Well, it’s official. So You Think You Can Dance has found its replacement for Nigel Lythgoe. For Season 18, JoJo Siwa will join the judge’s table. Rounding out the panel for the new season are Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
JoJo previously appeared on Season 17 as a judge. So, having her return for another round of SYTYCD seems like a perfect fit. She’s kind, she serves looks, and obviously, she knows how to dance. What more could you want from a judge?
So You Think You Can Dance: Nigel is out, JoJo is in
The news of the major SYTYCD shakeup comes amid a whirlwind of sexual assault accusations against Nigel, who created the show and has served as a judge and executive producer since its inception.
Paula Abdul sued Nigel in December 2023, claiming that he bullied her and sexually assaulted her during their time working together both on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Two contestants from Nigel’s show All American Girl also filed a complaint against him, saying that he tried to forcibly kiss them during a wrap party.
Once the lawsuits and accusations started to pile up, Sony launched an internal investigation into the claims. Then, Nigel exited the show, claiming that he decided to leave on his own accord.
“I have informed the producers … of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series,” Nigel shared in a statement. “I did so with a heavy heart … because this great program has always been about dance and dancers … That’s where its focus needs to remain.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time that SYTYCD has had to make a last-minute change to their lineup of judges. In Season 17, Matthew Morrison got fired from the show for sending inappropriate DMs to a contestant. Leah Remini filled in as his replacement. So, at least this time, we’re getting a replacement who actually knows how to dance. Welcome back, JoJo!
So You Think You Can Dance Season 18 premieres on Fox, on Monday, March 4.
TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE JOJO SIWA BACK ON THE JUDGE’S PANEL FOR SYTYCD? DO YOU PLAN ON WATCHING SEASON 18?
