Welcome to the first episode where cuts will be made, journeys will end, and bets will be lost. The Top 20 opens with a few missing players. The horrifying news is revealed early: Billy Bell is so sick he'll have to miss the entire season, and Noelle has injured her knee to take her out of the first episode. Noelle may be back, but Billy definitely won't. I think we may have lost the winner of Season 6 to swine flu/mono or a serious illness. Here's hoping he gets better and returns in some way, shape or form.

Each dancer performed their five second solo as an introduction with the tappers mic'ed. This was new, interesting, and makes you wake up and listen/watch. Phillip, Peter, and Bianca are going to stick out a bit at the start of each show because of it.

Tonight the judges will decide which guy and girl are going home. No voting - it's solely based on judge votes. Nigel, Adam, Mary and the empty seat reserved for Paula Abdul are watching and critiquing.

Here's a short rundown of each pairing and the resulting performance.

Channing and Phillip: Jive
Phillip was better than Channing overall. They screwed up some sort of floor-scoop and Channing was falling flat performance-wise. Phillip's tap-schmaltz was an asset throughout and the Jackson 5 "Rockin' Robin" song was fun to watch. Adam pointed out Channing's lack of a strong plié and Nigel adds criticism of their sharpness, chemistry, and endurance.

Ashleigh and Jakob: Broadway
If you took Jessica Rabbit and subtracted the boobs but transplanted Hilary Swank's head, you'd have Ashleigh. Now, if you took pretty lines, beautiful extension, and a committed, albeit off, performance, you'd have Jakob. It showcased him as the talent and her as the eye candy in a style they both didn't exactly own. Somehow, I want Ashleigh to succeed but she's not giving me much to promote. I don't think she'll be around for long if her technique doesn't improve. The judges, besides Adam, don't seem to agree.

Ariana and Peter: Hip-hop
Hip-hop android love story? Yes please. The choreography was fresh and played well with the song although Ariana's long ponytail was distracting as hell. The chemistry wasn't where it needed to be (which Adam said in about eighty more words). This routine would have been totally safe if it was a vote-based elimination as most early viewers take to hip-hop more than ballet. But the rest of the judges, especially Nigel, weren't very impressed. Hopefully this doesn't take Ariana out.

Melanie Noelle and Russell: Fox Trot
Russell danced the fox trot, dreads and all, while Noelle rested her injured knee. Melanie, the choreographer that resembles George Costanza's mother, filled in. The routine just lacked a spark, a finesse, and chemistry. Russell's leaving everything on the dance floor but I think the judges are rooting for him a bit too much at this point to not to come off as biased. Nigel happily tosses in a few technique critiques but glosses over them by citing Russell being a krumper and growing so fast so soon. We get it, but his critique wasn't as nit-picky as it should have been. By next week Noelle's status should be clear.

Bianca and Victor: Contemporary
This pairing is going to be good. The premise was a girl longing for a disinterested guy. The moves seemed simple with only a few big leaps, spins and lifts but it was this simplicity that saved the routine. Victor had to perform as an indifferent person, but in his style. Bianca the tapper held her own, although her shoulders were in here ears. Watching the piece you couldn't tell Bianca was a tapper at heart.

Karen and Kevin: Cha-cha
They danced to the Glee cast version of "Push It." I wish that's all they needed to secure a ride into next week. Kevin was awful. Karen was in her element, although it was a bit over-the-top sexy. Kevin clearly is uncomfortable and awkward to watch as a leading man in a couple. He and Karen bobbled some of the tighter lifts and moves, but she managed to salvage the messes he made. Mary and Nigel are off their rocker praising Kevin for some crap technique for a style that demands a much stronger male presence. I smell an agenda to get Kevin (and Russell) into the next show.

Ellenore and Ryan: Contemporary jazz
He-Man, I mean Ryan, and Ellenore worked the "seizing angel" angle as well as the "lifts from hell" angel. The thing Adam wanted less of, the seizing, is what I think allowed them to perform a bit out of their comfort zone. They put together a solid routine that was unique and kept your attention.

Pauline and Brandon: Smooth Waltz
Brandon took Billy Bell's spot in the Top 20, but I'll try not to hate him. The piece was a bit junior high dance but Brandon had only been practicing with Pauline for 48 hours. Pauline performed well and Brandon showed some flaws but wasn't all bad. The flow and lines was about 80% of what it should have been, but the judges seem to be pushing hip-hop males along when they don't really deserve it. Nigel stood out for once, going back to his old ways by telling them they weren't strong enough. I think at least one of them is in trouble.

Kathryn and Legacy: Hip-hop
These two took on the roles of prehistoric dancers, adding levity to a show filled with praise and critique. They a) made us interested b) performed the hell out of the too-cool-for-technique routine c) didn't make major mistakes. It seemed like the hip-hop style mixed with a lighthearted sensibility was the perfect mix for their personal strengths. Mary yelling "Yabba dabba doo!" sealed the deal for these two. It doesn't hurt that Legacy looked like He-Man after a serious round of healthy dieting. Yum.

Mollee and Nathan: Disco
This would be the power couple of Season 6. A jazz goddess, albeit a young one, and a contemporary male standout paired for the competition should be a recipe for excellence. The innocence exuded by them canceled all the opportunities for raunchy moments. Mollee seemed to have trouble keeping up with the speed but she managed to pick up the slack when it mattered. The judges loved it, so look for them next week.

Image © Michael Becker/FOX

Ariana, Brandon, Pauline and Russell "dance for their lives" one last time with Ariana and Brandon going home. My picks right now for the top four: Jakob, Victor, Ellenore and Kathryn. (Knock on wood)

Grade: B


Story by Kate Kostal

Starpulse contributing writer