These shows are all about ratings...so in that regard the producers could potentially do whatever they want to ensure those ratings.

and whether thats either messing with the votes or setting things up the way they want; it is certainly a debatable topic.

I agree with Scotty about the ratings and would also add that the touring group is rigged, too. I mean, letting in Caitlyn because they knew that Phillip was a huge money draw. Not that I have anything against Caitlyn (at the time she was eliminated, I actually liked her better than Jeanine), it was just obvious that she was in because they wanted Phillip. It is all about money in the end, and we are just along for the wonderful, musical ride.

Well, it's definitely not a conspiracy any more! It's all out in the open who the producers want and who they don't. The good news is that we don't have to feel manipulated because we're not even voting! Yes, the last few weeks the judges have been doing the voting and kicking off because of the World Series - but I think they've done themselves a huge favor by ridding themselves of the dancers they already know they don't want in the top 10.

Let's hope when we are allowed to vote that the producers won't pull a fast one over us (like making Russell do the foxtrot or Tango)

My goodness I sound bitter! I really do LOVE this show, because of the dancers and their talent! The real meat & potatoes of the show. The top 16 are so strong I hate to see anyone go!

Attridge - every week I'm amazed at how talented this bunch is! I think everyone in the top 16 this season could go head to head with the top three last season. I can't wait to see the choreo this year since it's obvious that this group of kids can do so much more than previous contestants.

I think they acquire new choreographers who are interested in working with particular dancers. Therefore they are able to branch out and expose America to a larger variety of dance styles. While you may be right that the dances are not so randomly picked...only one of the dancers is trained in that style. Their partner still had to learn an intense amount of technique to help them pull it off. Each of the dancers is talented for being able to so quickly learn and master a new routine (and sometimes style). They need ratings and that's how they know how to get them. Interesting that they said they couldn't teach tap in a week though. Not really fair to play into some dancers' strengths if not all. I do think Jeanine would have advance no matter what. She grew a great deal throughout the competition and had the personality to go with it!