The Top 8 couples dance tonight. Have I mentioned I love this show?

The guest judge tonight joining Mary and Nigel is Adam Shankman of Hairspray fame.

Kherington and Twitch
Hip-hop choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon
Don’t Touch Me (Throw Water On ‘Em): Busta Rhymes

Kherington looks about as far from gangsta as you can possibly get, but they really did pull off this number and pull it off well. They just both have these engaging personalities when they dance and they pull you into what they are doing. I’m still not totally sold on Tabitha and Napoleon’s choreography skills, but this was a good piece and I think it will keep them safe this week and break the streak of the first couple to dance winding up in the bottom 3. Nigel said they are both brilliant dancers and he couldn’t think of any negatives. Mary said they would be on the top 10 most wanted list on So You Think You Can Dance. Adam said it was awesome.

Courtney G and Gev
Rumba choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Wishing on a Star: Rose Royce

Wow. Now that was hot. There was an intense chemistry and connection between them. I know this is not Gev’s style, nor Courtney’s for that matter, and I’m not sure if they nailed the technique, but he was there for her and there was some great partnering going on and the mood was just perfect. Nigel said he was very very happy with the routine. Mary thought it was great and that it was a beautiful routine. Adam really really loved it.

Comfort and Chris
Jazz choreographed by Tyce DiOrio
Beautiful People: Marilyn Manson

Well. Huh. I don’t really know what to say about this routine. They danced it well I think and I think they pulled it off. Not exactly sure and not my cup of tea really. Nigel was disappointed a little bit with the power behind the routine. Mary thought it should have been more animalistic and wild. Adam said it was all about performance and they were there sometimes and not sometimes.

Jessica and Will
Disco choreographed by Doriana Sanchez
Heaven Must Have Sent You: Bonnie Pointer

Well this routine was supposed to show off Jessica a lot more, but I think Will still outdanced her. He also did some great partnering - there were some tough lifts that they nailed. But I still don’t really get what’s so great about Jessica. She just doesn’t have the same spark on stage that some of the other girls do. Nigel thought they danced it well but there were two or three points where it went wrong. Mary there were mistakes but there were great things. Adam thought the routine was fantastic.

Kourtni and Matt
Contemporary choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
Wrestlers (Sticky, Dirty Pop Mix): Hot Chip

Well, this was a new choreographer and to be honest, it just looked like a big mish mash of steps and jumps and jumping around thrown together. I didn’t get a story. I didn’t get a character. I didn’t get it at all. Not impressed. I do think they danced it well, though. Nigel said it was quirky and a different flavor of contemporary, and they showed every bit of technique they had, but he’d like to see Matt relax a little more. Mary said it showcased their talent. Adam said they were meant to be dancers.

Chelsea and Thayne
Quickstep choreographed by Heather Smith
You Can’t Hurry Love: Phil Collins

I think they did a good job, but it felt really soft to me, not crisp and staccato like I expect to see a Quickstep. It just wasn’t all that memorable. Of course it was hard to really get a good feel for it since drums were playing a totally different beat in my garage at the same time. Nigel said it was a little too bouncy in places and they didn’t show their personalities. Mary said it was okay, but the substance wasn’t there. Adam didn’t think they looked comfortable.

Chelsie and Mark
Hip-hop choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha
Bleeding Love: Leona Lewis

I really did like this routine. And I think they danced it well, especially considering neither is a hip-hop dancer. Very well done and I liked the choreography! Nigel thought they were excellent. Mary loved it and she felt the emotional struggle. Adam said YES! That’s what I’m talking about!!!

Katie and Joshua
Samba choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Baila, Baila: Angela Via

Wow talk about hot! They both looked great, but who knew Joshua was so hot and sexy? Great dance and great choreography and great execution. Loved it. Nigel said they outdid themselves. Mary put them on the hot tamale train. ‘Nuff said. Adam thought it was great.

My ranking:
Kherington and Twitch
Chelsie and Mark
Katee and Joshua
Courtney and Gev
Jessica and Will
Kourtni and Matt
Chelsea and Thayne
Comfort and Chris

And for those of you who know that I’m not a big hip-hop fan, I want you to notice that the hip-hop dances were at the top of my list. So maybe Napoleon and Tabitha are not so bad after all. ;)