Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo are coming on board as judges for the upcoming 12th season of So You Think You Can Dance. Fox confirmed the pair this week. Abdul and Derulo will join veteran judge Nigel Lythgoe. Longtime judge Mary Murphy isn’t returning to the show.
Jason Derulo, who is 25, has served as a guest judge, performed on past episodes of the show, and has lent his music to many routines on So You Think You Can Dance in previous seasons. He excited to become a part of the permanent judging panel.
“[SYTYCD] is one of the most respected and longest-tenured shows on network television, and I hope to be a part of new growth and continued success,” the “Wiggle” singer told Us Weekly.
Paula Abdul tweeted her excitement about joining the show.
I'm honored to be joining the @DANCEonFOX judges panel this season! More details coming soon! #sytycd
— The Real Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) January 22, 2015
Paula Abdul is no stranger to the Fox network, having appeared as a judge on American Idol from 2002 to 2009, and on The X Factor for one season in 2011.
Find out who is replacing Mary Murphy at the So You Think You Can Dance judges' table: http://t.co/SHUruizXAx #SYTYCD
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) January 24, 2015
Season 12, which will appear on Fox this summer, begins auditions at the end of January. This season will differ from past seasons, with street dancers competing against classically trained dancers in an effort to determine America’s Favorite Dancer. This is right up Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo’s alley. Abdul, of course, is a former choreographer. Derulo is known for some amazing moves during his concert performances.
What do you think of Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo serving as judges on So You Think You Can Dance? Will they be a good fit with Nigel Lythgoe?