FOX Chief Confirms Talks With Paula Abdul for SYTYCD

FOX Chief, Gary Newman, told reporters at the Winter Television Critics Association press tour that they are currently in talks with Paula Abdul to take the place of departing So You Think You Can Dance judge, Mary Murphy.

“We’re in conversations with Paula,” Fox boss Gary Newman told a small group of reporters in between sessions. “We don’t’ have a deal closed so we have nothing to announce, but we hope to soon. We think Paula is great. America loves her and responds to her.”

Newman continued, “Paula has an amazing personality from all those years on Idol and in particular, America always loved her. She brings a tremendous amount of credibility to the dance world and that’s what you’re looking for in a judge, to be credible and entertaining.”

On why the network decided not to renew Mary Murphy’s contract, “We love Mary. She was a huge part of that show,” Newman said. “She was a great advocate for the show and advocate for the network. We wish Mary well and she really was a great partner over the years, but we just felt the show needed to be shaken up a bit. We worked with our producers and are trying to do that.”

Mary was on the show from 2007 to 2009 and then returned in 2011. Her contract option was not renewed. With the new street vs studio format, the producers probably wanted a judge with more jazz, hip-hop and contemporary experience. Plus, Paula is somewhat of an icon. And is a pretty good judge. Well, when she’s lucid, that is. Just keep her away from rehearsals and make sure she’s got the correct notes in front of her! Heh. Actually, I thought she did a solid job when she judged the first season of X Factor USA.

Also, there will be more twists and turns for the upcoming SYTYCD season. “There have been some other creative changes to the show which we’ll be announcing in time,” Newman added.

So You Think You Can Dance will return for a 12th season this summer.

Via E News