Since its electrifying debut on FOX in 2005, So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) has captivated audiences with its breathtaking choreography and talented dancers. Central to the show’s success is its panel of expert judges, tasked with discovering and nurturing the nation’s most promising dance talent. From seasoned choreographers to renowned performers, the So You Can Dance judges have evolved over 18 seasons, each bringing their unique perspective and expertise to the stage. Let’s take a detailed look at the So You Can Dance judges through the years, exploring their tenures and the reasons behind their departures, providing a comprehensive guide for fans of the show and those interested in the dynamics of reality TV judging panels.
The original So You Can Dance judges panel was anchored by the show’s co-creator, Nigel Lythgoe, a figure synonymous with the SYTYCD brand for its first 16 seasons. Alongside him, from the beginning, was the energetic and much-loved Mary Murphy, known for her signature “Hot Tamale Train.” This dynamic duo provided consistency and familiar faces for viewers, becoming integral to the show’s identity.
The Reign of Nigel Lythgoe
Judge for: Seasons 1-16
Reason for Exit: Nigel Lythgoe was a cornerstone of So You Think You Can Dance from its inception. His sharp critiques, combined with a genuine passion for dance, made him a compelling figure on the panel. While producers didn’t officially state the reason for his initial departure ahead of Season 17, Lythgoe himself indicated via Twitter that he was not invited back to the judging panel. This marked a significant shift for the show, as Lythgoe had been instrumental in shaping its direction and judging style.
Later, Lythgoe planned a return for Season 18, exciting long-time fans. However, this return was short-lived. In January, he stepped down from the judging panel amidst serious allegations of sexual assault. Lythgoe denied these claims, but the controversy led to his definitive exit from the show, ending an era for So You Think You Can Dance.
Mary Murphy and the Hot Tamale Train
Judge for: Seasons 1-6, 8-11, 14-16
Reason for Exit: Mary Murphy’s infectious enthusiasm and signature “Hot Tamale Train” scream became synonymous with the joy and excitement of So You Think You Can Dance. Her expertise in ballroom dance, coupled with her vibrant personality, made her a fan favorite. Murphy’s initial departure came before Season 7 when her contract was not renewed. While she made triumphant returns for Seasons 8-11 and later for Seasons 14-16, she was again not included in the lineup for Season 17. These departures, though explained as contract decisions, left a noticeable gap in the show’s judging panel, impacting the familiar chemistry that viewers had come to expect.
Adam Shankman’s Choreographic Insight
Judge for: Seasons 6-7
Reason for Exit: Adam Shankman, a respected choreographer and director, brought a wealth of industry experience to the So You Can Dance judges table. Prior to becoming a permanent judge in Season 6, Shankman had served as a mentor and guest judge, familiarizing himself with the show’s format and talent pool. His tenure as a judge, however, was relatively brief, spanning only two seasons. The reasons for Shankman’s departure after Season 7 were not publicly disclosed. His exit marked another change in the judging dynamic, as he offered a unique perspective rooted in choreography and stage direction.
Mia Michaels: A Choreography Icon
Judge for: Season 7
Reason for Exit: Mia Michaels is a name synonymous with innovative and emotionally resonant choreography in the dance world. Her presence on So You Think You Can Dance as a choreographer was frequent and impactful before she took on a judging role in Season 7. Michaels’ judging style was known for its directness and high standards, reflecting her commitment to pushing dancers to their artistic limits. Her time as a judge was limited to a single season as she expressed a desire to pursue other career opportunities. In a 2020 interview with People, she indicated that it was simply time to move on and explore new paths, highlighting the diverse ambitions of individuals within the entertainment industry.
Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo: Pop Star Power
Judges for: Seasons 12-13
Reasons for Exit: Seasons 12 and 13 saw a shift towards incorporating pop star appeal into the judging panel with the additions of Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo. Paula Abdul, a former American Idol judge, brought her extensive experience in music and performance to So You Think You Can Dance. She stepped in during a period of contract negotiations with Mary Murphy, offering a familiar face from the reality TV judging landscape. However, Abdul’s tenure lasted only two seasons. Her departure in 2012 coincided with her commitments to the Total Package Tour, suggesting scheduling conflicts with the So You Think You Can Dance filming schedule.
Jason Derulo, a successful singer and dancer, added a contemporary and youthful energy to the panel. While details surrounding his exit are less clear, Derulo made a cameo appearance in the show’s 300th episode in June 2022, expressing positive sentiments about his time on the show. This suggests an amicable departure, possibly driven by his own evolving career priorities.
