The Counting Crows concert at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, Massachusetts on August 14th is a true exception. We therefore feel we have to provide a review so those planning to attend can assess if this concert is worth the price of admission.

We eagerly anticipated this concert and paid much more than we have in the past to see the Counting Crows, because we expected to see a spectacular band and a man with an amazing voice belt out a few of our favorites combined with some jamming, twists and magic. In all the shows we have attended in the past, half a dozen in total, we always experienced pretty much what we expected, without fail. They would deliver on their talent and allow the audience to enjoy many of their superb selection of songs while also demonstrating their diversity and personality in their live performance. In all of these shows, it was evident; you were seeing the Counting Crows at their best.

Sadly, in this show in Hyannis, the band was almost nonexistent. Their music became static noise in the background on a radio station. It disappeared like the parts painted over in an errant piece of artwork. It was as though the Counting Crows weren’t even present, and we were at the concert to listen to bad rap music by rapper NOTA and karaoke vocals of Counting Crows tunes by guest band Augustana.

It appears that the lead, Adam Duritz, was completely hammered drunk during the performance. He appeared barely able to stand, stumbling about the stage like a boob. This man that we had respected so, that had belted out unbelievable vocal performances in the past demonstrating how great he can be, could barely remember a single lyric.

The combination of noise led to the destruction of even the best of songs this band performs. They even destroyed “Rain King” by interjecting a bad Beatles sing-along with nearly 2 dozen noisemakers singing along on stage. We never got to hear the actual lyrics, only the chorus used to play out this sadly hysterical presentation.

We paid $60 per ticket for this concert, when, in retrospect, it wasn’t worth going out of our way to attend for free. A drunk, a rapper and a much lesser band all combined to create a horrific and boring experience. Had we been asked, we may have paid even more just to make them stop.

This lazy group of untalented noise makers may have fooled some of the audience, but this long time fan will never attend a Counting Crows concert again. They were, in the only word that can describe their performance in the English language, LOUSY, and it was primarily because they were also lazy and either didn’t care about their audience or took them for granted at $60 a pop.

More Photos via DBFANSITE on Flickr

Along with the album comes the official websites where fans can interact and get latest updates from the said artists.

Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox’ websites are up and running- now open for ‘business’! Lee is scheduled to have an album release this Fall 2010 while Crystal is soon to follow before the year closes.

Who will sell more records remains to be seen?!

They include Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic “D-trix” Sandoval.

New Season, new rules with only 10 dancer’s competing instead of 20 in previous seasons; Season 7 promises to be all twists and surprises.

Cat Deeley remains as host this season.
 

“Twitch” Boss, specializing in Hip-Hop, Krump, Popping, and Locking, was the Season 4 runner-up

Comfort Fedoke, specializing in Hip-Hop, Krump, Popping, and Locking, was a Top 8 finalist from Season 4

Pasha Kovalev, specializing in Ballroom standard and Ballroom Latin, was a Top 6 finalist from Season 3

Ade Obayomi, specializing in Contemporary, Jazz, Cultural, and Broadway, was a Top 6 finalist from Season 5

Allison Holker, specializing in Jazz, Contemporary, Broadway, Disco, and Cultural, was a Top 8 finalist from Season 2

Lauren Gottlieb, specializing in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, and Broadway, was a Top 6 finalist from Season 3

Neil Haskell, specializing in Jazz, Contemporary, Broadway, Disco, and Cultural, was a Top 3 finalist from Season 3

Courtney Galiano, specializing in Jazz, Broadway, Cultural, Disco, and Contemporary, was a Top 4 finalist from Season 4

Dominic “D-trix” Sandoval, specializing in Hip-Hop and Breaking, was a Top 8 finalist from Season 3

Anya Garnis, specializing in Ballroom Standard and Ballroom Latin, was a Top 12 finalist from Season 3

Kathryn McCormick, specializing in Jazz, Contemporary, Broadway, and Cultural, was a Top 3 finalist from Season 6

Twelve former SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE show favorites are set to return to summer’s No. 1 series as All-Star Dance Partners. Skilled in various dance styles from Krump to Contemporary, the Season Seven All-Star Dance Partners are: Stephen tWitch Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic Sandoval. Each week, finalists will be partnered with a different All-Star dancer.

