^Note 1 : The bottom crew from the first episode battled the bottom crew from the second episode to determine the first elimination of the season. ^Note 2 : The judges saved both crews from elimination.
Key
(WINNER) The dance crew won the competition and was crowned "America's Best Dance Crew".
(RUNNER-UP) The dance crew was the runner-up in the competition.
(IN) The dance crew was safe from elimination.
(RISK) The dance crew was at risk for elimination.
(OUT) The dance crew was eliminated from the competition.
The season kicked off with the first round of crews dancing to a remix of "I Wanna Go".[4] Then, the crews incorporated Spears' hits into their routines. The judges selected four crews to advance to the next round, while the crew who did not make the cut faced elimination in the following week's episode.[5]
The other five competing crews danced to "Wild Ones" featuring Sia, with Flo Rida performing alongside them.[6] Flo Rida then joined the judges table as a special guest judge. Later, the crews crafted their own routines inspired by his songs. After the judges decided the four dance crews that were safe, the bottom crew battled Mix'd Elements to a remix of "Turn Around" to determine which one would be the first eliminated.[7]
The nine remaining crews choreographed routines inspired by Madonna's music videos.[8] Each crew had to incorporate their music video's signature dance style into their routine. In this episode, two teams were sent home after a double-elimination.[9]
The six remaining crews paid tribute to Jennifer Lopez. Her choreographer, Beau "Casper" Smart, worked with the crews during rehearsals. Each crew's challenge was to highlight a defining moment in Lopez's career. Smart also gave them an additional challenge that linked to their initial challenge.[13]
The five remaining dance crews began the episode with a dance number to "I Like: The Remix" featuring Enrique Iglesias and The WAV.s, alongside Season 6 runner-up ICONic Boyz.[15] Then, each crew was given a country and an international dance style to incorporate into their routines.[16] In a two-way tie, the Bottom 2 crews advanced to the next round, marking the first time the judges saved both bottom crews from elimination.[17]
The five remaining crews created dance routines inspired by Rihanna, beginning with a group performance to "We Found Love" featuring Calvin Harris.[18][19] Unlike last season, where her choreographer distributed the challenges, Rihanna delivered them to the crews herself.
The top three crews competed for the two spots in the championship round to the music of David Guetta.[22] Unlike the format from previous episodes, the crews performed first before the voting results were revealed. Guetta gave each crew the same song mix and challenges to incorporate into their routines. Then, they did a group number to "Titanium" featuring Sia.[23]
The final two crews danced to music from the concert film, Katy Perry: Part of Me, after meeting the pop starlet. Then, the winner was crowned. The show also featured performances by past ABDC champions.[24]