Fox Announces JoJo Siwa’s Return to ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ for Season 18
JoJo Siwa is set to make a comeback to the judging panel of the popular dance competition series, So You Think You Can Dance. Fox revealed the news, confirming Siwa’s reunion with fellow judges Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy for the 18th season of the Emmy Award-winning show.
Season 18 promises a fresh format that encapsulates the authentic journey of building a successful dance career, inspired by the countless So You Think You Can Dance alums who have achieved greatness in the industry. Contestants will tackle new and intense dance challenges every week, providing them with a real taste of what it takes to thrive in the field. From performing in music videos to dazzling viewers during football halftime shows or even sharing the stage with Broadway performers, dancers will face a wide range of experiences. Ultimately, judges will determine their fate, and eliminations will occur weekly. The season will culminate in a spectacular finale featuring the top three finalists, vying for the coveted grand prize of $100,000 and the esteemed title of So You Think You Can Dance Season 18 winner.
JoJo Siwa replaces Nigel Lythgoe, who departed from the show following recent allegations by Paula Abdul. Abdul accused Lythgoe of sexual assault during their time working together on American Idol.
In addition to the thrilling dance performances that have made So You Think You Can Dance famous, Season 18 introduces new storytelling elements that delve into the personal and professional challenges faced by professional dancers. For the first time ever, viewers will be treated to a documentary-style glimpse into the contestants’ lives and dynamics as they navigate their personal and competitive journeys. These behind-the-scenes insights will capture the exhilarating highs and inevitable lows of the competition, including daily struggles, budding relationships, and clashes of personality.
So You Think You Can Dance boasts an outstanding track record, accumulating a staggering 72 Emmy Award nominations across its 17 seasons and securing 17 wins in categories such as Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Costumes, and Outstanding Lighting Design.
The highly-anticipated series will continue to be hosted by the charismatic Cat Deeley. The premiere of Season 18 is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2024, from 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX, with episodes available on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ the following day.
As Fox brings back the beloved JoJo Siwa to the So You Think You Can Dance family, fans can anticipate an extraordinary season brimming with incredible dancing, heartfelt stories, and fierce competition. With its captivating format and dedication to showcasing the trials and triumphs of dancers, the show continues to enthrall a global audience.