The show opens with the entire cast dancing a Sonya Tayeh choreographed routine to "XR2" by M.I.A. I was waiting for the cast to unveil the whips and chains if you catch my drift.
The first surprise to me is that Ryan and Ricky are safe. Ryan was criticized for smiling while dancing a Christopher Scott lyrical hip-hop routine to "Ain't No Sunshine" by Lighthouse Family. (All the couples had pretty strong opening nights, so something as small as facial expressions could result in a spot in the bottom three couples.
There shouldn't have been much of a question about Melanie and Marko, who did that fantastic Travis Wall contemporary routine to "Turn to Stone" by Ingrid Michaelson. You had to think that they were safe. Afterall, Judge Nigel Lythgoe said the night before that the number was probably the first Emmy nominated routine of the season. But what about Missy and Wadi, who were also entertaining in their Sean Cheesman jazz routine to "Judas (R3HAB Remix)" by Lady Gaga? Let's not forget Ivetta and Nick's Jason Gilkison quickstep to "The Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet.
Big sigh. All three couples are safe.
Jordan and Tadd are next. They danced a Sean Cheesman African jazz routine to "Riding the Waves" by Afro Celt Sound System. They become the first couple in the bottom three.
Ashley and Chris who danced a Christopher Scott hip-hop routine to "Forget You!" by Cee Lo Green are safe.
Caitlynn, who was paired with All-Star Robert after her partner Mitchell could not compete, is next. She was fantastic in her Sonya Tayeh jazz routine to "In For the Kill" (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix) by La Roux. She's safe. Mitchell will have to dance for his life later.
Clarice and Jeff who danced a Tyce Diorio broadway routine to "Me and My Baby" by Liza Minnelli are also in the bottom three couples.
Keri Hilson performs "Lose Control." She lip syncs the performance. Next!
After the commercial break, it's time for more results. Robert and Miranda are next. They performed a Jason Gilkison jive to "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars. Sasha and Alexander are next. They danced a Travis Wall contemporary routine to "Stupid (Mark Bell mix)" by Sarah McLachlan.
Miranda and Robert are in the bottom three couples.
The Gopack dance is performed next. There is a lot of jumping and tricks, but there doesn't appear to be much dancing.
Anywho, Mitchell is first up with a routine to "Say" by John Mayer. He spends too much time posing. Jordan Casanova is next. She dances to "Hot Like Wow" by Nadia Oh. She's still too strippery for my taste.
Tadd throws in tons of tricks and fluid movements when he dances to "Jump, Jive An' Wail" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Clarice dances to "Glam" by Christina Aguilera. She has lots of tricks, and mixes in fantastic dance moves. Jess dances to "Mr. Bojangles" by Robbie Williams. As usual, he hams it up too much.
Miranda floats across the stage with a good mix of power and grace as she dances to "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" by Leona Lewis. Robert dances to "Electric" by Omarion. I honestly hope they send him home because of his annoying "Woowhoos."
The judges diliberate while Lady Gaga's newest video "The Edge Of Glory" is shown. (I'm not impressed.) It's also revealed that Lady Gaga has agreed to guest judge this season.
When we come back from commercial break, Nigel asked two of the men--Mitchell and Robert--to dance for a second time. Cat announces that this has never happened before. Both men make the most of their second try. Robert appears to hit the routine harder the second time. Mitchell still does a long pose, but does more dancing his second opportunity.
Nigel builds more tension by giving each of the contestants a quick assessment. He says Jordan is superb. "Everything you've got is just amazing," he said. He says Clarice is magnificent.
He calls Miranda's elevation remarkable. He adds that her feet are beautiful. Nigel says that Jess is "magnificent. He says Tadd is really creative. Then he calls on Robert and Mitchell. "You two guys are really good in your two styles," Nigel begins.
Then comes the moment of truth. NOBODY is going home! Everyone goes wild. My jaw drops.
Nigel brings everyone back to reality.
"Don't get too excited," he says. "Two couples will leave next week. I want to give americsa the chance to see more of you."
What did you think about this unusual turn of events? Were you as shocked as I was? Who do you think should have gone home this week. Who's in trouble next week?
