So You Think You Can Dance judge Mary Murphy predicted one of the two male finalists, Kiki Nyemchek or Lex Ishimoto, will win the season during Monday night's penultimate broadcast.
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Kiki, a 26-year-old ballroom dancer from Teaneck, NJ, and Lex, a 19-year-old contemporary dancer from Irvine, CA, took the stage with a hip-hop routine choreographed by Luther Brown that was completely out of their comfort zones last night.
However, So You Think You Can Dance judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Vanessa Hudgens thought the pair crushed it.
"Luther says, 'Smash for cash.' I have a feeling there could be some cash coming to either one of you real soon," Mary said, which was an apparent reference to how So You Think You Can Dance winners typically receive a cash prize.
Nigel added that Lex is talented and "humble," while Kiki "sprouted wings" on the show and would probably win the award for most-improved dancer this season.
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In addition to Lex and Niki, the other two Top 4 finalists are Koine Iwakasi, a 20-year-old contemporary dancer from Pembroke Pines, FL, and Taylor Sieve, a 19-year-old contemporary dancer from Maple Grove, MN.
Each finalist was required to dance with the other contestants, perform a solo, and reprise his or her favorite dance of the season with an All-Star partner.
Lex is partnered with All-Star Gaby Diaz, a tap dancer from Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance, while Kiki is paired with All-Star Jenna Johnson, a ballroom dancer from Season 10 and Dancing with the Stars pro.
Koine is paired with All-Star Marko Germar, a jazz dancer from Season 8, and Taylor is partnered with All-Star Robert Roldan, a contemporary dancer from Season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance.
Lex also performed a tap routine with Gaby, in which he was told he floats across the stage, and a contemporary routine with his girlfriend Taylor that brought Mary to tears.
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Kiki also took the stage with Jenna for a contemporary routine that left Jenna crying hysterically.
The judges agreed the pair has undeniable and magnetic chemistry as well as a very special bond. Vanessa even yelled out at one point that Kiki and Jenna have "love" there, but it's unclear whether she suggested the love is romantic or just friendly. (Jenna is currently dating DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy).
"I'm just so sad because I love dancing with him," Jenna said as she hugged Kiki after their dance.
In addition, Kiki danced contemporary with Koine and the judging panel said they poured all of their passion into the routine.
Home viewers' votes from last week will be combined with Monday night's votes to determine "America's Favorite Dancer," who will be crowned during next week's two-hour finale on Monday, September 25 on Fox.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski