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"So You Think You Can Dance": 16 dancers perform, two more sent home

Tiffany Maher and George Lawrence II perform a hip-hop routine to "Out of My Mind" on "So You Think You Can Dance" on July 25, 2012. Fox

(CBS News) The new format on this season of "So You Think You Can Dance" - which was reduced from two episodes a week to one by Fox - means that dancers can perform a stellar routine during the show, but still be eliminated based on last week's votes.

That's exactly what happened during Wednesday night's episode - a pair of dancers wowed the judges and the crowd, and by the end of the two-hour show, they were gone. (SPOILER)

Pictures: "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 9

After a Charlie Chaplin-themed group number, viewers were treated to fun facts about the dancers and eight routines from the Top 16.

First up was Tiffany and George, who danced a Nappy/Tabs hip-hop routine about being driven insane by babysitting. Nigel Lythgoe said he wanted the dancing to be grungier but still enjoyed the routine. Mary Murphy screeched that she loved it, and guest judge Christina Applegate said she liked the number but wanted the slower moments to be "soupier."

Next up was Amber and Brandon, who each lost their partners to elimination last week. They danced a sexy jazz number by Ray Leeper that all of the judges raved about. Lythgoe called it "baby-making choreography."

Dareian and Janelle danced a cha-cha choreographed by "SYTYCD" alum Pasha Kovalev that the judges tore to pieces. The two were critiqued for lack of chemistry, poor transitions and pointed-in feet. Murphy was particularly critical of them, and Lythgoe said he didn't find Janelle sexy.

Lindsay and Cole danced next, doing a contemporary routine by Mandy Moore. She represented a light, free spirit, and he was the anger and hate that was trying to hold her down. Lythgoe said Lindsay was becoming a more mature dancer and that Cole was meticulous with his movements. Applegate said that while she couldn't see Lindsay's face during the routine, she spoke through her body.

Another Mandy Moore routine was next - a jazz number danced by Amelia and Will. Murphy said it wasn't their strongest work this season and Lythgoe said they didn't connect, but Applegate still called them a "dream team."

Audrey and Matthew performed a salsa choreographed by Liz Lira, but it didn't ignite praise from the judges. Murphy said it wasn't on fire, Lythgoe was equally unenthused and Applegate said she was distracted by the routine's music.

Witney and and Chehon got a standing ovation from the audience and the judges for their contemporary routine to Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," choreographed by Stacey Tookey. Applegate, speaking through tears, called it "one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen." Murphy was also teary-eyed, and Lythgoe said it was flawless.

Last to go were Eliana and Cyrus, who finished with a Nappy/Tabs hip-hop routine that had them both playing robots. Murphy said they were "both on the damn train," Lythgoe said Eliana was better than Cyrus at points and Applegate warned that one day he would have to dance contemporary - something far outside his robot/animator comfort zone.

Then, it was time for the bottom six to be revealed. The bottom three girls were Lindsay, Amber and Eliana, while the bottom three guys were George, Brandon and Dareian. Unlike last week, where no one had to dance for their lives, this time Amber, Eliana, Brandon and Dareian were asked to perform.

After each performed a solo, it was revealed the judges were saving Lindsay, Eliana, George and Dareian. That meant Amber and Brandon - who wowed the judges earlier in the evening with that jazz routine - would be heading home. And that's the last we'll see of "So You Think You Can Dance" until the show returns in two weeks.

Tell us: Did the right dancers go home?

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