SYTYCD Season 5 Top 20: Surprises & Sure Things

Tonight was the parade of tears on So You Think You Can Dance Season 5. For both the winners and the losers, it would be a life changing event. The winners moving on to the TV round will get weekly individual air time, priceless for a dancer. For the losers, a long trek home for more training (hopefully). To make it to the final cut of SYTYCD means, of course, there are no losers.

Without further ado, here are you top 20 for season 5:

Ladies

1. Janette Manara
2. Kayla Rodomski
3. Carla Garcia
4. Caitlin Kinney
5. Jeanine Mason
6. Asuka Kondoh
7. Melissa Sandvig
8. Ashley Valero
9. Randi Strong-Evans
10. Paris Torres

Gentlemen

1. Vitolio Jeune
2. Pono Aweau
3. Jonathan Platero
4. Brandon Bryant
5. Maksim Kapitannikov
6. Tony Bellissimo
7. Jason Glover
8. Philip Chbeeb
9. Evan Kasprzak
10. Ade Obayomi

This season of SYTYCD is going to be just as exciting as all the rest have been. The cuts this year were almost entirely made up of the dancers we had gotten to know in the auditions. Rather annoying. At least all of these fantastic runners-up got plenty of air time. All should have no trouble finding dance work or trying out for Season 6 (currently auditioning).

The most notable absentee from the men's side is Alex Wong. Nigel Lythgoe explained that Alex is still under contract to the Miami Ballet. Alex Wong was extremely upset about not being released for SYTYCD, but he just feels boxed in (only able to perform ballet). All of the judges encouraged him to take advantage of learning from one of the world's best and coming back when his contract is up.

For shear dramatic purposes, the men's side came down to brothers Ryan and Evan Kasprzak. These two have been fan favorites since the beginning. I thought the judges might find it interesting to have brothers on the show. It would have likely appeared improper though, so I think the right decision was made. Ryan is amazing and hopefully is auditioning for SYTYCD Season 6 right now.

On the ladies side, I have enjoyed Caitlin Kinney from the start and am so glad she made it to TV. Caitlin is very young so she may not get far. Just to make it into the top 20 of SYTYCD is a huge accomplishment. Working with the best choreographers in the world. Performing weekly in front of millions of people. I hope Caitlin Kerry goes far in the competition.

So that's it, we are off to another great season! Next week starts the live performance shows where the dancers will pair up for the first time. Be prepared for some great dancing (obviously) and incredible music. The music on this show does not get enough credit. Some of the most beautiful ballads or obscure songs you would never normally hear. This is a dance show that men like too.

For live blogging during the show and videos of the performances visit: TV Review