As previously announced, America’s favorite summer series returns for its seventh season Thursday, May 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX with some exciting new twists, including 10 finalists competing and only one dancer eliminated per week.

The 12 All-Stars are …

STEPHEN “tWitch”BOSS

Representing: Hip Hop / Popping / Locking / Krump

Appeared: Season 4 (runner-up)

Memorable Routine: “Forever,” a Hip Hop number choreographed by Dave Scott and performed with Comfort Fedoke

Stephen “tWitch” Boss was half of the partnership in the “Mercy” dance that earned choreographer Mia Michaels an Emmy nomination. This summer, he will star in “Step Up 3-D,” and he soon plans to begin working with the Dizzy Feet Foundation. Currently, Boss belongs to the dance troupes “Breed OCLA” and “Chill Factor Crew.”

COMFORT FEDOKE

Representing: Hip Hop / Krump / Popping / Locking

Appeared: Season 4 ( Top 8 )

Memorable Routine: “Party People,” a Hip Hop number choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo and performed with Mark Kanemura

Comfort Fedoke attended Booker T. Washington Performing Arts High School in Dallas, TX, where she was a featured dancer on the local dance television show, “Dallas Dance Club 21.” Fedoke has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Brian Friedman, Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, Chuck Maldonado, Miley Cyrus and Rosero, and has appeared on GLEE.

COURTNEY GALIANO

Representing: Jazz / Broadway / Cultural / Disco / Contemporary

Appeared: Season 4 (Top 4)

Memorable Routine: “The Garden,” a Jazz number choreographed by Sonya Tayeh and performed with Mark Kanemura

Courtney Galiano began her career as a New York Knicks City Dancer. Galiano has appeared in national television commercials and danced in music videos for Adam Lambert, Kat DeLuna and Daddy Yankee. Galiano loaned her voice talents to “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” performed in the television movie “Camp Rock 2” and appeared on GLEE and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”

ANYA GARNIS
Representing: Ballroom Standard / Ballroom Latin

Appeared: Season 3 (Top 12)

Memorable Routine: “Girlfriend,” a Jive choreographed by Tony Meredith and performed with Danny Tidwell

Anya Garnis is currently a guest choreographer for SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE’s U.S. and Australian versions, and has been a featured guest dancer on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Superstars of Dance.” Her credits also include the Emmy Awards, the Academy Awards and the series “True Blood.” Last fall, Garnis made her Broadway debut in “Burn The Floor” and toured the globe with the production.

LAUREN GOTTLIEB

Representing: Jazz / Hip Hop / Contemporary / Broadway

Appeared: Season 3 (Top 6)

Memorable Routine: “Night of the Dancing Flame,” a Jazz number choreographed by Wade Robson and performed with Neil Haskell

Lauren Gottlieb has worked with Shakira and Mariah Carey, and has appeared in “Hannah Montana: The Movie” with Miley Cyrus. Her television credits include GLEE, “The Ghost Whisperer,” “Nip/Tuck” and “Teen Choice 2009,” as well as commercials for Subway, AT&T, Old Navy and Nike. She recently completed work assisting Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo on the choreography for Cirque Du Soleil’s “Viva ELVIS.”

NEIL HASKELL

Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Disco / Cultural

Appeared: Season 3 (Top 3)

Memorable Routine: “Are You The One,” a Contemporary number choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed with Danny Tidwell

Before competing on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, Neil Haskell worked with Twyla Tharp on Broadway’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Shortly thereafter, Haskell landed a role in the television movie “The American Mall.” His theater credits also include the off-Broadway production of “Altar Boyz,” the original Broadway cast of “9 to 5” and “Girl Crazy” at New York’s legendary City Center.

ALLISON HOLKER

Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Disco / Cultural

Appeared: Season 2 ( Top 8 )

Memorable Routine: “Why,” a Contemporary number choreographed by Tyce Diorio and performed with Ivan Koumaev

Allison Holker has been dancing since she was nine years old. Holker was featured in the tap dance show “Revolution” in New York and performed in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Her television credits also include “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2.” Most recently, she performed and toured with “Ballroom with a Twist,” which was choreographed by Louis Van Amstel.

