I don't recognize many of these names. Are there some that simply haven't been been shown yet?

Yes. It happens every year, people show up on the actual show that we've never seen before, but this year seems especially bad. I recognize about 10 of the boys names, but only 4 or 5 of the girls. Usually there are like 3 or 4 people who make the show that we don't know, but I have a feeling that this years Top 20 is going to be full of strangers. Which is frustrating, but it also might be a good thing because we have no expectations.

I'm finding more and more with this show that it never lives up to my expectations. I don't think I'll ever love it as much as I did way back in season 2. Last nights show was really pissing me off, with all the random cuts that didn't seem to make any sense. They would show someone dancing and I would have the exact opposite reaction of the judges. For instance, I thought Arielle Coker was doing really good with the ballroom routine, and they said she sucked and cut her. Same with Natalie-- that was some BS right there. And then when I thought someone was awful, they would rave about them. Like, was I watching the same dancing that they were?

I think having 2 seasons back to back just might ruin this show for me. I don't know if I can take that much MaryScreaming and NigelPerviness and MiaBitchery. Not even super CatAdorableness can make up for all the crap the judges spew.

/rant