So You Think You Can Dance - 7 ª Season

The first round of auditions.

Season 7 auditions continue in Los Angeles at the Orpheum theater, with Nigel Lythgoe, Hi-Hat and Adam Shankman critiquing, and then on to Chicago. Stacey Tookey joins Nigel and Shankman in Chicago. Some contestants share their stories.

Auditions end in Dallas and Nashville. Then Las Vegas week begins.

The most drastic final cut in "So You Think You Can Dance" history came together Tuesday night as Las Vegas Week culminated in the final 10 dancers First, though, Vegas Week continued with a Broadway theme and Ida -- who'd impressed the judges immensely in her audition, but faced some sharp criticism in Vegas -- was thinking about dropping out of the competition. In the first round of dancers, Adrian and Lauren wowed the judges with their fun take on the routine. Several other dancers seemed to impress the panel, but Ida went up to the stage alone to tell the judges she was withdrawing. Nigel didn't take the news well and said she only wanted to bow out because she was having trouble taking criticism. She insisted that wasn't the case, but Nigel said he'd never believe that. After Broadway, 47 dancers were still in the competition and they were asked to pick a CD at random in groups. Each group had to choreograph a routine to the music and perform it the following morning. The first group of dancers amazed the judges and Nigel said each of the five of them were on his "favorite" list. The second group wasn't so fortunate as they stayed up all night bickering. Tapper Melinda was in the group and was the only dancer who really stood out. Somehow, they all still made it through. Some 34 dancers were celebrating making it through, but the final group that was full of all-stars, including Billy Bell, were told by the judges that their performance was terrible and lacked heart. Judge Toni Redpath was furious after consulting with the rest of the judges, saying none of them deserved to move on but she'd been "talked in" to keeping them. The following round was contemporary, which was the specialty of most of the remaining dancers, but salsa dancer Cristina and ballroom dancer Giselle were worried. Cristina, though, made it through while surprising the judges with how well she adapted to the different style. Mary was brought to tears, though, when she had to tell Giselle that she wasn't going to make it to the next round. Another early favorite, Nicole with the big hair, was cut. Injured Anthony Burrell, Kent Boyd and Alex Wong made up one group in the contemporary round. Alex wasn't incredible, but the judges put him through for another round. Anthony proved himself to be "exquisite," in Nigel's words, and continued for another round. Nigel strung Kent along for a while before telling him he was "one of these people that I can see growing every single routine that you learn." Kent gave a passionate speech about how he didn't really think he could stack up against the other dancers, and Lil C broke down in tears as he told Kent that he certainly was good enough. He moved on in a group of 24 dancers that made it to the end of Vegas Week. Before they left Vegas, the dancers were treated to a lesson from legendary choreographer Grover Dale. The dancers had a chance to show the judges their stuff one last time, performing a solo before the final cuts would be made. Lauren Froderman once again wowed them with her routine, bringing more than half of the panel to its feet, as Adam said they were "in heaven" and Lil C called it "awesome." The 24 dancers left were each set to get a visit or phone call from one of the judges to let them know if they were in or out for the Top 10. Adrian Lee and Cristina Santana were the first to get visits. Toni teased Cristina through an agonizing wait before finally telling her she was in the Top 10. Mary visited Adrian and told him he didn't make the Top 10, but encouraged him to come back and try again. Nigel stayed back in Hollywood to deliver bad news over the phone to five more dancers. Nigel paid a visit to Lauren Froderman and told her all the reasons the judges thought they shouldn't choose her for the Top 10, then told her she "knocked them all down" and would be included in the small group of finalists. Mia Michaels visited Anthony Burrell, who said he needed something "like this" in his life, but she had to tell him he wasn't in the Top 10. Ashley Galvan waited for Lil C to show up and deliver some news. He told her she was his favorite from Vegas, but strung her along a bit longer before announcing she was in the Top 10. Nigel landed in Columbus, Ohio, where he first made some phone calls to tell some dancers they were out, and was on his way to Wapakoneta to visit Kent Boyd. Meanwhile, Tyce DiOrio made his way to Jose Ruiz's house in Miami. Jose was in. Mia went to visit tapper Melinda Sullivan and told her she was in. Alex Wong, meanwhile, awaited word from Tyce about his future on the show. Tyce told him there was concern that he didn't show enough passion and emotion in his performances, but he'll be getting more chances to prove himself because he's in. While Nigel continued to search for Wapakoneta, Mia paid a visit to Adechike Torbert to tell him he was in the Top 10. Nigel was pulled over by a cop on his way to Wapakoneta, and Tyce told Jocelyn she wasn't going to continue. With one spot left for a girl, Mary went to visit Alexie Agdeppa and Lil C went to see Ryan Ramirez. Mary asked Alexie if she'd try out again if she didn't make it. Alexie said she would, but Mary told her she wouldn't have to. Lil C, then, had to tell Ryan she didn't make it. Nigel finally made it to Kent's house in Wapakoneta, but asked to use the bathroom after his long drive. Nigel dragged out the process, in typical fashion, and told Kent he made it to Hollywood. Back in New York, Adam Shankman waited until the end of an Alvin Ailey show where Billy Bell and Robert Rolden which of them had earned the 10th spot. The 10th spot went to Robert, but there was a twist. A surprise 11th spot was saved for Billy.

