The judges raved during Season 5 about the Top 20's high-level of talent, which contributed to an unforgettable summer of performances.
The Top included SYTYCD's first Classical Ballerina (Melissa Sandvig), first Broadway dancer (Evan Kasprzak), and first Popper (Phillip Chbeeb). Chbeeb was an instant fan-favorite, making his first appearance during Season 4 auditions where he impressed the judges with his liquid arms.
Ballroom dancer Janette Manrara was paired with Contemporary hotshot Brandon Bryant, and week after week the couple pulled out some of the best performances in every style of dance.
Two of the most emotionally moving pieces of the season were Tyce Diorio's breast cancer routine performed by powerhouse duo Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi and Mia Michaels' addiction-themed piece performed by Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau. Another awe-inspiring routine was courtesy of Season 2's Travis Wall who made his debut as a SYTYCD choreographer, and lucky contestants Jeanine Mason & Jason Glover brought his passionate piece to life
The show celebrated its 100th episode during Season 5 with encore performances of the Emmy-winning routines, plus Katie Holmes performed a number to "Get Happy" to introduce the Dizzy Feet Foundation.
With so much talent packed into one season there wasn't a clear front runner until the finale when Jeanine Mason executed a jaw-dropping perfectly-timed pirouette during her final solo and clinched the grand prize.
