New Judges and Audition Info for “So You Think You Can Dance”

Today, So You Think You Can Dance announced that two-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer and Multi-platinum recording artist Paula Abdul and Multi-platinum recording artist Jason Derulo will join Nigel Lythgoe on the judges table for the show’s twelfth season.

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Paula Abdul was one of the original judges for FOX’s reality juggernaut, American Idol.

“I’m delighted that Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo will be joining me at the judges’ table this season on SYTYCD,” says Executive Producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe. “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.”

The Emmy-Winning dance competition also announced that Cat Deeley will return as the show’s host and revealed an exciting new twist for the new season: “Street Dancers vs. Stage Dancers”

The series also announces upcoming auditions in five U.S. cities:

New York
Saturday, Jan. 24, 8:00AM
Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom & Hammerstein Ballroom
311 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

Dallas
Saturday, Feb. 14, 8:00AM
Southern Methodist University McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
6405 Boaz Lane
Dallas, TX 75275

Detroit
Sunday, Feb. 22, 8:00 AM
Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201

Memphis 
Sunday, March 8 8:00AM
Orpheum Theatre
203 Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103

Los Angeles
Sunday, March 15, 8:00AM
Orpheum Theatre
842 Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Auditioners traveling to cities for the open calls should make arrangements to stay for at least two days following their initial audition (three days for Memphis) in the event of a callback.

SYTYCD_logoDancers either must be U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents of the U.S. or possess current legal Employment Authorization Cards enabling them to seek employment freely in the U.S. (i.e., without restrictions as to employer) by the date specified in the eligibility rules. Dancers must be no younger than 18 or older than 30 years of age on the first day they register for auditions. Any dancer who is a minor in his/her state of residence must also have a parent or legal guardian sign all required documents. Dancers must provide legal, valid proof of age when they register for auditions. Check www.fox.com/dance for full eligibility rules.

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Jason Derulo will join the casting panel of So You Think You Can Dance for its 12th Season

Throughout the auditions, the dancers who advance will be placed into two teams – the STAGE dancers, featuring those trained in styles such as contemporary, ballet, jazz or tap; and the STREET dancers, hopefuls skilled in styles such as hip-hop, animation or breaking.  As the auditions continue, the judges, along with each team’s All-Star Mentor, will eliminate dancers until only the Top 20 – 10 Street Dancers and 10 Stage Dancers – remain. When the competition goes “live,” the Top 20 will be challenged weekly to perform a variety of styles, working with world-renowned choreographers. One dancer from each genre will be eliminated each week leading up to the Season Finale. Who will win…a dancer from the stage or the street?

So You Think You Can Dance returns to FOX, Summer 2015.

Paula Abdul photo© Nino Munoz/FOX