My favorite show is back!  Hurray! 

Cat Deeley is taller and leggier than ever.  The judges tonight are Dan Karaty, Mary Murphy, and Nigel Lythgoe.  A good panel to start the season.

But before we get to the dancing, we get a recap of the auditions.

Rayven and Jaime
Hip-hop choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha
American Boy: Estelle featuring Kanye West

Was that a wardrobe malfunction or on purpose? I thought for a ballroom dancer and a ballerina they did a really good job. It was a cute and funny routine, but a bit boring and forgettable. They had chemistry. And I hope they both stick around for awhile. But could they please please turn Mary’s microphone down? Nigel and Mary liked it, but Dan said there was “no funk” - not bad, not great.

Susie and Marquis
Smooth Waltz choreographed by Hunter Johnson
Dark Waltz: Hayley Westenra

I thought they hit some really beautiful lines and some lovely poses. There was a little awkwardness here and there, but I think overall, it was very nice for the first week. Nigel said it was difficult choreography. Mary said they pulled it off and did a great job. Dan felt he was watching an almost perfect ending to a love story and thought it was great.

Kourtni L and Matt
Jazz choreographed by Mandy Moore
Tainted Love: Soft Cell

I loved the routine. I thought they danced it very well. And they look beautiful together. And he is actually taller than Cat! Nigel wants more personality from Matt. Mary thought they did a great job and that they make it look easy. Dan said it was a so-so performance and that they didn’t attack it.

Chelsea T and Thayne
Cha-cha choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LePatin
Oye Como Va (Latin/Trance Mix): Celia Cruz

I thought they really got into the character of the dance and it was hot hot HOT! Nigel thought they were both terrific. Mary said they got two tickets on the Hot Tamale Train. Dan said they owned the stage. My favorite performance of the night so far.

Chelsie H and Mark
Contemporary choreographed by Mia Michaels
Beautiful: Me’Shell Ndegeocello

Mia’s routines tend to either touch me so deeply I end up in tears or totally leave me cold - no middle ground. This one left me cold. And I don’t think it was the way it was danced. I think it was danced very well. I just didn’t care for it at all. Nigel thought they both danced it brilliantly. Mary said they made the lifts look effortless. Dan thought it was amazing.

Kherington and Twitch
Broadway choreographed by Tyce DiOrio
Too Darn Hot: Kiss Me Kate (2002 Revival Broadway Cast)

I thought they really went for it and hit it and had fun with it. They are a great partnership. She just lights up the stage and so does he. Awesome. Nigel thought it was very very hot. Mary said it makes her heart sing. Dan thought Twitch could breathe new life into Broadway.

Comfort and Chris
Jive choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Boom Boom: Big Head Todd & The Meesters

She is a little firecracker. I think he partnered her well. It was an odd song for Jive and I’m not sure I loved the choreography for that dane. The choreography was cool - but not quite enough Jive for me. I thought it was a little too rock and roll. But I think considering they have never done anything like that before, they did a good job. Nigel thought the personality was 100%. Mary said the girl has what it takes and that they did a respectable job. Dan said they need to find a chemistry with each other.

Katee and Joshua
Hip hop choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha
No Air: Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown

I think they did a very good job. I also think the hip hop routines were the least memorable of the night compared to the other routines for me, but this one was a lot better than the first one. I do think they put a lot of emotion and heart into the routine and really went for it. And I loved the last little trick with the shirt. Nigel thought it was really really good. Mary said it was tremendous. Dan said the unison was hard but they killed it.

Jessica and Will
Tango choreographed by Hunter Johnson
Tango: Cirque du Soleil

Loved the last lift and pose. I thought they danced it pretty well other than a few wobbles here and there, but there was just something about it that left me a little cold. Nigel thought they were absolutely wonderful. Mary said it was strong, passionate and on fire. Dan said they were hot like fire.

Courtney G and Gev
Disco choreographed by Doriana Sanchez
Boogie Wonderland: Earth Wind & Fire

A tough routine for a B-boy, but I think he pulled it off pretty well. I think they do have chemistry, but there were a few bobbles here and there. Nigel didn’t love it. Mary loved it and said the lifts were tough. Dan said he enjoyed it and they got after it.

My ranking:
Chelsea T and Thayne
Kherington and Twitch
Katee and Joshua
Jessica and Will
Kourtni L and Matt
Susie and Marquis
Comfort and Chris
Courtney G and Gev
Chelsie H and Mark
Rayven and Jaime

I don’t think there was a really bad dance in the bunch. The only reason that Rayven and Jaime are at the bottom is because their routine just wasn’t very memorable. And that’s too bad because I think they are really good dancers. It’s going to be interesting to see who ends up in the bottom this week. This is going to be a tough season because there are just a lot of really great dancers in this cast.