Paula Abdul, who knows as much about dance as she knows about singing, is returning to Fox. The former American Idol judge will take the same role on So You Think You Can Dance.
Abul will join Nigel Lythgoe, along with “Wiggle” singer Jason Derulo, on the judge’s panel. Cat Deeley will be hosting once again.
“With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges,” Lythgoe, who also serves as executive producer, said 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.”
This is the 12th season of the series and producers are going to try something different. They will feature teams of stage dancers facing off against street dancers. Auditions will start on Jan. 24 in New York. Other auditions are scheduled for Feb. 14 in Dallas; Feb. 22 in Detroit; March 8 in Memphis; and March 15 in Los Angeles.
“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,” Abdul said. “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!”
Fox has not set a premiere date for season 12 just yet.
Abdul was a judge on Idol’s first eight seasons and also judged the first season of Simon Cowell’s ill-fated American version of The X Factor. She has also judged on So You Think You Can Dance Australia. She’s a two-time Emmy winner for her work on The Tracey Ullman Show and The 17th Annual American Music Awards.
As for Derulo, he’s best known for his successful Talk Dirty, “Talk Dirty” and the smash hit “Wiggle” with Snoop Dogg.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com