by Gina Scarpa

 

This week's episode of SYTYCD featured pop star Carly Rae Jepsen at the judges' table but pretty early on, I'm sure Nigel Lythgoe regretted inviting her. Whereas previous guests Wayne Brady, Christina Applegate, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson brought enthusiasm and constructive criticism to the (literal) table, Carly Rae had nothing to say other than she liked the routines. In that case, every viewer out there should be eligible to sit next to Mary and Nigel... well, provided they have a hit song you can't get out of your head... and have the worst pitching arm ever.

 

The bottom six this week are Mariah, Mackenzie, Jenna, Blu Print, Alan, and Curtis. The judges won't even entertain the idea of sending Jenna home so they let her know immediately that she's safe and won't have to perform her solo. After the other five show off to stay in the competition, the only thing that's clear is that Mackenzie isn't going anywhere.

 

Before we get to the eliminations, here's a look at the five best routines of the night from the Top 16!

 

5. Mackenzeie and Paul: Hip hop choreographed by Dave Scott

Besides nailing her elegant Swan Lake solo to stay in the competition, Mackenzie turned up the sexy in this Dave Scott routine about a 1930s starlet and a photographer.  She never once let it show that she was on the chopping block, and had wonderful chemistry with Paul.  He turned in a strong performance as well, and showed off his swagger.  As if the ladies didn't love him enough!

 

4. Jasmine and Aaron: Quickstep choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin

Oh, the dreaded quickstep! No couple ever wants that style. It's tough to learn and the viewers never seem to quite get on board with it. However, Jasmine and Aaron put on quite a show last night and looked like a regal couple at a 1920s bash! If they can get through that routine, they can do anything.

 

3. Hayley and Curtis: Contemporary choreographed by Dee Caspary

For some reason, I feel like the judges are trying to make a case for Curtis to leave the show next week. Are his shoulders REALLY that big of a deal? To tell you the truth, I loved this ladder routine so much that shoulders never once crossed my mind. It was inventive and unlike other routines we've seen on the show but it seems that thinking outside the box was a theme this week, which we'll see as we get to the top spot.

 

2. Amy and Fik-shun: Jazz choreographed by Tyce Diorio

Initially, I wonder if Amy was a bit hesitant to take on Fik-shun as a partner. Though he did well in Vegas, that's not necessarily an indicator of how he was going to do on the show. Boy, does he just keep exceeding expectations week after week. That being said, I do feel that they lucked out a bit with this routine since they were given a lot of freedom with the choreography. Still, this is one of my more favorite jazz routines that Tyce has choreographed and these will just keep chug, chug, chugging along on the hot tamale train.

 

1. Jenna and Tucker: Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall

The judges definitely did the right thing by saving Jenna this week. For some reason, America hasn't connected with her but hopefully, this week changed things. Travis's piece was about a woman who had lost all self control and the man who tried to help her become grounded again. Jenna danced entirely hanging from bands, which she only had one day to practice with, and both and she Tucker had a moment that will be talked about throughout the rest of this season.

 

 

At the end of the night, we said goodbye to Mariah and Blu Print, both of whom took their elimination hard.  Though Blu Print was able to keep his tears under control, Mariah let them fall freely.  No one could deny her enthusiasm for this competition and it's definitely sad to see her go.

 

 

So You Think You Can Dance airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa