Trying something new, Nigel Lythgoe and the other judges, including Mary Murphy, Mia Michaels, Lil C and Tyce Diorio, visited and called contestants in their homes to tell them the good and bad news — and there was a surprising of in-person let downs.

But amazingly, five girls and six guys will be going to Hollywood: Contemporary dancers Lauren Froderman, Ashely Galvan, Adechike Torbert, Kent Boyd, Alexie Agdeppa and Robert Rolden, ballroom dancer Christina Santana, tapper Melinda Sullivan, b-boy Jose Ruiz and ballet powerhouse Alex Wong. And who got the eleventh spot? Billy Bell, who left Season 6 early due to illness. I knew he’d get squeezed in there some how.

The Top 11 is very contemporary heavy (no hip-hoppers at all?), which makes me a little uncomfortable. I like watching contemporary dancers, but I also like when b-boys, hip-hop and ballroom dancers dance in the contemporary style that they are not as comfortable with. Then, it’s that much more spectacular when they hit it out of the park. Maybe this season we’ll see more non-contemporary dancers. Bring on the hip-hop, Nappy Tab!

What do you think of the Top 11? Who are your early favorites?

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Now, the newest change to hit the dance competition show comes at the judges’ table. Last season, we saw a permanent stable of judges — executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, ballroom dance expert Mary Murphy and choreographer/director Adam Shankman — who were sometimes joined by a guest judge, like Ellen DeGeneres. This season, Mary “Hot Tamale Train” Murphy will be “taking a back seat”, and Nigel and Adam will be joined by choreographer Mia Michaels instead.

This change is disappointing for two reasons. First, Mary’s “judging” will be very much missed. Although she rarely said anything too critical of the dancers, ala Paula Abdul on American Idol, the competitors always looked to Mary for that trademark “Woooo!” that signified approval and recognized a dancer’s sexiness. Mia is much more reserved, and harsh, on the dancers. What’s more, Mia is an amazing choreographer, and having her at the judges’ table means losing her on the dance floor. Mary Murphy will be joining the show as a choreographer, but we would much rather have the roles reversed.

How do you feel about the latest changes? Do you prefer Mia Michaels or Mary Murphy as a judge? Who do you like better as a choreographer?

(Photo by Kelsey McNeal/FOX)

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On March 14, Nigel announced on his Twitter that there would be “shocking changes” to SYTYCD this season. Yesterday, he revealed the first one: “Only one dancer will leave the competition each week and not two,” he said. “Many more changes to come by the end of this week,” he added.

Only one dancer eliminated per week? This throws the whole organization of the show off. Up until this point, dancers have only danced in pairs — appearing in solos to show of “their own style.” This change means that either partners will swap more often or dancers will be dancing choreographed dances either solo or in groups, instead of pairs. I feel like Mary Murphy just screamed in my ear — that is, mind blown.

I’ll keep you posted as Nigel reveals even more changes. If you’re a fan of SYTYCD like me, how do you feel about this change?

(Photo: Nigel with SYTYCD season 5 winner Jeanine Mason. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

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Murphy said: "She might be sitting next to me this season, you never know.  I’m not sure America’s ready for that.  There could be a catfight between me and Paula—or a dance fight!  I know one thing for sure, I could definitely beat her at the tango, quickstep and cha-cha.  She’d probably get me in hip-hop, I’d have to say.”

It doesn’t stop there, though.  Mary doesn’t seem to even want to sit next to Paula: "We’d actually have to put Nigel in the middle, and I’m not sure he’s ready for that."

When asked who the better judge would be, Murphy said:  "I would be. I have to be honest, a girl knows what she’s talking about."  OUCH!!!

It’s kind of an ironic twist, isn’t it?  Paula used to be the seasons judge while Kara DioGuardi was the new girl on the show so it’s like a role reversal.  Now, it’s Paula who would be trying to fit in.

Besides, can you imagine having to listen to Paula ramble aimlessly through her critique only to be followed up by Mary’s “Hot Tamale Train.”  Yikes!

So what do you think?  Was Mary being serious or was just just trying to poke some fun at Paula and the whole situation?

image ©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Michael Williams/FOX

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