MARK KANEMURA

Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Cultural

Appeared: Season 4 (Top 6)

Memorable Routine: “Beautiful,” a Contemporary number choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed with Chelsie Hightower

Since competing on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and performing in the nationwide tour, Kanemura has toured with Lady Gaga, performed on “America’s Got Talent” and the “61st Primetime Emmy Awards” and appeared in several music videos and commercials. His stage credits include “The Nutcracker,” “Sweet Charity,” “The King and I,” “Grease,” “Tommy” and “Gypsy.”

PASHA KOVALEV

Representing: Ballroom Standard / Ballroom Latin

Appeared: Season 3 (Top 6)

Memorable Routine: “Let’s Get Loud,” a Cha Cha choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin and performed with Jessie Peralta

Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha Kovalev started dancing at age eight. Following a successful career in ballroom competition, he made appearances on several television shows, including SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, “Dancing with the Stars” and “Superstars of Dance.” He has choreographed for both the U.S. and Australian versions of DANCE and recently starred in the Broadway cast and touring company versions of “Burn The Floor.”

KATHRYN McCORMICK

Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Cultura

Appeared: Season 6 (Top 3)

Memorable Routine: “At This Moment,” a Contemporary number choreographed by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden and performed with Jakob Karr

Kathryn McCormick began competing in her home state of Georgia at an early age with her local dance studio team, “Augusta West.” During her junior year of high school, she was invited to join the Tremaine Dance Convention’s Apprentice Company. In late 2008, she secured her first professional role as a supporting dancer in the “Fame” remake. McCormick was also chosen to dance on this year’s Academy Awards.

ADE OBAYOMI

Representing: Contemporary / Jazz / Cultural / Broadway

Appeared: Season 5 (Top 6)

Memorable Routine: “This Woman’s Work,” a Contemporary number choreographed by Tyce Diorio and performed with Melissa Sandvig

Arizona native Ade Obayomi has toured with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal and appeared in the film “A Diva’s Christmas Carol.” His love of dance earned him a scholarship to Chapman University, where he also studied sound engineering. He recently performed on the 2010 Grammy Awards with Beyoncé, appeared in the music video for Rihanna’s “Hard” and was a featured dancer on Alicia Keys’ world tour.

DOMINIC “D-trix” SANDOVAL

Representing: Hip Hop / Breaking

Appeared: Season 3 ( Top 8 )

Memorable Routine: “Make It Work,” a Hip Hop number choreographed by Shane Sparks and performed with Sabra Johnson

Dominic “D-trix” Sandoval started b-boying in 1999 at the age of 13, and joined the Flexible Flav crew in 2000 to tour and compete with them. Sandoval was part of Quest Crew, who won Season Three of “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew.” He currently travels and performs around the world, and has performed for Ellen DeGeneres, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Pitbull, Sean Kingston and Donna Summer.

Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan are back as judges while David Hasselholff is out and is replaced by Howie Mandel, a Canadian stand-up comic more known for his stint as host in “Deal or No Deal.”

Nick Cannon will be back as host.

In case some of you missed, Simon Cowell is the creator and executive producer of America’s Got Talent.

It is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers of all ages. The last talent standing gets US$1 million, payable in a financial annuity over forty years (or the present cash value of such annuity), and a show as the headliner on the Las Vegas Strip. The show debuted in June 2006. (wikipedia)

Reality TV star Kate Gosselin, TV icon Shannen Doherty, Astronaut (The) Buzz Aldrin and the latest Bachelor, Jake Pavelka, are among the 11 new celebrities who will hit the floor on Season 10 of Dancing with the Stars.

Dancing host Tom Bergeron and Season 8 finalist Melissa Rycroft revealed the cast of Dancing with the stars Season 10 during Monday’s season finale of The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love. The celeb-dancer pairings will be announced on TUESDAY March 2.

