IF CONTESTANTS want to make it far in So You Think You Can Dance, their moves have to impress the show's judges.
Throughout its history, the Fox competition series has seen a rotation of panelists.
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So You Think You Can Dance aired its first episode in 2005.
The show became an instant hit, with over ten million viewers tuning in to the premiere.
Paula Abdul, Jason Derulo, Maddie Ziegler, Vanessa Hudgens, Leah Remini, and Laurieann Gibson have served as judges on the show.
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The show has won nine Emmy Awards.
The So You Think You Can Dance season 18 judges include:
JoJo Siwa
JoJo Siwa made a name for herself after joining Dance Moms in season two.
The popular dancer, singer, and YouTuber, previously competed on Dancing With The Stars alongside Jenna Johnson.
She judged the 17th season that aired in 2023.
On January 26, 2024, it was announced that she would replace Nigel Lythgoe as a judge on the 18th season.
Lythgoe is also the co-creator of the show and was a judge for the first 16 seasons of the show.
Allison Holker
Allison Holker was a contestant on the second season of SYTYCD
Allison performed as an All-Star on seasons seven through 11 and season 14.
Season 18 marks her first time as a judge on the show.
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She was also a professional dancer on four seasons of Dancing With the Stars.
Season 20 saw her paired with singer Riker Lynch, and the two finished as the season's runner-ups.
She was married to late SYTYCD alum Stephen "tWitch" Boss.
Her late husband served as a judge on the 17th season.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is a professional dancer best known for his time on Dancing With the Stars.
He was a professional dancer for 15 seasons and was known for being outspoken toward his celebrity partners and judges.
Maksim was paired with Olympic ice dancing champion Meryl Davis.
They won the season together, giving Maksim his first win on the show.
The 18th season is his first season as a judge on SYTYCD.
Comfort Fedoke
Comfort Fedoke first rose to prominence by competing in SYTYCD season 4, finishing in the top eight contestants.
Since her first stint, Comfort has repeatedly returned to the show as a mentor.
During season 18, the choreographer joined the judges' table for the audition rounds.
Regarding her first time as a judge, Comfort told Blavity: "It’s been a ride.
"This is very exciting because this is the first time where I get to be in this space…as an official judge, rather than one that’s just an all-star mentor is honestly a full-circle type of event.
"A lot of people see the glitz and glamour of being in the music videos, being in the halftime show, but you don’t understand what the process is.
"So the show is finally utilizing what it is to get to that point.
"Getting to the audition process and what it takes to actually get there and stay there."
Who is the host of SYTYCD?
Cat Deeley first joined the show in 2006 and has served as the host ever since.
Over the years, Deeley has also been seen on Lorraine, The Great British Menu, Live with Kelly and Ryan, This Time Next Year, Rachael Ray, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
How can I watch SYTYCD?
On March 4, 2024, SYTYCD returned for its 18th season.
Every Monday at 9 pm EST, the show can be watched via Fox and can be streamed the next day on Hulu.
