i have criticisms of both performances.
the dance troupe was absolutely fantastic in their choreography and execution, but by their choice of genre and style, i felt no sense of soul, rhythm or natural progression... which is probably why i didn't feel moved or feel any particular emotions other than "wow". the performance was like brilliant human fireworks, but that's not the spirit of dance IMO and not something that resonates after the performance is done.
susan to me looked a lot more worn down. gone was that charming energy (actually i could only bear to watch the first half, so maybe it returned after that point), mischeviousness and devil-may-care attitude. she was made up a lot better this time but actually looked heavier, perhaps due to eating under stress in recent weeks. so i felt kind of sad for her, really. i also would have preferred her to sing a different song, at least partly for strategic reasons, since it could only suffer when compared to the miraculous reception and event of the first version.
anyway, i do feel glad for her, since she's made it through this very stressful period of scrutiny and uncertainty and can now concentrate on her recording contracts and reaping the rewards for her years of hard work. not that there won't be pressure, but it should be lessened, hopefully.