The rest of the cast are: Aiden Turner, Soap Opera Star, Chad Ochocinco, NFL wide receiver, Erin Andrews, sports reporter, Olympic Gold Medal Winner and World Figure Skating Champion Evan Lysacek, Model, actress, and entrepreneur, Pamela Anderson, host and producer of the Style Network’s home makeover show, Clean House, Niecy Nash, and The Pussycat Doll’s Nicole Scherzinger.

Don’t miss the premiere!

LIVE 2-Hour DANCING WITH THE STARS
Premiere Event Monday, March 22 at 8|7c on ABC

Surprise, surprise John Park comes in 4th with 18,370 fans. If we were judging based on his dry “God Bless the Child” Top 24 performance, we would have booted him and saved Joe Munoz instead! Poor Joe, he showed very little exposure on Idol that his cute Jason Mraz “You and I Both” didn’t save him from being cut. He’s got 2,049 fans on Facebook. Fifth in line with most fans is teeny-bopper crush material Aaron Kelly with 17,269.

Didn’t the judges openly admit they want a girl to win this year? While Facebook fan numbers isn’t necessarily a good predictor of who is going to win this season or who is leading on the Idol stage, it is somewhat close an indicator on who will at least make it to the top 12 to go on tour! The low turnout of fan numbers may also very well say that if something as easy as clicking a button on Facebook (“become a fan”) couldn’t do it, then people are not going to spend time and money to text the contestants number or push the dial on the phone.

The Top 12 American Idol Contestants based on number of Facebook fans:

Guys:

1. Andrew Garcia (35,513)
2. Casey James (23,583)
3. John Park (18,370)
4. Aaron Kelly (17,269)
5. Tim Urban (10,449) really? we thought he should “apologize” for his sloppy performance on AI night.
6. Lee DeWyze (8,211) dark horse among the guys!
7. Jermaine Sellers (6,250)

Girls:

1. Katie Stevens (20,255) sing contemporary, age appropriate songs and you’ll keep the lead.
2. Crystal Bowersox (9,810) the rocker mom’s got the nod!
3. Didi Benami (8,404) If you have the urge, please do not sing Colbie Caillat or Sara Bareilles, UNLESS you make a new arrangement of the songs; they’re too SAFE and easy and they’ve been so overplayed people are tired of hearing their songs. Surprise us!
4. Lacey Brown (7,019) she better do well on her next performance. the audience might not be forgiving the second time!
5. Siobhan Magnus (6,095) – dark horse among the girls!
6. Katelyn Epperly (5,144)
7. Lilly Scott (3,085) we think she should be in the top 12 but perhaps she is too “Indie” for an Idol platform so she’s not getting enough fans?

A twist is that Tyler Grady (8,191) has more fans than Jermaine or Alex and he was cut. Janell Wheeler (3,126) and Ashley Rodriguez (4,548) have more fans than Lilly Scott and they were both cut. If it isn’t too early to predict that the next to go are Michael Lynche (1,258): he’s a mediocre a capable singer really but lacks star quality; his backstory brought him to the Top 24 and/or Todrick Hall (4,353): takes too much risks! and or Alex Lambert (4,852): too uncomfortable on stage; can’t fight off the nerves and it shows in his face!

The next to go in the girls might or could be Michelle Delamor (1,559), too sound-alike, good voice but not enough and or Paige Miles (3,816): Simon really likes her but a lot of people do not know her well. Like Michelle, she didn’t get enough exposure during the audition and Hollywood week and or Haeley Vaughn (2,088): Haeley, dear Haeley, we would have voted you off based on that shrilly “I want to hold your hand” performance. You are the weakest link.

Any of them could go and they will not be missed on the Idol stage… Prove us wrong you guys!

Dress to impress!

Doors open at 8:00AM

Be prepared to stay for an extra TWO DAYS for potential callbacks.

* Schedule subject to change. Keep checking FOX.com/dance for the latest information regarding audition details, music options and for all audition updates.

