Since So You Think You Can Dance premiered on FOX in 2005, a dynamic panel of dance experts has been central to discovering and nurturing emerging talent. From the very beginning, the judging panel has been a mix of personalities and expertise, evolving over 18 seasons. Let’s delve into the history of So You Think You Can Dance judges, exploring who they were, the seasons they graced, and the reasons behind their departures.
The Reign of Nigel Lythgoe
Judge for: Seasons 1-16
Reason for exit: Nigel Lythgoe, a co-creator of SYTYCD with Simon Fuller, was a constant presence on the judging panel for the first 16 seasons. His sharp critiques and industry insights were a hallmark of the show. However, in March 2022, Lythgoe announced his exit, stating he was not asked to return for Season 17. While the show’s producers remained silent on the exact reasons, Lythgoe himself expressed disappointment at leaving after such a long tenure. Later, he planned a return for Season 18 but stepped down amid sexual assault allegations, which he has denied.
Nigel Lythgoe SYTYCD exit
Mary Murphy and the Hot Tamale Train
Judge for: Seasons 1-6, 8-11, 14-16
Reason for exit: Mary Murphy, known for her infectious energy and the iconic “Hot Tamale Train,” was another long-serving judge. She brought ballroom expertise and enthusiastic encouragement to the panel. Murphy’s initial departure came before Season 7 when her contract was not renewed. She returned for several seasons later, but was again excluded from the Season 17 lineup, marking a definitive end to her time as a regular judge. Her absence was felt by many fans who loved her passionate commentary.
Mary Murphy SYTYCD judge
Adam Shankman’s Choreography Expertise
Judge for: Seasons 6-7
Reason for exit: Adam Shankman, a renowned choreographer, transitioned from mentoring contestants to a permanent judging role in Season 6. His experience as a choreographer provided valuable insights into the dancers’ performances. Shankman’s exit after Season 7 was not publicly explained, but his busy career in choreography and directing likely played a role.
Adam Shankman SYTYCD judge profile
Mia Michaels Pursues New Opportunities
Judge for: Season 7
Reason for exit: Mia Michaels, a celebrated choreographer with a distinct contemporary style, was a guest judge and choreographer before taking a full-time judging spot in Season 7. Known for her strong opinions and artistic vision, Michaels decided to leave after one season to explore other career opportunities. She stated in interviews that she felt it was the right time to move on and pursue different creative paths.
Mia Michaels SYTYCD judge history
Paula Abdul’s Touring Schedule
Judge for: Seasons 12-13
Reason for exit: Paula Abdul, a pop icon and former American Idol judge, joined SYTYCD for Seasons 12 and 13. Replacing Mary Murphy initially, Abdul brought her performance experience and celebrity status to the show. Her departure after two seasons was likely due to scheduling conflicts with her Total Package Tour alongside New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men, making it difficult to commit to the SYTYCD filming schedule.
Paula Abdul SYTYCD judge years
Jason Derulo’s Brief Stint
Judge for: Seasons 12-13
Reason for exit: Jason Derulo, a singer and dancer, also served as a judge for Seasons 12 and 13 alongside Paula Abdul. His contemporary music industry perspective added a different dimension to the panel. The reasons for Derulo’s departure are not clearly documented, but like Abdul, his own demanding career as a performer might have been a factor. He did make a special appearance on the show’s 300th episode, showing his continued connection to SYTYCD.
Jason Derulo SYTYCD judge seasons
Maddie Ziegler in the Next Generation
Judge for: Season 13
Reason for exit: Maddie Ziegler, known from Dance Moms and her young age, was a judge for SYTYCD: The Next Generation in Season 13. This season featured younger contestants, and Ziegler’s perspective as a successful young dancer was relevant. Her judging role was specific to this unique season focused on younger talent, and she did not continue as a judge in subsequent regular seasons.
Maddie Ziegler SYTYCD judge role
Vanessa Hudgens’ Acting Career
Judge for: Seasons 14-15
Reason for exit: Vanessa Hudgens, an actress known for High School Musical, joined the SYTYCD judging panel for Seasons 14 and 15. Her background in performing arts and her engaging personality made her a popular judge. While no official reason was given for her departure, Hudgens’ active acting career likely contributed to her decision to leave after two seasons, focusing on her film and television commitments.
Vanessa Hudgens SYTYCD judge history
The Loss of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss
Judge for: Season 15, Season 17
Reason for exit: Stephen “tWitch” Boss, an SYTYCD alum and All-Star, became a judge in Season 15 and later returned for Season 17. His journey from contestant to judge was inspiring and he brought warmth and positivity to the panel. Tragically, tWitch passed away in December 2022. His loss was deeply felt by the SYTYCD family and the dance community worldwide.
Stephen tWitch Boss SYTYCD judge legacy
Laurieann Gibson’s Short Stint
Judge for: Season 16
Reason for exit: Laurieann Gibson, a choreographer and creative director, judged Season 16. She was initially slated to return for Season 17 alongside Nigel and Mary, but plans changed after the pandemic delayed production. The show ultimately went in a different direction with the judging panel when it returned post-COVID, and Gibson was not part of the new lineup.
Laurieann Gibson SYTYCD judge era
Dominic ‘D-Trix’ Sandoval’s One Season
Judge for: Season 16
Reason for exit: Dominic ‘D-Trix’ Sandoval, another SYTYCD All-Star, also judged Season 16. Similar to Gibson, D-Trix was part of the pre-pandemic panel. When the show returned after the COVID-19 hiatus, a new judging panel was formed, and D-Trix did not return as a judge.
Dominic D-Trix Sandoval SYTYCD judge appearance
Matthew Morrison’s Controversial Exit
Judge for: Season 17
Reason for exit: Matthew Morrison, known for Glee, joined as a judge for Season 17 but his tenure was short-lived and controversial. He was asked to leave the show after allegations of sending inappropriate text messages to a contestant. Morrison denied the accusations but was replaced mid-season by Leah Remini.
Matthew Morrison SYTYCD judge controversy
Leah Remini Steps In
Judge for: Season 17
Reason for exit: Leah Remini, an actress and “dance enthusiast,” stepped in to replace Matthew Morrison during Season 17. She brought a fresh perspective as someone passionate about dance. Remini’s departure after just part of one season is not publicly explained, suggesting it was a short-term engagement to fill the vacancy created by Morrison’s exit.
Leah Remini SYTYCD judge season
JoJo Siwa’s Multi-Season Run
Judge for: Seasons 17-18
Reason for exit: JoJo Siwa, a dancer and internet personality, joined SYTYCD for Seasons 17 and 18. Her youthful energy and broad fanbase made her a popular addition. As of the latest information, there has been no announcement regarding her exit, and she completed judging Season 18.
JoJo Siwa SYTYCD judge recent seasons
Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy Join Season 18
Judge for: Season 18
Reason for exit: Allison Holker, tWitch’s widow and a SYTYCD alum, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, from Dancing With the Stars, were new judges for Season 18. Their appointments brought both SYTYCD and Dancing With the Stars connections to the panel. As Season 18 was the most recent season, their reasons for potential future exits are currently unknown.
Allison Holker SYTYCD judge debut
Maksim Chmerkovskiy SYTYCD judge new
From its inception, So You Think You Can Dance has benefited from a diverse and talented judging panel. Changes in the lineup have been a constant, reflecting the evolving nature of the entertainment industry and the personal journeys of the judges themselves. Each judge has brought their unique expertise and personality to the show, contributing to its enduring appeal and its role in launching the careers of countless dancers.
