Managing Editor
The good news is that we have made it to the final weeks of solo auditions, which means that next week takes us to Vegas, and from there, this show just gets better and better! Tonight, the birthplace of rock ‘n roll (that’s Memphis, y’all) is joined by guest judge Wayne Brady. Let’s get going!
CURTIS HOLLAND, 18
Adorable young tapper with a frighteningly deep voice (seriously got the creeps). But once the music starts, Curtis explodes like a ball of energy in his sweatpants . His feet splay out. The smile on his face is contagious, and Wayne agrees. Nigel thinks his personality is stronger than the routine. It’ s choreo for this one!
TUCKER KNOX, 22
Tucker was accepted into Juilliard before experiencing a horrific car accident that broke his spine. Tucker has made a full recovery. He is strong in his movement. Mary thinks that he is breathtaking, and Wayne calls him a perfect dancer in his eyes. It’s straight to Vegas for this one!
COURTNEY THURSTON, 18
Courtney brings her dance dad with her to her audition. Within the first second of music, Courtney jump starts like someone lit a fire. Nigel thinks she’s very good technically, and Mary calls her a force to be reckoned with. Courtney is Sin City bound.
SHANSHAN QIAO-ROTHLISBERGER, 25
A traditional Mongolian dancer, Shanshan performs a balancing bowls dance (don’t ask me to spell it), and she’s absolutely breathtaking. She captivates the judges with her unbelievably fluid motions. They want more. It’s to choreo with her!
NICO GREETHAM, 18
Another spitfire, Nico leaps around the stage with such control. Mary starts her usually hollering about how hot he is and it’s straight to Vegas with this one!
ELYSE FRELINGER, 23
This flying trapeze instructor performs a very controlled contemporary routine. Nigel loves her flow of movement, and Mary finds her so effortless, like butter. Wayne agrees on the butter statement. Go ahead with that butter statement because she’s on a roll and headed straight to Vegas1
Good news: Curtis and Shanshan are both through to Vegas along with six other dancers!
JENNA JOHNSON, 18
Jenna and her partner, Landon, take the stage for a little cha-cha action. The couple holds four national titles, and we can immediately see why. Their routine is fun and sexy and all things the cha-cha should be. The judges are left speechless but that doesn’t matter since the tickets do all the talking. Straight to Vegas for Jenna!
NOVIEN YARBER, 21
Holding some incredible poses and flexing through every movement, Novien gets the judges’ attention, even despite the fact that he isn’t able to hold his final pose. Nigel says he is gasp-worthy, fantastic, everything he wants for this show, what people will vote for, etc….(stop Nigel) Wayne gets the masculinity memo and thinks Novien could kick ass while dancing. Vegas bound he is!
ISABEL FREIBERGER, 26
From cha-cha to salsa, Isabel and her partner are all about high energy. It’s a bit of a trick-palooza, but it’s enough for the judges. They want to see more and off to choreo she goes!
CALEB BRAUNER, 20
After giving us one of those comedic contemporary auditions that we love so much, Mary says she wants to adopt Caleb, and all the judges agree that he has so much talent and technique underneath his quirk that it just works. Can you say Vegas, baby?
LARRY BOOZE, 29
Larry Booze, with a signature move called the swinging door and crazy bendy ankles, Larry pops and glides his way across the stage and into my heart. The judges like him and want to see more. Choreo for this one!
JASMINE HARPER, 19
Spoiler: Jasmine is Cyrus’ ex!!!! (Cue the gasps!) The producers didn’t even see this one coming, and everyone (including Nigel) seems to want all the details. Apparently, Jasmine and Cyrus dated until he got on the show and then you can fill in the rest. Dancing to Destiny’s Child’s rendition of “Amazing Grace,” Jasmine exudes both power and passion. The judges attempt to fake her out by saying no to choreography, but they give in quickly. Jasmine is Vegas bound!
PAIGE PELLICANO, 19
She’s clearly a good dancer, but the whole thing feels a bit disjointed for me. The judges agree with me so it’s to choreo for her. Luckily, Paige barely escapes falling off the stage so that she can give it another shot later.
Paige, Isabel and Larry all don’t make the cut, however, Seven other dancers make it through to Vegas.
Next week, we travel to Vegas. It’s time for the blood, sweat and tears portion of this process. Join me as we see the bloodbath unfold!
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