After a three-year break from her last regular show on TV, Paula Abdul returns to Fox.
Paula Abdul will join So You Think You Can Dance for the 12th season. As a new judge, Abdul will join fellow newcomer Jason Derulo on the panel. Abdul and Derulo will unite with judge Nigel Lythgoe and host Cat Deeley.
The Hollywood Reporter conducted an interview with Abdul, Lythgoe, and Derulo. “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.”
Lythgoe, executive producer, also commented on the arrival of the new judges. “With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges,” Lythgoe said. “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.”
Abdul has filled in on both So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With the Stars. It was rumored that she planned on being a permanent addition to the latter, but ABC picked Julianne Hough as their final panelist.
Jason Derulo also had a few words to say about joining the show as a judge. “I am truly excited, and eagerly look forward to joining the cast of So You Think You Can Dance. 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.”
Auditions for the 12th season of So You Think You Can Dance begin on January 24 in New York. The season will return this summer to Fox.