The live shows have only just begun on this season of So You Think You Can Dance, and we’ve already been treated to some of the best dancing and choreography displayed in the series’ history. Yes, this crop of dancers is truly talented and if last week’s Top 20 performance night is any indication, Season 8 is turning out to be one for the books. 
Of course, this is still a competition show, and although the judges are finding it hard to narrow down the playing field—really, they couldn’t pick 2 out of twenty to eliminate last week??—we already have our sights on the elite few who are going to make it all the way. Here are the dancers that, through our careful scientific analysis, have the best chances of making it to the finale:
Tadd – The judges have been hyping this as the year of the b-boys. Of the four who made it to the Top 20, Tadd has the best combination of talent, personality and accessibility, giving him a distinct edge. Using atypical music for his solos like last week’s “Jump, Jive An’ Wail” will continue to set him apart from the rest of the hip hop competition and set him on the path to the finale.
Ricky - Ricky didn’t receive much airtime during the audition rounds or Vegas Week, but now that he’s partnered with producer favorite Ryan Ramirez he is sure to spend plenty of time in the spotlight. Being paired with the right dancer has always been an important factor on the show, and Ricky certainly lucked out. Marko currently stands as his strongest competitor, but we have a feeling that Ricky’s power and talent will bring him to the top.
Melanie - You may know her as the girl who looks like Ginnifer Goodwin, but we will all undoubtedly know Melanie’s name by the end of this season. She’s already made a splash performing Travis Wall’s instant classic “Turn to Stone,” and she has been a consistent standout in every group routine to date.
Sasha – Step aside, Beyonce, because there is a new Sasha Fierce in town. One half of the delightful Mallory Sisters (her sister Natalia was cut in Vegas), Sasha has the distinct advantage of being featured throughout auditions and Vegas Week. We know her story and we already adore her, not to mention the fact that she is an unbelievable dancer. Her biggest downfall at the moment is her partner Alexander, but she should have no problem sailing through this competition.
So who of these dancers will take home the title of America’s Favorite Dancer? To use Nigel’s already-oversaturated catchphrase of the season, it’ll be one of the “Beasts of Season 8.” Yup, one of those girls is taking it all the way, and our bets are on Sasha. You heard it here first, so you can thank us later when you win your office pool.
The Top 20 return again tonight, and four will be eliminated in tomorrow’s results. So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.
Brian Forte is the founder and head writer of pop culture blog Please Welcome Your Judges.