LOCATIONS & DATES:

Miami, FL
Monday, January 18, 2010
COMPLETED

New York, NY
Monday, January 25, 2010
COMPLETED

Dallas, TX
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
6405 Boaz Lane
Dallas, Texas 75205

Nashville, TN
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Acuff Theatre
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

Chicago, IL
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601

Los Angeles, CA
Friday, March 26, 2010
Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Dancers must be either a US citizen or legal permanent resident of the US, possess a current legal Employment Authorization Card enabling him/her to seek employment freely in the US (i.e., without restrictions as to employer) by the date specified in the eligibility rules. Dancers must be no younger than 18 or older than 30 years of age on the first day they register for auditions. Any dancer who is a minor in his/her state of residence must also have a parent or legal guardian sign all required documents. Dancers must provide legal, valid proof of age when they register for auditions. Check Fox.com/dance for full eligibility rules.

Go, BUY a copy!

“American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is back in pop music’s most powerful court, and we hereby plead guilty to a first-degree obsession,” writes Maxim.

Brace yourselves…

How did you go from songwriter to American Idol superjudge?

They were looking for a fourth judge, and they wanted to add someone who was in the industry. Plus, I’m known to be ballsy and outspoken. They knew I wouldn’t clam up and go under the desk. Although I did want to, believe me!

Meet the 11 competitors vying for the $1 million prize:

Brent and Caite, Dating Models

Carol and Brandy, Dating

Dana and Adrian, High School Sweethearts/Married

Jet and Cord, Brothers/Cowboys

Jody and Shannon, Grandmother/Granddaughter

Joe and Heidi, Married

Dan and Jordan, Brothers

Jordan and Jeff, Newly Dating

Louie and Michael, ­Detectives

Monique and Shawne, Moms/Attorneys

Steve and Allison, Father/Daughter

What was weird was they didn’t show his entire performance and was shown too quick, Justin playing the piano and crooning the last lines of his song. When he was done, he seemed both pleased and relieved but maybe he looked too cocky for the judges?? Randy was the only one shown commenting: “Interesting” and that was the end of that clip. He’s a goner. Will he try again next year or would he be too proud to come back the third time?

If you think you’ve heard the name before or that he looks somewhat familiar, it is because you have seen him last season! So why do the judges act like they have never seen him or heard him before?

Justin Williams 27, from Sandy, Utah, a Vocal Coach wasn’t given much attention and airtime in Season 8 auditions even though he made to the next round. Idol focused too much on Danny Gokey…

To refresh everyone’s memory, he was part of the “White Chocolate” group with Kris Allen, India Morrison and Matt Giraud who made it to round 2 in Hollywood singing Jackson 5′s “I Want you Back.”

Now he comes back with his own sob story having survived cancer. While serving on a mission in Spain 7 years ago, he found out he had cancer and had to undergo several surgeries and chemotherapy for 6 months. Now he is cancer free! Similar to Danny Gokey (Grieving husband, “dead wife”), Idol will use this background story to promote him whether he likes it or not. Hence, he will be known as the “cancer guy” for the duration of this Idol season and because of that, he might just make it to Top 10!

It is very interesting that the judges including Ryan Seacrest did not mention that he auditioned before. They always say something like it every time a contestant is back the second or the third time around to audition! Even Kara Dio Guardi exclaimed: “I’m gonna remember you!” Randy Jackson agrees. Ah yeah, you guys have seen him before. Stop playing pretend. The producers are hoping viewers will forget, give him a fresh look, sob story and repackage into this very likeable guy. Brilliant, eh? He sang the getting old “Feeling Good” in his Season 9 auditions.

Justin Williams is playing smart too. Unlike Danny Gokey who when we Googled last year was unheard of online, Justin already has established himself on the web with an “Official” website complete with links to his Facebook, Twitter, Blog and YouTube accounts. Of course, he already is somewhat ‘popular’ in his city in Utah but Idol could bring him worldwide fame and recognition. He’s got the female votes. He is good looking, model material and he can sing. We’ll see.

www.JustinWilliams.com
www.JasonLeonardPhotography.com

We knew were were out of sync a bit with the judges on this show when Nigel called Krump “sedentary”. We sincerely recommend that Nigel get a dictionary and thesaurus or to just stop trying to use big words.

