I'm watching it right now. Yes, so far the All Stars have picked my choices. I was a little surprised at how hard the judges were on Cyrus and Kaylee. She has the most charisma and is very talented as far as I'm concerned. I hope they improve together over time.

Do you have a favourite so far?

I watched the show last night during its live broadcast and enjoyed it greatly and was impressed by just about all the couples and their performances, but unfortunately am rusty now on who performed what, and what the various routines were like or looked like. That having been said, a particular routine that has stuck in my mind and that I remember really thinking superb was the one for which the replacement All-Star filled in. (I don't at all remember that fill-in All-Star dancer from past seasons. Do you?) That was one I thought phenomenal, including, as Mary commented, regarding the special lighting effects.

It usually takes me 2-3 performance weeks before the who's-who of things starts really sticking in my brain and I begin to be able to remember the names and gradually start forming favourites. The first couple of weeks all the getting to know the new cast and how well (or not) I like their performances takes a while to soak in.

So far I don't have any particular favourite. I thought pretty nearly all the contestants (I must admit that the Cyrus-Kaylee performance, and their pairing, was the one and only of the entire night that I thought came off actually poorly and that really just didn't work or look good) were terrific last night.

No, I don't remember the dancer that stood in for Allison from past seasons. I too thought that performance was wonderful. The young boy who performed with her (like you, I don't know all the names yet), reminded me a little of the past winner (I think from season 11), Ricky.

I think the stand outs for me were the guy partnered with Gaby, and the one partnered with Jasmin (although I didn't think Jasmin danced that well). She seemed "off" to me. I like Marco's partnering as well. They look so adourable together. Crazy Nigel hinted at them getting married..LOL

I don't really enjoy many of Luther Brown's choreographies but Comfort and her partner did well.

I guess my blue-haired girl will be the one eliminated next week.

Mary didn't disappoint as usual.

OMG, Marco and his partner so thoroughly do look like an actual real-life made-for-each-other true couple, don't they? lol

I, too, really like the combination of Gaby and her partner. They definitely seem like they'll be likely to be a top couple in the competition as they play off one another outstandingly and effortlessly, not to mention there's such a bounty of talent and flair.

I think this season will be a standout and an overall feast of riches. It'll be fun seeing who all breaks out of the pack during the next few shows.

I was really impressed with the first set of routines, especially the contemporary and hip hop routines. This season is just showing me that SYTYCD is still the best dance competition show on TV and is especially good now that it has returned to its roots. World of Dance is too over-produced and politicized and Dancing with the Stars doesn't have as many wow moments. SYTYCD is just pure, raw dancing, and I love it.

I completely agree with everything you said, Piro.

This is seeming like perhaps it may well wind up becoming one of SYTYCD's all-time great seasons.

Currently watching this Monday's episode. I have to give it to Luther, his opening African inspired dance was rather well done. These dancers are extremely talented for sure!

Indeed, this season's batch of dancers - both contestants and all-stars - is excellent.

I always enjoy the group performances.

@genplant29 said:

Indeed, this season's batch of dancers - both contestants and all-stars - is excellent.

I always enjoy the group performances.

Watching this weeks show now. That was another awesome opening group routine. I was so happy to see that Mark Kanemura choreographed that routine. He is one of my all time favourite contestants.

That was a fun routine. I'm with you, that Mark K's also one of my all-time fave contestants.

So far the right contestants have been getting eliminated each week. Now the remaining ones are all so good that it's going to be hard, each remaining week, seeing someone go - let alone even simply seeing who winds up in each week's bottom 3. I like everyone who remains.