TOP 18: RESULTS

Click to watch the TOP 18 GROUP DANCE

I was blown away by Mia Michael's choreography and musicality for this group dance. First off, I FREAKING LOVE STEVIE WONDER and had even thought about choreographing a solo to this song long before this episode aired. So if you couldn't guess already, I was pretty pumped.

I thought the lighting idea was brilliant and I like that the dancers were both inside and on the periphery of those spotlights. I thought they all showed great intensity and executed the staccato movements that some of the piece called for. The costuming was classy and "un-distracting" and I liked the makeup too.

Click here to see BOTTOM THREE GUYS

I was pretty bummed that Max went home before before Kupono. Kupono's solo (to Janelle Monae's "Many Moons") was the least strong of the bottom 3 guys. To me he's still a cheap imitation of my Mark Kanemura from Season 4. (Check out the link below for comparison). It had it's quirky/slightly creative moments but it lacked energy and the only thing impressive about the technique was the pirouette near the end.

Jason's solo (to Robin Thicke's "Superman") was by far the best of the season for me. I hate he landed in the bottom but I'm so glad he redeemed the solos for me. I hate seeing people go home but I love that solos let you see what music the contestants like as well as their heart, creativity and choreography styles.

Max's solo (Kenny Loggin's "Footloose") was not mind blowing but he at least looked as if he was "dancing for his life," unlike Kupono.

Mark Kanemura solo, watch at 1:05 and see similarity from the beginning of Kupono's solo.

Click here to see the BOTTOM THREE GIRLS

Caitlin's solo (to Adele's "Make You Feel My Love") was pretty superb. She has such long lines and powerful jumps. She showed some skill at musicality and her dance was very graceful.

I was also extremely upset to see Ashley go. I really liked her solo (to Coco Rosie's "By Your Side"), outfit and her 1920's style feel. It could have been a little stronger and I think she needed to come away from the stairs earlier. However, she didn't look desperate and her style was so unique. She may not have won SYTYCD, but I definitely think she went home too soon; before she was given time to really blossom.

I was really surprised by Kayla's solo (to Kerli's "Walking on Air). When I saw her first audition to Donnie 's "Blackbird" she became my first pick for making it to the show.(Watch it here). It was so quirky and unique. This solo was just too jam packed with stuff. She didn't focus on each move and was quickly switching from one idea to another.