“So You Think You Can Dance” judges have narrowed thousands of dancers down to 12 and Kailua’s Kupono Aweau is one of them.

“It’s crazy because it’s like its own world (being here). I know I’m on national television, but it doesn’t feel like it. I feel like when it is all said and done, then I’ll be like ‘holy crap!’” said Aweau.
Week after week, judges critique the performances and America is asked to vote via phone call and/or text message for who they think can dance. Aweau has been in the bottom two twice throughout his journey, despite the judges’ amazement with him and his partner Kayla Radomski.
After last week’s couples performance, judge Nigel Lythgoe said, “Kupono, you are a new man up there. This week I thought you were absolutely fabulous. The way you danced it, everything about it was absolutely tremendous, it’s so good to see the pair of you reaching your true potential on this show.”
“The song was all about death, but these two are alive and kickin’!” said judge Mary Murphy.
Perhaps the most meaningful comment to Kupono came from judge Mia Michaels when she said, “From the first time we saw you in Seattle, we were just on you (and) every note we gave you, you applied it. Every single one. And every single week you keep getting better and better. It was an amazing performance.”
“It was good to hear, I wasn’t sure if they noticed!” explained a very excited Aweau. “That’s (note-taking) been my strongest point. That’s what got me on the show. Any note given, directly or indirectly, any note given to anyone, I’ll remember (because) it applies to me as well.”
Despite the judges rave reviews, Aweau and Radomski landed in the bottom three and had to dance solo performances to determine their fate. The judges agreed that Radomski’s performance wasn’t from the heart and Aweau’s performance was weak.
“That was such a weak solo from you tonight. You cannot just stand on stage and smile and expect to dance for your life,” said Lythgoe. “We need so much more passion from anybody that’s going to be on this show. More than you presented tonight.
“That’s what we will be expecting of you next week.”
Both Aweau and Radomski were saved from elimination and continued into the top 12, despite their less than pleasing solos.
“As much as it sucked, I’m glad in a way, because I got that crappy solo out of the way so I can better myself from it. I’m so grateful that I was allowed the second chance,” said Aweau.
Tonight, Aweau and Radomski dance to win the votes of America so they can continue to the top 10.
When asked what audiences can expect tonight, Aweau said, “If you thought Sonya’s (Tayeh) piece was crazy… Ho! This is a lot! At one point I thought I just couldn’t do it, but it’s great. It’s so beautiful.”
“So You Think You Can Dance” airs on Fox, tonight at 7 p.m. Voting lines open right after at 9 p.m. (HST).