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Paula Abdul, Jason Derulo join Nigel Lythgoe at 'So You Think You Can Dance' judges' table

by jmaloni

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Thu, Jan 22nd 2015 05:45 pm

Cat Deeley returns as host for the 12th season; season features new "stage vs. street" format

Auditions begin in New York Saturday

World-renowned choreographer, performer, singer and songwriter Paula Abdul and singer/songwriter/dancer Jason Derulo will join Nigel Lythgoe at the judges' table, alongside returning host Cat Deeley, for the 12th season of "So You Think You Can Dance." The upcoming season will feature a new twist in the competition: stage dancers vs. street dancers.

"With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges," said executive producer and judge Lythgoe. "I'm delighted that Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo will be joining me at the judges' table this season on 'So You Think You Can Dance.' Paula is an incredible artist and she brings the perfect combination of expertise and heart to the panel. Jason's insight, humor and creativity will add a new perspective to the panel that we haven't had before."

"I have dedicated a large part of my career as a choreographer to discovering and mentoring some of the most iconic artists and performers from all over the world," Abdul said.  " 'So You Think You Can Dance' has a long-standing history of launching brilliant careers for young choreographers and dancers in the industry. It's going to be a true honor and pleasure joining this panel with Jason and Nigel, and I'm looking forward to an exciting new season!"

"I am truly excited, and eagerly look forward to joining the cast of 'So You Think You Can Dance,' " Derulo added. "It is one of the most respected and longest-tenured shows on network television, and I hope to be a part of new growth and continued success."

"So You Think You Can Dance" returns this summer on FOX. Auditions for the new season start in New York (Saturday, Jan. 24), Dallas (Saturday, Feb. 14), Detroit (Sunday, Feb. 22), Memphis (Sunday, March 8) and Los Angeles (Sunday, March 15).

Auditioners traveling to cities for the open calls should make arrangements to stay for at least two days following their initial audition (three days for Memphis) in the event of a callback.

Dancers either must be U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents of the U.S. or possess current legal employment authorization cards enabling them to seek employment freely in the U.S. (i.e., without restrictions as to employer) by the date specified in the eligibility rules. Dancers must be no younger than 18 or older than 30 years of age on the first day they register for auditions. Any dancer who is a minor in his/her state of residence must also have a parent or legal guardian sign all required documents. Dancers must provide legal, valid proof of age when they register for auditions. Check www.fox.com/dance for full eligibility rules.

Throughout the auditions, the dancers who advance will be placed into two teams - the stage dancers, featuring those trained in styles such as contemporary, ballet, jazz or tap; and the street dancers, hopefuls skilled in styles such as hip-hop, animation or breaking.  As the auditions continue, the judges, along with each team's all-star mentor, will eliminate dancers until only the top 20 - 10 street dancers and 10 stage dancers - remain.

When the competition goes "live," the top 20 will be challenged weekly to perform a variety of styles, working with world-renowned choreographers. One dancer from each genre will be eliminated each week leading up to the season finale.

"So You Think You Can Dance" returns this summer. 

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