Kelsey McNeal/FOXThe top four dancers on So You Think You Can Dance hit the stage at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood for part one of the season-five finale.
The final four, Brandon, Evan, Jeanine and Kayla, pulled out all the stops to impress America, but two dancers in particular stood out. According to judge Nigel Lythgoe, Brandon and Jeanine are his frontrunners—so why was the crowd of 3,000 chanting Evan's name?
What'd we see tonight, and who's poised to win SYTYCD?
Jeanine's Solo: Jeanine received the first standing ovation of the night after performing her sexy samba solo. Her amazingly controlled pirouettes were jaw-dropping! Mary said, "You are peaking at the right time." Nigel thought her solo was "so brave" and "absolutely fantastic. (888-TEMPO-02)
Evan & Brandon: The men battled for the No. 1 spot in this video jazz number choreographed by Laurie Ann Gibson. Can you guess who won? This dance showed off Evan's dance skills, and that's not a compliment. Even Adam said Evan "got a little dusted." Sorry, you're not fooling us or Mary Murphy who replied that "the performance was not believable." Nigel added that "Brandon out danced [Evan]."
Kayla & Jeanine: Mia Michaels did these girls right tonight. The pair was set on a journey across the stage, stripping away layers of their clothes. It was truly a chance for each girl to shine, while showing how much stronger they are together. Adam thought it "was like watching two thoroughbreds racing." Mary thought they "laid their heart[s] and soul[s] out there on the stage."
Evan's Solo: Evan was meant to "bring the thunder," but did he? Compared with Brandon, he didn't even make it drizzle. Adam thought he "took a risk," while Mary thought it was "unique." Nigel broke Evan's heart when he said, "If we're looking for the No. 1 tonight, in my opinion, it isn't you." (888-TEMPO-03)
Kayla & Evan: Poor kids. Their final chance to prove something to America and they did it in cowboy boots and fringe. Tony Meredith gave them a country-style jive that did not showcase their abilities. Frankly, it looked like Evan was enjoying himself, but that's because it seemed like Kayla was leading. "I'm not sure that was a finale-level routine," said Adam. Mary thought Evan wasn't very strong, while Nigel said they both came out with guns blazing, which prompted the crowd to shout, "Evan! Evan!"
Kayla's Solo: White Lightning couldn't have been more on form than tonight. While Adam said her "solo was fine, but didn't show who you are," he also said she was one of the best dancers he has ever seen. "Simply and plainly, you are gifted," said Mary. Nigel revealed that Kayla was actually the first person put through to the top 20. (888-TEMPO-04)
Jeanine & Brandon: These kids tore the house down with a very fast, intense Louis van Amstel pasodoble, which brought the judges and audience to their feet. "The movement never ended," said Adam. Mary's traditional scream came out after saying it was a very believable portrayal of the dance style. Nigel actually got to his feet, screaming like Mary, saying, "You really did carry it off."
Who do you think is going to win the fifth season of So You think You Can Dance? Vote in our poll below and then tell us why in comments.
So You Think You Can Dance Season Five Finale Poll
________
Who's the best dancer in So You Think You Can Dance history? Vote here!