So You Think You Can Dance Season 5 Episode 8 Top 18 Perform

The eighth episode of season five of So You Think You Can Dance is titled "Top 18 Perform." This episode marks a significant moment for the show as it features the top 18 contestants performing together for the first time.

The episode opens with a group performance featuring all 18 contestants. They dance to an upbeat, high-energy routine that showcases their skills while also allowing them to dance together and build chemistry on stage. Host Cat Deeley greets the audience and introduces the judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and guest judge Toni Basil.

The first individual performance of the night is a contemporary piece choreographed by Mia Michaels. Contestant Ade Obayomi takes the stage and delivers a precise and emotional performance that earns him high praise from the judges. Lythgoe notes that Ade has the ability to connect with the audience and convey emotion through his movements.

Next up is Janette Manrara, who performs a fiery salsa routine choreographed by Alex Da Silva. Her high-energy routine is met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, and the judges are equally impressed. Murphy compliments Manrara's technique and passion, while Basil notes that she has a natural talent for performing.

Contestant Evan Kasprzak is up next, performing a Broadway-style routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio. Kasprzak's lighthearted and charming performance earns him a standing ovation from the judges and the audience. Lythgoe praises Kasprzak's personality and stage presence, while Murphy notes that his performance was entertaining and memorable.

Randi Evans takes the stage next, performing a contemporary routine choreographed by Travis Wall. Her poignant and emotional performance garners high praise from the judges, who compliment her fluid movements and expressive facial expressions. Basil notes that Evans has the ability to tell a story through her dancing, while Murphy calls her a "beautiful performer."

Contestant Kupono Aweau performs a quirky and intense jazz routine choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. His unconventional performance is met with mixed reviews from the judges, who appreciate his willingness to take risks but criticize his technique. Despite the criticism, Aweau's unique style and creativity are praised.

Next up is Kayla Radomski, performing a contemporary routine choreographed by Mia Michaels. Her powerful and emotional performance earns her a standing ovation from the audience, and the judges offer high praise for her strong technique and ability to connect with the audience.

Contestant Melissa Sandvig performs a graceful and elegant ballet routine choreographed by Desmond Richardson. Despite some minor technical errors, Sandvig's performance impresses the judges with its beauty and poise. Lythgoe notes that Sandvig has grown significantly as a dancer since the beginning of the competition.

Brandon Bryant takes the stage next, performing a contemporary routine choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. His dynamic and intense performance wows the judges and earns him a standing ovation from the audience. Murphy calls Bryant a "fantastic dancer" and notes his impressive technique and athleticism.

Jeanine Mason performs a contemporary routine choreographed by Travis Wall. Her emotional and expressive performance impresses the judges, who note her ability to tell a story through her dancing. Basil calls Mason a "natural performer" with a bright future in the industry.

Philip Chbeeb performs a unique and innovative hip-hop routine choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo. His creative and technically impressive performance earns him high praise from the judges, who note his ability to blend various styles of dance and make them his own.

Ashley Valerio takes the stage next, performing a lyrical routine choreographed by Mia Michaels. Her emotional and vulnerable performance garners high praise from the judges, who note her growth as a dancer and her ability to connect with the audience.

Tony Bellissimo performs a fun and energetic hip-hop routine choreographed by Shane Sparks. His entertaining performance earns him positive reviews from the judges, who praise his personality and stage presence but critique his technique.

Karla Garcia performs a spicy and intense salsa routine choreographed by Alex Da Silva. Despite some technical errors, Garcia's performance impresses the judges with its passion and energy. Murphy notes that Garcia has improved significantly since the start of the competition.

Asuka Kondoh performs a playful and fun Broadway routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio. Her entertaining performance earns her praise from the judges for her personality and stage presence, but criticism for her technique.

Vitolio Jeune performs an emotional and dramatic contemporary routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio. His powerful performance earns him high praise from the judges, who note his ability to convey emotion through his movements and facial expressions.

Finally, Caitlin Kinney takes the stage with a contemporary routine choreographed by Mia Michaels. Her emotional and expressive performance earns her a standing ovation from the judges and the audience, who are deeply moved by her vulnerable and powerful dance.

The episode ends with host Cat Deeley thanking the audience and introducing the next episode of the competition. "Top 18 Perform" showcases the incredible talent and range of the top contestants, with each dancer bringing their own style and personality to the stage. The judges offer constructive criticism and praise each performance, building tension and excitement for the next episode of So You Think You Can Dance.