Now that the Top 11 are set, it was time for them to take the stage for real. Each dancer will be paired with a previous "So You Think You Can Dance" finalist, and the opening group dance set the tone quickly. The 11 all-stars came out to start a performance that was finished by the 11 finalists from this season. Then they closed out the routine as one big group. Host Cat Deeley reminded us that the all-stars were here to help this season, but would not be competing. Then she introduced us to the judging panel for the evening: regular judges Adam Shankman, Mia Michaels and Nigel Lythgoe. Thursday was all about getting to know the dancers and their abilities, and no voting was involved. Next week, viewers will vote on the dancers' performances. Lauren & Kent: For the first dance of the night, Mark (Season 5) and Kathryn (S6) joined Lauren and Kent in a Jazz number by Travis Wall. Adam heaped praise on everyone -- including Nigel and Mia. He said Travis was getting so good as a choreographer, and then he jumped out of his seat to compliment Lauren and Kent. Alexie & Melinda: After years of trying out for the show, Alexie told us she was a Laker Girl for two years. Melinda called herself an old soul. Allison (S2) and Lauren (S3) joined Alexie and Melinda for a Broadway routine choreographed by Tyce DiOrio. Nigel paid the best compliment he could give them, saying he couldn't distinguish between the competitors and the all-stars on the stage. Jose: Jose Ruiz, who touted his humility and confidence, was joined on stage by hip-hop all-stars Twitch and Comfort (S5) and Dominic (S3). Tabitha and Napoleon choreographed a routine that initiated him into the "SYTYCD" hip-hop family. Adam said he was "so glad" Jose was on the show. Cristina: Salsa dancer Cristina was joined by Season 3 all-stars Anya and Pasha. The three of them put on a dazzling and hot display of salsa choreographed by Jason Gilkison. Nigel enjoyed it and said Cristina had a tough job sharing the stage with what he called two of the best ballroom dancers in the world. He cautioned her to watch her "lazy feet," but otherwise thought she nailed it. Alex and Billy: The two comeback kids were joined by Ade (S5) in a contemporary routine choreographed by Mia Michaels, who explained that her dance was about "time and the turning of life." Mia said she loved it and it was "an honor" to have them dance her routine. She said Billy was a "freak of nature" and Alex is "a beast." Those were both compliments. Adechike, Robert &Ashley: Adechike described himself as the underdog of the competition but vowed to represent not only New York, but the entire east coast. Ashley said she loves to shop, watch football and described herself as a "huge nerd." Robert said he used to play baseball. All-stars Courtney (S4) and Neil (S3) joined them for a Sonya Tayeh jazz number. Sonya loved it and told Adechike he isn't an underdog.