"SYTYCD" Season 7: Top 9 Results

It was time for another elimination last night on “SYTYCD.” Unfortunately this meant sending home another girl contestant, Melinda Sullivan. She is a magnificent tapper, and we’re all aware of her great ability within that genre. But when performing other styles she didn’t have the technique to back-up the movement—at least in comparison to some of the other contestants.  

 

The show began with the Top 9 performing a contemporary routine choreographed by Jamel Gaines. The music, “O Furtuna” from Carmina Burana, added an intense element that Gaines and the dancers captured in the movement. I really appreciated the moments danced in unison since most of the work we see on “SYTYCD” is partner work. However, the featured duets were a pleasure to watch. 

 

Then Cat Deeley revealed a change that will begin next week: The dancers will be performing two routines, one with an all-star (someone they haven’t yet partnered with) and another routine with a fellow contestant. I’m looking forward to the contestant pairings, especially since there are only two girls remaining and we’ve now seen how amazing it can be when two boys perform together (still thinking about Alex and tWitch!).

 

The first four contestants—Alex Wong, Ashley Galvan, Adéchiké Torbert and Kent Boyd—stepped on stage ready to hear their results. Alex was a definite safe. In fact, they were all safe.

 

Then Lauren Froderman, Robert Roldan and Billy Bell awaited their results. Lauren was safe, but both Robert and Billy had a spot in the bottom three. I was not completely shocked about Robert, but Billy in the bottom three—why?  

 

The final two contestants, Melinda Sullivan and Jose Ruiz, waited in anticipation as Cat revealed the final contestant in the bottom three: Melinda. 

 

After holding our breath while listening to the results, we were now able to relax. Courtney Galiano and Mark Kanamura performed a duet choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. This couple works so well together! An intense militaristic routine performed by the cast of Cirque du Soleil’s Viva ELVIS followed. This routine was full of intensity and dynamics that were highlighted by the group’s precision. Two side-by-side duets helped break up the unison choreography. The fluidity of the movement was breath taking. 

 

Next up, the bottom three performed their solos. Billy extended through his lines showing his length and Robert used quick moments of isolation to contrast some of his larger movements. Melinda performed a capella, which really allowed us to appreciate the rhythms she was creating. I have to agree with Nigel it was great to see her “dance to the beat of her own drum.”  Sadly, we had to say goodbye. 

 

Musical artist Ne-Yo performed his single, “Beautiful Monster,” to conclude the show. I was slightly disappointed with the dancing during his performance. The girls sat for half of the song and the second half they seemed to just walk around on stage. But, I guess that was understandable as that they were wearing four inch heels. Wow! Overall his performance could have been more exciting, and I was a little confused by the choreographed “fight” between Ne-Yo and one of the male back-up dancers.  

 

We’re down to eight contestants. Make sure to tune in next week to see the exciting new changes on the show!