I can’t believe that we are now at the So You Think You Can Dance performance finale, dance fans. Last time, we said goodbye to Team Street’s Megan “Megz” Alfonso and Team Stage’s Jim Nowakowski. That means there are just four dancers still competing to be crowned this season’s champion: Jana “JaJa” Vankova, Hailee Payne, Virgil Gadson and Gaby Diaz.
Is your favorite going to shine as the finale approaches?
Get ready, people. This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
Cat Deeley, who manages to always look polished, tells us that the top four dancers will perform duets and solos. I must admit that I am a bit confused because I thought that two dancers were being eliminated. Sorry about that! Now let’s greet our judges: Paula Abdul, Jason Derulo and Nigel Lythgoe.
So You Think You Can Dance Recap: The Top 6 Dance and Two Go Home >>>
Hailee and JaJa
Hip-Hop choreographed by Nick Bass and Misha Gabriel
This routine is about two criminals running from a crime scene. I love this performance, and Hailee holds her own with JaJa. Nigel tells the girls that they “have stolen his heart.” Paula calls it a fun routine.
Gaby and Virgil
Lyrical Hip-Hop choreographed by Phillip Chbeeb
This piece is about a man who must let go of his memories of a past love. It features tons of intricate partnering and parts of it involve a lot of floor work. Paula calls the duo “brilliant.” Jason raves about how amazing the lifts were, and I agree with him.
Gaby and JaJa
Jazz choreographed by Nick Florez and RJ Durell
This ambitious number is about the duality of human nature. I am not in love with this routine. I think that the story is rather muddled, although the ladies dance very well. Nigel feels that JaJa needs to relax and also point her toes. Nigel also makes the bold prediction that either JaJa or Gaby will win the competition. Paula praises the strength of both the dancers and how well they worked together.
Virgil and JaJa
Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey
This emotional routine is about a couple separating, and it is beautiful and simple. Nigel compliments their performance ability, even though their lack of training sometimes shows through. Jason commends their discipline and hard work.
Virgil and Hailee
Broadway choreographed by Josh Bergasse
This piece is about a noisy drummer and the poor tenant who lives beneath him. I like the acrobatic moves in this routine, and Virgil really holds my attention. Paula compliments the pair’s timing and the fun quality of the routine. Jason thinks that Hailee lost her character a few times because of her facial expressions.
A Big Announcement
Nigel tells everyone that there is another “baby on stage, and it’s in Cat’s tummy!” The mom-to-be gets a standing ovation from the judges. Congratulations, Cat!
Gaby and Hailee
Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall
This routine is about the fear that we all have to be our authentic selves. It is an emotional performance that blends athletic moves with grace. The Team Stage duo receives a standing ovation. Nigel comments on the emotional connection between Hailee and Gaby, and he calls the routine “beautiful.” Paula raves about the honesty and authenticity of the piece. Nigel shares an emotional moment of his own by hugging Jason. (Yes, really!)
Gaby (Solo)
The captains take a moment to ask the dancers what this journey has meant to them. Gaby reflects on being cut at her first audition before auditioning again in another city. Gaby’s favorite routine of the season was her contemporary routine with All-Star Robert. This journey has proven to Gaby that she is tougher than she thought she was. Her solo is energetic and fun.
Virgil with All-Star Joshua
Hip-Hop choreographed by Christopher “Pharside” Jennings and Krystal “Phoenix” Meraz
This number is an answer back to Jasmine and Comfort’s “Run the World” routine from season 10. This is a raw and fresh performance that earns a standing ovation from all three judges. Nigel becomes overcome with emotion and tries to imitate the onstage antics. Sadly, I can’t get this picture out of my head. Anyway, Nigel tells Virgil that they “killed” the routine. Jason jumps out of his seat since he also is “juiced” and starts doing his moves.
Hailee with All-Star Marko
Jazz choreographed by Ray Leeper
This piece seems odd to me. Hailee shines, but I feel like there is a lack of connection between the partners. Paula thinks that the routine didn’t exactly challenge Hailee. Jason is disappointed that there wasn’t “more grit.”
Virgil (Solo)
tWitch and Virgil talk about his journey. Virgil loved connecting with all the Team Street dancers in Vegas. His most challenging routine was a contemporary routine with Hailee. Virgil’s solo shows off his animation and energetic hip-hop moves.
Hailee (Solo)
Hailee went to Vegas for the second year in a row, and she was thrilled that she made it. She tells Travis that her favorite performance on the show was her robot piece. Hailee’s solo is strong and full of energy. She even performs to a Paula Abdul song.
JaJa with All-Star Cyrus
Animation choreographed by Christopher Scott
In this piece, Cyrus frees JaJa from a cylinder, and they begin an epic battle. I like the routine, and Jason gives a standing ovation. Jason is nearly rendered speechless. Nigel thinks that the routine wasn’t challenging enough for JaJa.
JaJa (Solo)
JaJa tells tWitch that she decided she would embrace every style of dance that she was given. JaJa became engaged during this season. She also wants to encourage girls to go for whatever they want. JaJa’s solo is fierce and I love it.
Gaby with All-Star Zack
Tap choreographed by Anthony Morigerato
The duo are tapping on six large boxes on the floor for part of the routine. This routine is full of personality, and the judges reward the pair with a standing ovation. Nigel praises Gaby for not giving up when she was sent home after her first audition. Paula calls the performance “unbelievable.” Jason gets on the desk to give another standing ovation.
Remember to vote for your favorite dancer to become this season’s champion!
Voting Information
Vote for your favorite dancer with the FOX Now App, at Fox.com/Dance or by text message at the close of the show.
The So You Think You Can Dance season 12 finale airs Monday, September 14 at 8pm on FOX.
(Image courtesy of FOX)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
Kim has been covering television entertainment since 2013. She is addicted to Real Housewives, Pump Rules, Dancing with the Stars, and many more shows.
