After watching gala live: I never thought I'd be happy to hear Justin Bieber, but V/M were a bit of relef after all the lyrical programs. I know that some were surprised at some names on the list, but Jason and Misha werr really needed there. I can imagine the desperate director asking around "Uptempo? Does anyone have an uptempo number?"
Some skaters should rethink their approach to ex programs: when Katelyn came up I experienced a deja vu and then realized the Finninsh skater had similar dress, music and program. Both rather generic. And D/R - holy moly that was a bore.
Standouts to me: Jason, Savachenko/Massot, Carolina, Evgenia. I'm on the fence regarding Boyang - fun music, lots of personality but whoo boy lots of empty skating around. The best numbers were imho, by Yuzu, Misha and Capellini/Lanotte. Oh, and the special edition of Yuzu vs Jumps was fun, even if he lost.
ETA: And Shibs, Shibs were goid too. Somebody wrote that this is their best program this season and i agree, they could remake it as a freeskate. And the Finn guy and team Unique!