Maddie Ziegler: Youthful Expertise
Judge for: Season 13
Reason for Exit: Season 13, titled So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation, uniquely featured younger dancers. Maddie Ziegler, a then-teenage dance prodigy known for Dance Moms and her collaborations with Sia, was brought in as a judge and mentor. Her perspective as a young, successful dancer was invaluable to the younger contestants. Ziegler’s role was specific to this Next Generation season, and with the show reverting to its traditional format in subsequent seasons, her departure was a natural transition.
Vanessa Hudgens: Hollywood Glamour
Judge for: Seasons 14-15
Reason for Exit: Vanessa Hudgens, known for her role in High School Musical and her subsequent acting career, joined So You Think You Can Dance for Seasons 14 and 15. She brought Hollywood star power and a relatable enthusiasm for dance to the panel. While no official reason was given for her departure, Hudgens maintained a busy acting career, which likely played a role in her decision to move on from the show.
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss: From Contestant to Judge
Judge for: Season 15, Season 17
Reason for Exit: Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s journey with So You Think You Can Dance is particularly poignant. He rose to fame as a contestant and All-Star, becoming a beloved figure within the SYTYCD family. His transition to the judges’ table in Season 15 and again in Season 17 was warmly received. Tragically, Stephen “tWitch” Boss passed away in December 2022. His loss deeply impacted the dance community and fans of the show. His contributions as a judge, dancer, and mentor remain a cherished part of So You Think You Can Dance‘s history.
Laurieann Gibson and Dominic ‘D-Trix’ Sandoval: Short Tenures
Judges for: Season 16
Reasons for Exit: Season 16 saw Laurieann Gibson, a choreographer and creative director known for her work with major music artists, and Dominic ‘D-Trix’ Sandoval, a former So You Think You Can Dance contestant and All-Star, join the judging panel. Gibson and Sandoval brought diverse perspectives, with Gibson’s experience in the commercial dance world and Sandoval’s understanding of the competition from a dancer’s viewpoint. While Gibson was initially slated to return for Season 17 alongside Lythgoe and Murphy pre-pandemic, the show took a different direction upon its return after COVID-19 delays. Similarly, Sandoval’s tenure was limited to Season 16, as the judging panel was revamped for subsequent seasons.
Matthew Morrison and Leah Remini: Season 17 Changes
Judges for: Season 17
Reasons for Exit: Season 17 introduced significant changes to the So You Think You Can Dance judging panel. Matthew Morrison, known for Glee, initially joined the panel but was swiftly removed mid-season due to allegations of sending inappropriate text messages to a contestant, which he denied. His abrupt departure led to Leah Remini, an actress and “dance enthusiast,” stepping in as a replacement judge. Remini’s addition brought a fresh perspective to the panel during a turbulent season. However, she did not return for subsequent seasons, and her reason for departure was not publicly stated. Season 17 remains a notable season for its judging panel volatility.
JoJo Siwa: Contemporary Voice
Judge for: Seasons 17-18
Reason for Exit: (Still Active as of Season 18 article was written) JoJo Siwa, a dancer, singer, and social media personality, joined So You Think You Can Dance in Season 17 and continued through Season 18. Siwa brought a contemporary and youthful voice to the panel, resonating with a younger generation of viewers and dancers. Her continued presence into Season 18 signaled a desire to maintain a connection with a broader audience and incorporate diverse perspectives on dance.
Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Season 18 and Beyond
Judges for: Season 18
Reason for Exit: (Season 18 was the latest season at the time of writing) Season 18 ushered in a new era for So You Think You Can Dance judges, featuring Allison Holker, Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s widow and a SYTYCD alum herself, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a Dancing With the Stars veteran. Holker’s presence was particularly meaningful, given her deep connection to the show and the dance community, offering a heartwarming continuation of tWitch’s legacy. Chmerkovskiy brought his expertise in ballroom and Latin dance, further diversifying the panel’s skill set. The introduction of Holker and Chmerkovskiy marked a deliberate refresh of the judging panel, blending SYTYCD roots with broader dance competition experience, setting the stage for the show’s future.
In conclusion, the So You Think You Can Dance judges panel has been a dynamic and evolving entity throughout its 18 seasons. From the long-standing presence of Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy to the introduction of fresh perspectives from pop stars, choreographers, and SYTYCD alumni, each judge has contributed to the show’s unique appeal. The changes in the panel reflect not only individual career trajectories and personal decisions but also the show’s ongoing efforts to refresh its format and resonate with changing audiences. The So You Can Dance judges remain a crucial element in the show’s continued success, guiding and inspiring dancers while entertaining viewers worldwide.