The dances were all excellent this week, but we have to disagree with the judges on some of their criticisms. Let’s start with the couple dances and leave the solos to the end.

ROUND 1:

Ryan and Noelle – This was a contemporary piece choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon and music by Melanie Fiona- “Give it To Me Right”. Ryan, as always, was incredibly handsome and captivating with his personality. Noelle shocked us and gets the ranking of the most cosmetically changed dancer this week. In prior weeks we saw her as rather dull. This week she was hot. This dance brought out her sexiness along with a new do that really got our attention. The couple together are extremely sexy and danced this piece with spark. The theme was an office pursuit by the boss (Ryan) that ends up with a harassment suit. Well, if Noelle acted like this in person in the office, no one could blame Ryan. She smoked this. Ryan was the penultimate partner. But he wasn’t the central focus of this pairing. Both were in sync perfectly when they had to be, though, and Ryan clearly helped Noelle shine. The guitar playing of the dance was corny, but the rest was sheer sexuality and talent. Nigel called it last week saying Noelle wasn’t sexy enough. He changed his tune this week, as did we. She has the capability of playing the vixen. Dance was superb. (9/10)

Ashleigh and Legacy – We like these two as independent dancers. We aren’t sure about this pairing. So it is good they got a dance that did not play them as close partners, but as cooperative singles. The dance reminded us of the video game street fighters. The theme was to have the couple battling each other physically, and it brings to mind some of the somewhat corny karate scenes on TV on shows such as “Alias”. It was interesting choreography presented by Gary Stuart. Both Ashleigh and Legacy were in perfect sync, and played their combative roles perfectly. Contemporary is not Ashleigh’s style, but you would never know it from this dance. The ending was perfect with Ashleigh standing facing Legacy, but holding his legs as he stood rigidly on his head, something that we mere humans could never do.The dance was excellent, but there were more to come that were just as stellar, so going this early in the show could have this excellent piece go a bit into obscurity. (9/10)

Katherine and Nathan – We found this to be a superb Broadway piece choreographed by Danny Kaye. It had an old world feel from days of the great musicals like Oklahoma or West Side Story. This was more romantic though like a Fred Astaire movie. It started off great, and Nathan was moving well, keeping his happy character in tune with the dance. Katherine was the stronger performer. She looked flawless and beautiful at the same time. A true leading lady. Nathan, while dancing quite well, does not go with Katherine. It looks like a sixteen year old courting a 24 year old in a dance where the man should be leading. He can dance it, but he can’t play the part convincingly, which is key to Broadway. This was a fun piece, fun to watch, but Nathan lacked charisma. (8/10)

Ellenore and Jakob – Ellenore has a major quirkiness about her and we love the personality she brings to the dance floor. She reminds of Cheryl Burke from Dancing with the Stars. At first Jakob didn’t look the part, but man, can this guy move. Usually we don’t comment on the speed of a man’s legs in dance, but Jakob’s move at the speed of light. Ellenore has a way of looking nearly perfect on the floor. Great smile, fantastic hair and posture. She kept right up with Jakob on this dance and they partnered wonderfully. The chemistry we thought couldn’t be there- was there in spades, to which we give kudos to Ellenore. The couple was smiling ear to ear throughout and had us smiling as well by the time this dance was done. (9/10)

Mollee and Russell – This was a lyrical jazz piece that was choreographed by Mandy Moore. It is a beautiful piece, but blurs the lines between contemporary and jazz. It started off with a touching embrace, with incredible feeling, We have to give Russell an A for effort on this piece. He does an overhead lift and shows diversity way beyond his untrained Krump background. Still, we watched this twice to see if we were wrong after the judges praised him and, well, he was awkward. While he didn’t drop the ball and fought his way through, he didn’t leave us feeling we had watched a professional. Mollee looked mature well beyond her age. Perfect performance by Mollee. (8/10)

Round 2

Noelle and Ryan – This was a graceful waltz, and Ryan was, as usual, at his best at ballroom style. They provided the Cinderella experience for us all, and lifted us gracefully into a clouded world of fantasy in which we fell asleep. It is very difficult to get into a waltz after some of the powerful artwork and personal expression that comes out of a contemporary dance. Probably why the contemporary dancers tend to take the lead season after season, and why ballroom dances eventually fall short. Still this was a nearly perfect waltz. (8/10)

