Adam Shankman Named Third Judge on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
September 16, 2009 by Kath Skerry
“SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is one of the most important things to happen in the last decade for the art form,” said Shankman. “Choreography is how I found my way into this business, and I’m proud to be a part of the show. As a filmmaker, it’s an honor to be able to recognize choreographers and dancers, and to be able to bring all of this amazing work into America’s homes. These kids challenge themselves every week, and it’s great for people to see how terrific these dancers are.”
“I am extremely happy that Adam has agreed to be a resident judge,” said Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer/Co-Creator, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. “We love bantering and bickering, and yet he still finds a way of capturing the sensitivity of every story told on stage. He is a consummate professional with a passion for dance and a discerning eye, which makes him perfect for us. Plus, it must be remembered, it takes a slightly crazy person to work with me and Mary.”
The dancer/choreographer/director has been my favorite guest judge since his first appearance so I’m excited we’ll be seeing more of him this season. His enthusiasm for dance mixed with his honest assessment and creative criticism brings something very special to SYTYCD.
Talk to me SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE fans! Good news this morning or are you not excited about Adam joining the team in a more permanent way.
UDPATE: This just in from conference call with Nigel Lythgoe. SYTYCD will NOT have a fourth judge on a weekly basis. They are reserving the right, however, to bring in a very special guest judge on occasion (think Paula Abdul or J-Lo’esque)
Also…this year’s finale will feature the Top 6 dancers. The top 3 guys and the top 3 girls.
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Filed under So You Think You Can Dance, SYTYCD
AND…I was just about to send you an email asking about what the big SYTYCD news was! I kinda guessed but nice to have confirmation!
YAY! The Shankman’s my favorite! I was bummed he only judged for two eps last season, but now we get him for the whole season! I love that he is genuinely excited for the dancing and the dancers, but isn’t afraid to say when a dance is a hot mess. Plus maybe he’ll help tone down Creepy Uncle Nigel. A win all around!
Yes! Shankman! He’s by far the best guest judge, so I’m really looking forward to seeing him each week. You can tell he genuinely loves the show too.
Are they still going to have guest judges (i.e. four judges a week)? I love Shankman but I will be upset if I never get to hear Mia.
Although thinking back, Mia would be the only other guest judge I would miss. Maybe Debbie Allen sometimes?
WOOT! L.O.V.E. The Shankman! This is SUPER news!
That is great news! Just made a comment re: this on your TV Spotlight post, but I’ll reiterate here … YAY! Does this mean there will still be guest judges, though? Just that there will be four of them, including a guest judge?
I love Shankman, but I also like when the others judge too. I’m going to miss Mia judging, and yes, even Tyce. Please say we’ll get a 4th judge, too??? They can easily do it with the 2-hour shows each week.
What? No Mia or Lil C judging anymore?
I love Adam, but I admit Im going to miss Mia, Debbie Allen and Lil C for his hilarious monologues.
I’m sooo excited!! The Shankman is my favoritee!!
Less Mia + Tyce judging means more Mia + Tyce choreography? We can only hope!!
Love having Mia, she’s the one I’d have guest judging when she isn’t choreographing. Put Mia to work in some capacity every week because we LOVE her! I hope Shankman does choreograph at least one group number again this season. I loved the Hairspray group number he did on Sabra’s season (I still picture Dom dropping Sabra on her head during rehearsals for that routine!).
Tyce is better at choreographing than judging. Congrats to him winning the Emmy! I loved his routine!
No Mia? Ooohhh, that’s a dealbreaker.
Aww, just saw your update … so sad that we won’t be seeing a rotating fourth judge!! I’ll miss Mia, since she’s really the only other judge that I loved a lot. But I’m with the previous poster, who said that maybe with the other choreos not judging, they’ll choreograph more! Tyce is definitely better at the choreos than the judging … he can be a total douche as a judge.
My wish came true! I don’t think I’ll miss the others much. After going at Brandon for no apparent reason last season, I got sick of Mia’s judging.
I’m conflicted…I love Shankman, but it’s part of each week’s excitement to find out who the guest judge is. And it’s nice to have someone who is an expert in different genres every week…it helps keep it more fair to different types of dancers. I’m dying to know how you and Ducky feel about this!
Bored with the same 3 judges each time – really miss the guest judge format. And where is Mia????? The show is just not as good without her. As long as I’m griping…not crazy about the larger stage either. Hmmm, my favorite show is going downhill. Ugh.
Agree with ciannia – this season isn’t the same with Shankman he’s boring! I want my guest judges and MIA pleeease come back and if Paula Abdul makes an apearance – they’ve lost a viewer – oh and I dont like the new stage either….. want my old sytycd back!