The long-awaited 17th season of the Emmy Award-winning dance competition series So You Think You Can Dance is only a few weeks away. While we’ve been on the edge of our seats about SYTYCD‘s return since it went on hiatus in 2020, we haven’t had any news about who will be judging or hosting since it was announced that the show is back. Nigel Lythgoe confirmed in March that he will not be one of this season’s judges.
On Monday, Fox announced that SYTYCD will be introducing a new panel of judges this season. tWitch, who has previously guest judged on the show, will be taking a spot on the judging panel alongside Matthew Morrison, and JoJo Siwa. Cat Deeley is also returning as the show’s host.
Fox refers to Season 17 as the “brand-new version” of the show we all know and love. As always it will feature dancers between the ages of 18 and 30, and the competition will feature a variety of styles in the dancers’ personal skills but also in the competition challenges.
JoJo took to Instagram to announce her status as So You Think judge.” I am so grateful that I am going to be a judge! It’s such an honor to be a part of this shows come back!!!” She also shared her excitement about the show’s premiere date which is the day before her 19th birthday.
The teen superstar and entertainer recently wrapped her first-ever concert tour. She also recently debuted her own reality dance competition series.JoJo was creative director and executive producer of Siwa’s Dance Pop Revolution where she played mentor and choreographer for a group of girls that would eventually become the new pop group XOMG Pop! She also, of course, made history on Dancing with the Stars last year as the first contestant to dance with a same-sex partner dancing with Jenna Johnson.
JoJo wasn’t the only judge expressing excitement online. “Let’s get itttttt!!!,” tWitch said in an Instagram post confirming his spot as a judge. “The summer is already looking brighter ☀️ So excited and honored to be on the panel for an all new season of So You Think You Can Dance!!”
tWitch is one of entertainment’s favorite dancers. A former contestant, All-Star, and judge on SYTYCD, tWitch knows the show better than most and has the unique perspective of someone who has been on both sides of the judging panel. He is also a staple on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. tWitch recently appeared in The Real Dirty Dancing and Clash of the Cover Bands. He is also a TikTok and social media star where he dances, often including his wife dancer and host Allison and their three children Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.
Matthew Morrison is a multi-hyphenate who is recognized for his work on stage and on screen, and has been nominated for a Tony, Emmy and two Golden Globe Awards. Known largely for his role as Mr. Schuester on Glee, the director of the glee club, Matthew most recently starred in American Horror Story on screen. He is also a Broadway regular and has starred in Hairspray, The Light In The Piazza, South Pacific, and Finding Neverland. “Thrilled to be heading back to my dance roots as I join the #SYTYCD family!” He said in an Instagram post about his new role.
So You Think You Can Dance officially returns on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 9:00 pm ET on Fox.