Kathryn and Nathan – A rumba choreographed by Tony and Melanie did not leave us standing nor did it give us any goose bumps. Nathan was frowning and portraying an angry character throughout trying to be intimidating and just came across as silly. At the end when being judged he kept on this angry foolish face. We think he danced well, but character is as important as posture in this competition and he did not portray the leading man well. Not believable at all. Kathryn on the other hand was stunning and flawless. Loved her. Once again, we hope she is not associated with Nathan’s less than stellar performance. (7/10)

Ashleigh and Legacy – Time to bring out an old theme. The vampire. Legacy came out with his cape dressed like the Count, but, unlike Dracula, was unable to turn them into a pair of wings in this piece. His cape certainly contributed to the problem taking away his ability to perform his more exciting moves in this dance, but his lack of training showed as well. Ashleigh was flawless and for her sake, we hope the audience didn’t notice Legacy or associate him with her performance. (7/10)

Ellenore and Jacob – This was an extremely quirky contemporary piece which fit Ellenore to a T choreographed by Sonya. It also allowed Jacob to show how well he can act. When he stands still before the judges he looks effeminate and humble. But when he had to play a dark character, he shows he has acting down. Unlike Legacy and Nathan, he is believable in his portrayal of a character. He has chemistry with anyone, but the chemistry in this piece was stunning. You would have thought they had danced it a million times. They played off of Ellenore’s move and pause technique and had many moments with Ellenore still portraying her character. Her facial expression and personality shine through. She has become our most memorable girl. And Jacob stole the show from all the other men. He looked fearful and dark, in direct contrast to his true character. This was the best of season so far and possibly the best of all time on this show. If you missed it, and watch it now!! (10/10)

Mollie and Russell – Man, who would want to follow up Eleanor and Jakob’s piece. What can one do but be perfect? This was a standard rock dance and required a ton of energy to pull off. And these two dancers are all energy. This brought Russell back onto our best liked list after his last dance, which the judges liked, but we were less impressed with. Russell’s lifts, throws and enthusiasm ruled this dance. He was both fun and exciting to watch. They nailed this performance, and if not for Ellenore and Jakob, would have been the best of the night. (9.8/10)

Solos:

Mollee – Mollee always does her solo’s well. She looks so young it is disconcerting and hard, at times, to take seriously. But when she dances, watch out. She is a firestorm. She did a sexy solo, shaking about curly locks obscuring her face and her youth. Wearing jeans that looked to be sure were painted on, she still pulled off flex moves that would challenge a rubber band. She is the most athletic of the girl’s this season and clearly has the most energy. It showed and she had a great solo. (9/10)

Noelle – We found Noelle incredibly sexy in her first couples dance, but in her solo she was back a bit to her cutesy look. She needs to pick sexier outfits for her solo or it is hard to be drawn to her. She can dance superbly, but it felt like this solo wasn’t quite up to Mollee’s. Still, this lady can stand on her toes wile pirouetting and that shows signs of hard training and a background in ballet. (8/10)

Ryan – Now, ballroom dancers always have a weakness in solo’s. They cannot typically dance with the strength and diversity of a trained contemporary or jazz dancer. It appears impossible for a ball room dancer to win this competition. Ryan, though, has this major charisma that carries him beyond the dance. In this dance he came across as a superhero. And we expect he could be in the next Superman musical. Unfortunately, his moves are more theatrical than challenging. (8/10)

Kathryn – Kathryn is all grace. She can move with strength, but you are captivated more by her ability to mesmerize you with smooth elegance. However, in this solo, she did not thrill us. It didn’t have that edge required for competition. (7/10)

Russell – Of course, Russell does Krump. Nigel said it was sedentary. WE hope he was joking. This was powerful. We have not really understood krump until now, and we can tell you, Russell defines it. (10/10)

