Nigel Lythgoe Teases Return of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’
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So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe has fans speculating that the Fox dance competition show could be returning this year. Lythgoe found a way to tease fans on his Twitter while promoting an upcoming fighting event. Viewers who fell in love with the show during its 16 season run have their fingers crossed for a new season.
“I think #SYTYCD fans might be getting some good news this year?” Lythgoe Tweeted.
The choreographer and dancer served as a judge since the show’s beginning back in 2005. Lythgoe also served as a producer. SYTYCD has won nine Emmy awards and was a top rated show that aired in over 40 countries. The show was renewed for Season 17 in February 2020, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the season was indefinitely postponed. Lythgoe’s update gives fans hope for the return of their beloved show.
The once American Idol producer was known to be tough on the judging panel. The British tabloids even labeled him “Nasty Nigel.” Although he may be tough, Lythogoe is a smart businessman. It was announced that he is working on a So You Think You Can Fight unscripted series in 2021. He is also the brains behind Triad Combat. The event puts boxers and MMA fighters in the ring. Nick Cannon is also known to be attached to the sports event.
When SYTYCD first premiered, critics welcomed the new dance competition show. Lythogoe’s expertise on how to gain an audience was put to use, as the first episode brought in over 10 million viewers. The concept of the show was created with the hit musical Chorus Line in mind. What set SYTYCD apart was casting not only talent, but big personalities.
The show introduced a format where dancers would train in a variety of dance genres at open auditions that were held in a number of major U.S. cities. The dancers who advanced to the main phase performed solo, duet, and group dances. SYTYCD was a competition that challenged dancers to learn diverse styles of dances. The dances ranged from club, jazz, musical theater, hip-hop, ballroom, and classical.
Past Stars of So You Think You Can Dance
Viewers would cast their vote after watching their favorite dancer on the live shows. Judges such as Paula Abdul, Vanessa Hudgens, and Jason Derulo would all give input and critique each dancer. The success of SYTYCD led to more produced dance competition shows such as America’s Best Dance Crew, and World Of Dance.
The likelihood of the show returning is up in the air. The Season 16 finale only brought in 2 million viewers. Compared to Dancing With The Stars Season 30 finale which brought in close to 6 million, I can see if executives pass on bringing the show back. If anything, the people behind So You Think You Can Dance can gloat that they know how to find not only the best dancers, but also big stars.
Ariana DeBose was on Season 6 of SYTYCD. Recently she has taken Hollywood by storm appearing in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. DeBose just won the 2022 Golden Globes award for Best Supporting Actress. Fans of the show also know that popular Ellen producer, Twitch, appeared in Season 4 of the show. Season 5 winner, Jasmine Harper, is a rising actress and was the star of the CW revival of Roswell, New Mexico. Ezra Sosa from the latest season of Dancing With The Stars, also danced on SYTCYD.
As fans eagerly await for an official announcement, I am sure Lythoge will continue to tease to build up hype for the show’s possible return.
