JoJo Siwa.Photo:Maarten de Boer/ABC via Getty
Maarten de Boer/ABC via Getty
JoJo Siwais returning to theSo You Think You Can Dancejudging panel to replaceNigel Lythgoein season 18.
Fox issued a press release on Friday announcing that theDance Momsalum, 20, will joinAllison HolkerandMakism Chmerkovskiyon the judging panel for a reimagined season that seeks to reflect the “authentic experience of building a successful career in dance.”
Emmy-nominated hostCat Deeleywill once again emcee the dance competition show, a post she has held since 2006.
Friday’s release also promised fans will get a “documentary-style look” at the contestants' lives as they vie for the ultimate $100,000 grand prize that comes with being crowned winner ofSo You Think You Can Danceseason 18.
Nigel Lythgoe.Phillip Faraone/Getty
Phillip Faraone/Getty
News of Siwa’s return comes shortly after Lythgoe announced he would bestepping downfrom the long-running dance series followingsexual assault allegationsearlier this month.
“I have informed the producers ofSo You Think You Can Danceof my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series,” the television personality, 74, toldVariety. “I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
On Dec. 30,Paula Abdul, 61, accused the longtime dance judge of sexually assaulting her ontwo occasionswhen they both worked onAmerican Idolin the early 2000s andSYTYCDin 2015.
Shortly after the news broke, Lythgoe responded to her claims anddenied all allegationsin a statement given toTMZ.
Noting that he learned of Abdul’s accusations “out of the blue” through the press, Lythgoe continued, “I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for. … I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have.”
FOX
Siwa made her judging debut in season 17 alongsideGleeMatthew Morrisonand lateSYTYCDfavoriteStephen “tWitch” Boss, whodiedat age 40 in December 2022.
Siwa celebrated the news of her judging debut witha commemorative postshared to Instagram at the time.
“FINALLY!…. ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ is coming to FOX this summer and I am so grateful that I am going to be a judge!” Siwa wrote. “It’s such an honor to be a part of this shows come back!!!”
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So You Think You Can Danceseason 18 premieres March 4 at 9 p.m. ET on Fox and can be streamed the next day on Hulu.
source: people.com
