'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 16: Madison and Ezra's emotional routine and sync will get you hooked
After weeks of auditions, academy rounds, training, and cuts, 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 16 returned on August 12. Airing live for the first time this season, though the judges get to critic the contestants based on their routine, it is left to the fans to decide who gets to stay and who gets eliminated. But, luckily this week, there were no eliminations. But next week when SYTYCD returns, we will get to know who America chose to move to the next round and who gets sent home.
This week, we got to see three group routines that included a performance by the Top 10 finalists, a performance by the Top 5 girls group, and one by the Top 5 guys group. Apart from the group routines, the finalists were paired up for a choreographed routine.
Though all the five pairs and their routines were impeccable, there were a few performances that stood out compared to the rest, like Anna Linstruth and Benjamin Castro's Cha-Cha routine and Stephanie Sosa and Gino Cosculluela's hip-hop routine. But amongst them all, the best jig of the night belonged to none other than Madison Jordan and Ezra Sosa who performed a contemporary routine.
Since Madison is a contemporary dancer, this routine was much easier for her than Ezra Sosa, but he aced it as much as she did. Performing a routine choreographed by Talia Favia, they danced to 'Lost' by Dermot Kennedy. To those who assumed that this is unfair to Ezra, just remember that there are five contemporary dancers this season, and there will be at least one contemporary dancer in every couple who is paired.
No doubt the judges and audience would have watched Ezra more close than Madison. She had this routine in her pocket since this is what she has professionalized in. Their performance started off by featuring Madison hanging upside down, holding on to Ezra's hip, and that by itself had us hooked. Though Ezra started off a little slower than Madison, she managed to pace it up. Even though Madison missed a leg placement during their performance, Ezra covered it up by making it part of the routine which was very much appreciated by the judges.
Overall, it was the best performance of the night. It was emotional and received a standing ovation from the judges. Nigel applauded Ezra's determination to keep up with Madison's pace. Mary shared that their performance was "Glorious."
Next week, when SYTYCD returns, we will see who makes the cut, and who gets cut from the competition.
'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 16 airs every Monday night on Fox. Check your local listings for more information.