So You Think You Can Dance is returning for a 12th season this summer, with new rules and new judges. Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo have joined Nigel Lythgoe on the panel. In between auditioning hopefuls in New York City, on January 25, the trio spoke to the media, including Entertainment Weekly.
The trio auditioned hopefuls in New York City on January 25. In between sessions, the were recently in New York City, auditioning hopefuls.
As far as the new rules: During Vegas week, dancers will not be required to perform outside of their specialties, giving some dancers–particularly hip-hop dancers who are trained in other styles–to get farther. Once the season’s Top 20 is chosen. 10 stage dancers and 10 street dancers–all performers will be tested in a wide of dance genres.
Nigel explained, “Once they hit that top 20, they are going to have to be prepared to do lots of other styles and lots of other things. So we’re gonna see a lot of people fail.” The new format could result in some spectacular trainwreck TV. Which, at the live show stage, is this really a good thing?
On Paula Abdul, Nigel said, “…as soon as I created So You Think You Can Dance I thought, ‘This show is far better for you to judge than anything else!’ I mean, not only was she a great dancer, she was a wonderful choreographer and got so many stars to dance,” he said.
Jason Derulo, who will serve as a street dance expert said, “I made it a point to myself that I would try to find the positive in everybody and also give them the constructive criticism that they need to grow.”
The auditions continue Feb. 14 in Dallas, TX; Feb. 22 in Detroit, MI; March 8 in Memphis, TN; and March 15 in Los Angeles, CA.
