SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 12: Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo Join the Judging Panel

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE has officially added Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo to the season 12 judging panel, Fox announced. Longtime SYTYCD judge Mary Murphy announced earlier this month that the show had not picked up her option to return. Additionally, the show will have a new twist in the format: stage dancers vs. street dancers.

“With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges,” said executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe in a statement. “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. 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.”

Last weekend, Fox boss Gary Newman acknowledged to reporters after the TCA executive session SYTYCD was in talks with Abdul, and noted “America loves her…she has an amazing personality, and [with] all those years on IDOL, in particular, America has always loved her. She brings a tremendous amount of credibility in the dance world. That’s what you’re looking for in a judge: to be credible, and entertaining.” (Newman also praised Murphy’s role in the show’s success, but admitted the “show needed to be shaken up a bit.”)

Auditions for season 12 of SYTYCD start this Saturday at Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom & Hammerstein Ballroom (311 W. 34th Street / Between 8th & 9th Avenues, New York, New York  10001).

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Are you excited to see how the new panel of SYTYCD judges shapes up?