By the end of last night’s episode, SYTYCD found themselves with a top 14. They changed the show’s format for this season – 4 eliminations instead of 2 each week and 2 winners instead of 1 – so the eliminations have been swifter and harsher than usual. Now for another star of the show: the music!
Aretha Franklin, “Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious)”
If someone tried to do their own rendition of this, it would be nearly impossible to do justice to Aretha Franklin. The emotion she expresses through her voice and piano playing is unreal. Queen of Soul indeed. This song added a lot of power to Brandon and Amber’s piece.
Used in: Ray Leeper’s jazz piece with contestants Brandon and Amber
Sverre Indris Joner, “Cinco Salsa”
This is composer Sverre Indris Joner’s take on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 but in salsa form! Salsa is a wonderful, fun genre that I hope to eventually talk about more in another post.
Used in: Liz Lira’s salsa piece with contestants Matt and Audrey
Ólafur Arnalds, “Near Light”
“Near Light” is best described as somber, yet hopeful. If this doesn’t make you feel anything, you probably don’t have a soul.
Used in: Contestant Eliana’s solo
So You Think You Can Dance is taking a 2 week break due to the Olympics so I’ll see you then fellow fans!
The Collabor-eight 
I think music is such an important part of the show and I love how the choreographers choose such emotional, intense pieces. The live music on DWTS is appropriate for ballroom, but given the need for so much variation on SYTYCD, live music is not feasible, which is fine with me. I was watching the show the next evening after it aired, but now I watch the next morning. When I select the option to watch commercial free with Auto Hop on my PrimeTime Anytime recordings I save enough time to watch while I’m getting ready for working at Dish. Then I can talk about the show with my coworkers the next day.