Fox’s dance competition show has announced that some familiar faces will be joining the judges’ panel for season 12.
We learned a few weeks ago that our beloved Mary Murphy would not be returning for SYTYCD season 12, and the question quickly arose of who could possibly replace her (Honestly? No one.) Today, Fox has announced their choices: Dance legend Paula Abdul and pop star Jason DeRulo.
The New Kids
Both Abdul and DeRulo have appeared on the show previously as guest judges. Over the past several years, Lythgoe and Murphy have served as regular judges, accompanied by a rotating cast of guest judges from the worlds of dance, music, theatre, and Hollywood. It looks like that format will be no longer, as we’ll have a full cast of three coaches for the first time in a while.
“I’m delighted that Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo will be joining me at the judges’ table this season on So You Think You Can Dance,” said long-time judge and executive producer Nigel 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.”
“I have dedicated a large part of my career as a choreographer to discovering and mentoring some of the most iconic artists and performers from all over the world,” said Abdul. “So You Think You Can Dance has a long-standing history of launching brilliant careers for young choreographers and dancers in the industry. It’s going to be a true honor and pleasure joining this panel with Jason and Nigel, and I’m looking forward to an exciting new season!”
“I am truly excited, and eagerly look forward to joining the cast of So You Think You Can Dance,” added Derulo. “It 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.”
Performance Review
Nigel Lythgoe pursued Paula Abdul for several years to get her to appear as a guest judge on SYTYCD, before finally winning her over to appear a few times in seasons 10 and 11. And those of us hoping she might have gotten herself together since her time on American Idol were sadly disappointed. For all of the experience and insight she brings to the table from her years as a successful dancer and choreographer, she is, in the opinion of this writer, completely bonkers. It will be difficult to watch this season and try to piece together what Paula is trying to say as she rambles on.
Jason DeRulo, however, had a much more promising showing. He served as guest judge for several episodes in season 11, and proved to be one of the best guest judges we’ve seen. Not only is he an excellent dancer himself, with a real knowledge and appreciation of dance, but he was very funny and charismatic. What he lacks in familiarity in the “trained” dances, like ballroom, ballet, and jazz, he makes up for in his knowledge of street dancing. This will work out nicely for the show’s new “Stage vs. Street” format.
“With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges.” said Lythgoe.
For those of us hoping that Mary Murphy would be replaced with someone equally awesome, this casting news isn’t great. Fox is clearly hoping Abdul will bring that same Murphy zaniness and personality, and she definitely won’t. The best part of this announcement is looking forward to seeing what DeRulo brings to the table for the new format.
Will the new judges bring about the beginning of the end as it did (or should have, for God’s sake) for American Idol, or will Paula Abdul and Jason DeRulo breathe new life into the show?
This announcement of the new judges comes just in time for season 12’s auditions to start this weekend in New York City. SYTYCD will return for season 12 this summer, introducing the new “Stage vs. Street” format.