Lady Gaga joins the judges’ panel as the Top 8 take to the stage on So You Think You Can Dance Season 8. Episode 18 aired on July 27, 2011.
All-Star Performances
For their first performances, each of the Top 8 dancers partnered with an all-star. Sasha and Pasha opened the show with the dreaded quickstep, after which Nigel named Sasha his favorite dancer in the competition.
Next, Caitlynn performed a swave hip hop routine with all-star Ivan. She received a few critiques from the judges. However, Lady Gaga said that they had a magical connection. Tyce Diorio choreographed a sneaky, snazzy jazz routine for Jordan and all-star Ade. The judges called it “fun,” and couldn’t stop talking about the flexibility in Jordan’s legs.
Melanie and all-star Neil received a standing ovation for their contemporary routine. Not only did Gaga name Melanie her favorite dancer in the competition, she claimed “I would hired you to dance on my tour tomorrow.” Looks like Melanie has a bright future ahead of her.
Next, Ricky and all-star Anya performed the jive. The other guest judge, Rob Marshall, noted that Ricky dances with so much joy, and has out-of-this-world technique. Jess and all-star Lauren G. followed up with a hip hop routine. Mary Murphy said it was Jess’s most honest performance.
Nigel was in awe of b-boy Tadd during his jazz routine with all-star Lauren F. He picks up choreography like a professionally trained dancer. Closing the all-star portion of the show was Marko and all-star Allison. Their Sonya Tayeh contemporary piece had Lady Gaga in tears: “I’m so proud of you.”
Contestant Duets
Caitlynn and Tadd teamed up for a foxtrot. While Mary called their performance beautiful and elegant, she said it wasn’t very memorable. Marko returned to the stage with Ricky for an all-male hip hop routine, which the judges couldn't say enough about, followed by Jordan and Jess with a rumba, which received poor reviews from Nigel.
Melanie and Sasha closed the show with a Sonya Tayeh jazz routine that had everyone on their feet. Lady Gaga called it the performance of the evening.
Unfortunately, we said goodbye to two amazing dancers this week: Broadway boy Jess and jazz diva Jordan.
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