Are you ready to see some fabulous dancing this week during the So You Think You Can Dance performance finale? I am so ready! Last week we said a sad farewell to Jacque LeWarne and Casey Askew.
This week the final four So You Think You Can Dance competitors will dance for your votes, but we will be spared the agony of someone being sent home. So, your votes from last week and this week will determine this season’s winner.
We will also enjoy a musical break from all these dancing shenanigans when Jason Mraz performs his hit single “Love Someone.”
Get ready, folks. This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
We kick off the evening with a group contemporary routine featuring the fantastic final four dancers: Jessica Richens, Valerie Rockey, Ricky Ubeda, and Zack Everhart, Jr. It is an uplifting performance choreographed by Travis Wall.
Now it is time to welcome our JUDGES! Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are joined by my favorite guest judge of all-time, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family.)
Valerie Rockey and Ricky Ubeda
African Jazz choreographed by Sean Cheesman
“Voices of Savannah”- DJ Chus
This routine is about racing animals fighting to survive, and it is heavy on athleticism and lifts. Nigel calls both dancers “winners.” Mary feels that they “hit it out of the park.” Of course, Jesse mentions that he, too, was trained in African Jazz. Hilarious!
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Jessica Richens and Zack Everhart, Jr.
Broadway choreographed by Spencer Liff
“Hernando’s Hideaway”- Ella Fitzgerald
This number is about a secret couple meeting in their own private hideaway. Much of this fun and sassy routine utilizes a set of stairs and a table. Jesse tells Jessica and Zack that they “are spectacular” and could appear on Broadway tomorrow. Nigel feels that Zack is one of the best dancers on the show this season. He also tells Jessica that she has grown into “an absolutely beautiful woman.”
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Valerie Rockey and Zack Everhart, Jr.
Contemporary choreographed by Tyce Diorio
“Pearls”- Sade
This emotionally compelling piece is about a woman who is blind and the endless love she shares with her lover. Nigel gives them both raves. Mary commends their drive and their honesty in the routine.
Jessica Richens and Ricky Ubeda
Jazz choreographed by Ray Leeper
“F For You”- Disclosure featuring Mary J. Blige
This piece was intense and Jessica and Ricky perform well as a duo. Nigel tells the dancers that “they fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.” Mary compliments the dancers on how powerful and exact their performance was. I must admit that this piece felt a bit odd to me, but I am not sure exactly why I didn’t connect with it.
And Now For Something Completely Different
Jason Mraz performs his new single “Love Someone,” and I really like his performance.
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Jessica Richens and Valerie Rockey
Bollywood choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan
“Ghagra”- Yeh Jawaani Haai Deewani (Soundtrack)
This is a feminine routine about two Bollywood divas. I like this routine, and so does Mary. Jesse compliments this duo’s dancing and calls them “brilliant.”
Ricky Ubeda and Zack Everhart, Jr.
Hip-Hop choreographed by Christopher “Pharside” Jennings and Krystal “Phoenix” Meraz
“The Antidote”- District 78
This routine is about a battle between the king of diamonds and king of clubs. I loved this piece! Zack and Ricky were phenomenal in this battle, and I am incredulous that I am watching a contemporary dancer and a tapper. They earned a well-deserved standing ovation from all three judges. Jesse quips that he is happy that someone has finally told the true story of Nigel and Mary. He also calls the number “spectacular.” Mary puts Zack and Ricky on the hot tamale train.
Valerie Rockey and All-Star Aaron Turner
Tap choreographed by Anthony Morigerato
“Love Me or Leave Me”- Sammy Davis, Jr.
This number is about a couple discussing their relationship through their footwork. This performance was entertaining and fun. Nigel tells Valerie that he is thrilled watching her tap. Mary calls the number “music to my ears.”
Solo-Ricky
First we watch Ricky’s original audition, and he discusses how being on So You Think You Can Dance has been the fulfillment of a dream. His solo earns a standing ovation from all three judges, and Ricky’s love of dance clearly shines through.
Ricky Ubeda and All-Star Kathryn McCormick
Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey
“Not About Angels”- Birdy
This piece is about a man who is at their lowest point and is being rescued by an angel. Ricky earns a standing ovation from all three judges for this powerful and emotional dance. Mary tells Ricky that she could never have feet like his. Jesse compliments Ricky’s ability to move people, and also tosses out a joke about dating. Jesse is hilarious!
Solo-Valerie
Valerie recalls how she started school to study dentistry, but realized that dance was missing from her life. Valerie wants to be remembered as the tap girl who conquered all styles. Valerie’s tap solo is energetic and breezy.
Zack Everhart, Jr. and All-Star Aaron Turner
Tap choreographed by Anthony Morigerato
“Piano Man”- Billy Joel
These two dancers have met before, when they were both cut in a previous season. This piece takes place in a bar as a bartender and customer exchange stories. Zack and Aaron have great chemistry as performers, and earn a standing ovation. Jesse is still crushing on Aaron (again!) He also thinks that choreographers will be dying to work with Zack. Nigel is thrilled with Zack’s tap articulation.
Solo-Jessica
Jessica recalls being surprised by the standing ovation she earned during her initial audition. Jessica’s solo is very similar to her first audition, in fact.
Jessica Richens and All-Star Robert Roldan
Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall
“When I Go”- Over the Rhine
This dance is about whether or not your significant other would miss you if you had broken up. It is dark, moody and extremely intense. Jessica wins a standing ovation from all three judges. Nigel tells Jessica that she is not just a great dancer, but also a good actress. He also tells her that he thinks she is the best girl this season. Wow! Mary calls Jessica’s performance “electric.”
Solo-Zack
Zack recalls his first audition and how he was sent through to the choreography round. He feels that the passion for dance is what he will take with him from this experience. Zack’s solo was fun and he earns another standing ovation.
Go to Fox.com/Dance or use the Fox Now App. to vote for your favorite dancer. The So You Think You Can Dance winner will be crowned next week!
So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesdays 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.