So You Think You Can Dance – Mixing up the Top 10

The dust has settled, and after a rather shocking elimination this week on So You Think You Can Dance (if you haven’t seen the results show, STOP READING NOW), we’re heading into an exciting few weeks with the top 10.  But it’s not as simple as that – the couples are all being broken up and switched around.  Who wants to wait until Wednesday to find out who’s with who?  Let’s start the rampant speculation now!  Below I’m making my predictions based on what I think makes the most sense personally, and also what might influence the judges’ (i.e. producers’) decisions.

To set this up I’m going to take it from the perspective of the men.  Let’s face it – all of the women left are top-notch.  They range from very good (Randi) to unstoppable (Janette).  The men are a bit more problematic, so let’s try and help them out, shall we?

Ade – I won’t hide the fact that he’s my favorite amongst the men.  He also is well-liked by the judges, and danced a killer solo this week.  What he needs is a partner that will help him stay on top of his game, and push the envelope further.  My first instinct would be Janette, but I think that’s too much like her pairing with Brandon.  Thus I think the best choice is Kayla.  Give those two a good piece by Mia Michaels or Wade Robson, and they’ll shine bright.

Brandon – This guy definitely has talent, but he owes a lot to Janette for bringing him out of his performance shell.  At this point he needs to step into the limelight and steal focus once in awhile.  That takes a generous partner that’s still upbeat.  Sounds like a job for America’s apple-cheeked sweetheart – Randi.  She’s already had her butt worshiped and also got knocked up, so who knows where this couple will go next?

Evan -The person in the top 10 who has underwhelmed me the most has been Evan.  He really shined in that Mia piece, but generally he’s just been OK, hiding in Randi’s shadow.  Someone needs to tap into his natural charm, and pull him up to the next level.  It would also help if she was a bit…short.  Which makes Janette perfect!  If anyone can turn Evan into a hot Latin lover, it’s Ms. Salsa herself.

Jason – He’s gone from emulating Michael Jackson all the way to the top 10, but Jason has yet to really make his mark.  He blazed onto the scene with a Bollywood routine, but hasn’t delivered since.  What he is good at is strong carriage through the body, and keeping tight focus on his partner.  The best bet for him is a generous partner that can make the best use of his gentle strength – and that’s Melissa.  The right modern dance could vault this couple right to the forefront.

Kupono – Our Hawaiian boy has had a roller coaster ride – he’s constantly battled his way to prove that one doesn’t have to be overtly masculine to be a strong male dancer.  While his early performances were lacking (and don’t get me started on his solo last week), he really burst through with his addiction dance this week.  Kayla was a great help, but he’ll need even more to take it to the top.  And that means a partner that never misses a beat, never misses a step, and is always performing at her best – Jeanine.

So what do you think – are these pairings right on?  Should we mix them up a bit?

It should be interesting to see where the show goes from here.  America is generally unpredictable, and anything can happen.  My gut says that the voters recognize this is a season that’s all about the women, and it will be one of those ladies taking it all the way.  Don’t ask me which one yet, because my head will burst from trying to guess!