It's top 14 time and frankly top 14,  it's time to wow me, America and the judges. I know the Top 14 has it in them. We've been told for months that they are the most talented crop of dancers the show has ever had, we saw a clip of Mia Michaels saying that "season 6 is going to blow season 5 out of the water" more times than we can count, and tonight it's time to live up to the hype. Based on Travis Wall's tweets, we're hopeful that at least one couple will.

Before the show gets started, here are the rumors on what we can expect tonight and here's how we think the Top 14 stack up. As always, you can follow along with me right here and 140 quippy characters at BuddyTV's SYTYCD Twitter.

There is hope you guys. Look what Nigel JUST tweeted (at 4:40pm EST):


Sure the question mark makes me nervous. Makes me wonder if Nigel, like me, thinks we've been off track since Vegas week. But mostly it gives me hope, perhaps tonight the Top 14 will live up to the hype.

Tonight's show starts with a slow motion montage to try and convince us that what has largely been a lackluster season has actually been stunningly phenomenal. Sorry FOX. I don't need the video intro and dramatic music, I need the performances and a stage that allows me to enjoy it. Hopefully tonight brings that. During tonight's intro solos the emerging stars of the season continue to shine: everything Jakob Karr, Russell's smile and personality, and Elelnore's unique movement. Meanwhile, the rest of the top 14 continues to be overwhelmed by a 10-story tall digitized screen emblazoned with their pictures.

In better news, Cat Deeley looks gorgeous in a metallic strapless cocktail frock. Meanwhile, Mary Murphy is totally wearing the same dress she wore on the Twilight red carpet last night. Then we kill sometime by checking out embarassing childhood photos of the judges. And a killer Adam Shankman line about Mary looking the same as her teenage self thanks to Botox. It's the joke that keeps on giving folks.

Our first couple to dance tonight is...

Ashleigh and Jakob
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Tabitha and Napoleon
Song: "Whatcha Say" by Jason Derulo

Ashleigh and Jakob pulling hip hop is as worrisome as it is exciting. And whoa. I got say, Ashleigh is killing it. She's really gotten into the character and is serving what she's been given with abandon. In fact, I think she's out performing Mr. Perfect. She's 100% believable tonight.  Jakob looks technically wonderful, no surprise there, but it's not my favorite performance of his. Still, Great choreography and no props tonight by Napoleon and Tabitha, one of the routine highlights of the season thus far.  Of course, I could've lived without the gigantic text message in the back. We all could have.

Judges Say: Or not. Nigel loves the gigantic text message in the background. He also says he has no doubt that Jakob Karr will be in the top 10, and I agree. Nigel says he thought Ashleigh would be gliding into the top 10 on Jakob's coat tails, but that tonight she proved she'll be getting there on her own. And oh my goodness, I also agree. Adam says that Jakob is as sure of a bet for the Top 10 as there ever has been on this show and that he's crushing it this season.


NEXT >>

--Abbey Simmons, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)