Clear Favorites Emerge in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Top 8

COMMENTARY | This week, "So You Think You Can Dance" featured guest judges Rob Marshall and Lady Gaga. Everyone turned in compelling performances. However, it has become clear who the favorites are in this competition.

The Favorites

As an early favorite, Sasha has not run out of steam. She and Pasha performed a Jonathan Roberts routine. While it wasn't necessarily my favorite performance from her (darn curse of the quickstep!), she did enough to keep herself in the competition..

Sasha's second performance with Melanie was raw, gritty, and powerful. Nigel predicted that one of them would be this season's champion. Lady Gaga threw her shoes as a way of expressing praise.

Melanie and Neil performed a steamy Mandy Moore routine set to Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart." One of the highlights of this performance was Melanie's fearless leap into Neil's arms.

Mandy showed her versatility by choreographing a "Michael Jackson-esque" number set to Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust." Tadd and Lauren Froderman are in no danger of biting the dust this week.

Marko and Allison moved the audience and judges to tears with a Sonya Tayeh routine. This number depicted the guilt over past mistakes. Marko apologized to his mother for being a "bratty" kid, and told her that he loved her. Mary claimed Marko as her favorite dancer of the season.

In Danger

Jordan demonstrated her flexibility and fabulous extensions with a Tyce DiOrio number that she performed with Ade. Mary felt that Jordan had been getting better every week. But I'm not sure this routine will be enough to keep Jordan out of danger. She doesn't seem to have as much of a fan base as Sasha or Melanie. Her second performance with Jess seemed to lack some fluidity and connectivity.

Caitlynn and Ivan performed a lyrical hip hop routine by Marty Kudelka. She followed up with a charming Jonathan Roberts foxtrot with Tadd. While the judges enjoyed both performances, I'm sure voters picked up cues from Nigel's references to her "competition" (pageant-like?) quality.

Ricky and Any performed a Jason Gilkison routine that showcased his nimble body and fluidity. The judges liked it, but Nigel felt that he needed to "go deeper."

Ricky followed up with a creative and gutsy Napoleon and Tabitha routine, but it was probably not enough to keep him out of danger. Even at his best, Ricky always seems to land in the bottom. I have to wonder if having Ryan as a partner all those weeks put him at an overall disadvantage in the competition.

Jess and Lauren Gottlieb performed a "Nappytabs" routine that showcased his growth throughout the competition. The judges commented on how sincere, heartfelt, and honest he was. Still, given how strong Marko and Tadd were this week, I'm not sure Jess did enough to keep himself out of danger.

I predict Caitlynn, Jordan, Jess, and Ricky in the bottom, with Jordan and Ricky going home.