JoJo Siwa Back On ‘SYTYCD,’ Replaces Disgraced Nigel Lythgoe
JoJo Siwa wasn’t expected to return as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance this season. However, it seems that she’s headed back to the judges’ table after some behind-the-scenes shake-ups.
Long-time judge Nigel Lythgoe stepped down from his role on the show after serious allegations emerged weeks ago. JoJo will take over his spot for the season.
So what exactly can fans expect and when will the new season premiere? Keep reading to get the scoop.
JoJo Siwa takes over for Nigel Lythgoe amid his assault charges
When Fox announced So You Think You Can Dance would return for Season 18 this year, the cast list looked a bit different. JoJo Siwa was a judge in Season 17, but wasn’t expected to return this year.
Cat Deeley was set to return as hostess along with judge Nigel Lythgoe, who previously sat out Season 17. Dancing With The Stars alums Maks Chmerkovskiy and Allison Holker planned to make their debut as judges, with Holker filling in for her late husband, Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss.
But a few weeks ago, shocking allegations against Nigel Lythoe emerged.
At the end of December, world-renowned singer and former SYTYCD judge Paula Abdul filed sexual assault charges against Nigel Lythgoe. She cited incidents that happened when they judged SYTYCD together, as well as incidents that happened when she judged American Idol and worked closely with him.
Shortly after, Nigel announced he was stepping away from the show and would not judge as initially planned.
“I have informed the producers of So You Think You Can Dance of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series,” Nigel shared in an official statement to the press. “I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
SYTYCD fans react to the casting shake-up
Today, the network confirmed JoJo Siwa would come back for a second season on SYTYCD.
“Our new judge is on POINT! 🤩@itsjojosiwa is returning to #SYTYCD as a judge for Season 18! Don’t miss the season premiere Monday, March 4 on @foxtv and next day on @hulu!” Fox’s reality TV Instagram account shared.
View this post on Instagram
While several SYTYCD fans were glad that Nigel Lythgoe wouldn’t be involved in the show moving forward, the post yielded a mixed bag of reactions online. Some thought JoJo was a great judge, but others weren’t so sure.
Comments on the Instagram post included:
- “I’m so excited for someone that is CURRENTLY thriving in the entertainment industry to judge on the panel.”
- “Wish they’d bring in a much more seasoned judge, but she is a much better fit than some of the other celebrity non or barely danced judged the show has had over the years.”
- “Umm… respectfully no thank you 🥲”
- “Well deserved! She did great last season, she DEFINITELY knew what she was talking about”
What do you think about the move? Is JoJo Siwa the right choice to judge So You Think You Can Dance this year? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments.
SYTYCD Season 18 kicks off at 9 PM Eastern time on Monday, March 4, 2024 on Fox. Follow TV Shows Ace for more news and updates on your favorite dance competition shows.
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