Nathan - No doubt Nathan is one of the most talented dancers on this show, but he has a personality that does not appeal. He overdoes things, crying at the end of the dance and making frowning angry faces throughout his solo. It turned us off. (7/10)

Ellenore- If quirkiness could win this competition, Eleanor has that in spades. Her movements are so unexpected at times and her jerky movements are her trademark. A quick move and a pause. Then another. Then another. All providing the viewer a chance to view her position. However, Eleanor is not as talented a dancer as Noelle or Kathryn when it comes to solos. (7/10)

Legacy - We have seen some great break dancers on this show. Legacy is better than any of them. Some of his moves just don’t seem humanly possible. His solos are incredible to watch and in this lies his strength. No one is more fun to watch or more amazing. At the end you are just shaking your head and wondering how he does it. (10/10)

Ashleigh - What is most amazing about Ashleigh is the character she becomes when dancing. When you look at her standing still, she isn’t much to look at. But when she dances, she takes on a different aura. Her legs are fast, surely, but not as fast as some dancers from prior years. But her ability to draw us in during her dancing and her sexiness is unquestionable She comes across as in control and fearless. This is where she is meant to be. (9/10)

Jakob - If we were to have to set the odds in Las Vegas for the most probable to win this competition, Jakob is it. He isn’t assuming and is so incredibly talented. While he has a bit of an effeminate personality, it isn’t overplayed and he is lovable and graceful in personality. But when he dances, well, there is no one this season that holds a candle to him. (10/10)

That leaves it time to put our dancers in place.

1. Jakob
2. Ellenore
3. Mollie
4. Noelle
5. Russell
6. Ashleigh
7. Ryan
8. Kathryn
9. Legacy
10. Nathan

This is how we think it will play out. Nathan gets to the bottom not for his talent or dancing as much as his personality. Legacy showed major cracks in his ability to do other than break dancing. We cannot see him winning the competition, and he could go as well, but we figure he has a much bigger following because of his superhuman tricks during the solos. Kathryn was great, but was impacted in our judgement by Nathan and drawn down the list. Ryan is great and fun to watch, but so far behind Jakob and not growing as impressively as Russell. We don’t believe we need to explain the rest other than to say if Jakob doesn’t get hit by a truck, he already won the season.

There you go.

The Music for this episode:

Nappytabs hip hop (Noelle & Ryan):  “Give It To Me Right” Music By: Melanie Fiona

Gary Stuart contemporary (Ashleigh & Legacy): “Poison” Music By: The Prodigy

Mollee’s solo: “Rock the Beat” Music By: LM*AO

Russell’s solo: “Outros” Music By: Black Milk

Spencer Liff Broadway (Kathryn & Nathan): “Choreography” Music By: Danny Kaye

Noelle’s solo: “Everytime It Rains” Music By: Charlotte Martin

Tony & Melanie quickstep (Elleanore & Jakob): “Four Brothers” Music By: Manhattan Transfer

Ryan’s solo: “Rock You Like a Hurricane” Music By: Scorpion

Kathryn’s solo: “Beautiful” Music By: Bethany Dillon

Mandy Moore: lyrical jazz (Mollee & Russell): “It Must Have Been Love” Music By: Roxette

Nathan’s solo: “Golden Train” Music By: Justin Nozuka

JT and Tomas smooth waltz (Noelle & Ryan): “Jeaux d’eau” Music By: Cirque du Soleil O Soundtrack

Elleanore’s solo: “Beatbox Harmonica” Music By: Yuri Lane

Dave Scott hip hop (Ashleigh & Legacy): “Slow Down” Music By: Bobby Valentino

Tony & Melanie rumba (Kathryn & Nathan): “Walk On By”  Music By: Aretha Franklin

Legacy’s solo: “No Air” Music By: Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown

Sonya Tayeh contemporary (Elleanore & Jakob): “Tore My Heart” Music By: OONA & Dave Tweedie

Ashleigh’s solo: “Batucada Por Favor” Music By: Bob Azzam

Anya & Pasha jive (Mollee & Russell): “Land of 1,000 Dances” Music By: Jimmy Barnes

Jakob’s solo: “Always Midnight” acoustic Music By: Pat Monahan