fun - Nick is a really good Tapper.

The final 5, Caitlyn Lawson, Ryan Ramirez, Mitchell Kelly, Ashley Rich, and Alexander Fost (Another Contemporary Group), took to the stage dancing to, "Moth's Wings" by Passion Pit.  The performance was choreographed by season 2 alumni, Travis Wall - he has truly made a name for himself with the extraordinary performances he creates.

You can catch 3 more performances after the jump...

The Top 20 performed a Jazz routine to Annie Lennox's, "Little Bird," which was choreographed by The infamous Tyce Diorio.

The Top 10 Boys performed to what I think was the best performance of the night - it was incredible!  They danced to "Velocity" by Nathan Lanier.  Once again, it was choreographed by the superb talent that is Christopher Scott.

The Top 10 Girls danced to "Pop Drop & Roll," by Chonique Sneed and Lisette Bustamante.  This was choreographed by the fabulous Sonya Tayeh.  Absolutely Fabulouso performance.