So You Think You Can Dance has recruited new judges for Season 12!
After eight seasons on American Idol, Paula Abdul is making her return to reality TV as a full time judge for SYTYCD. Fox announced on Thursday that Jason Derulo and co-creator/executive producer Nigel Lythgoe would also be joining her. Cat Deeley will be returning to host the newest season, which is set to feature a different twist in the competition: stage dancers vs. street dancers.
“With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges,” said Lythgoe. “Paula is an incredible artist, and she brings the perfect combination of expertise and heart to the panel. Jason’s insight, humor and creativity will add a new perspective to the panel that we haven’t had before.”
Both new judges have previously served as guest judges in past episodes. Abdul served as a guest judge during the 2013 season on Fox, as well as a judge on Season 4 of SYTYCD Australia, while Derulo appeared in SYTYCD’s 200th episode and performed “Wiggle It” with Snoop Dogg this past summer.
Mary Murphy, on the other hand, will not be returning as a judge for the upcoming season. Murphy, who started in the first two seasons in 2005-06, has been the longest-serving and most popular judge.
“Mary has been a huge part of So You Think You Can Dance, from mentoring the dancers as a choreographer to inspiring fans as a judge,” said Fox and show producers Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment in a joint statement. “She will always be part of our Dance family and we wish her continued success.”
Auditions for Season 12 kick off in New York City this weekend at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom and Hammerstein Ballroom. Following auditions will be held in Dallas on February 14th, Detroit on February 22nd, Memphis on March 8th, and Los Angeles on March 15th.
So You Think You Can Dance returns to Fox this summer.
