‘So You Think You Can Dance’ officially hires Paula Abdul, Jason Derulo as judges

Fox has finally cemented their judging panel for “So You Think You Can Dance” this summer, and it is a little different than usual. Rather than having just two permanent judges and a rotating guest spot for the third, they have made certain that they have three people permanently present throughout the season. These people include executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, legendary singer Paula Abdul, and pop star Jason Derulo.

First things first, let’s share what Lythgoe himself had to say about this new panel in a press release:

“With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges … 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.”

Let’s start be reiterating here that it is not Nigel’s fault at all that Mary Murphy is not a part of the series anymore. Instead, we put the blame there on Fox, who seemed to want to change things up for this season. We really liked the two-judge format, mostly because it gave us chances to see people like Kenny Ortega or Wayne Brady, who had different perspectives. Derulo may love the show, but it feels like he and Paula occupy similar spaces.

The biggest thing we’re sad about is that this panel may not be that well-versed, save for Nigel, and more traditional styles like ballroom or ballet. Mary was a ballroom expert, and we almost wish that she and Paula could have been the two extra judges, if the show wanted to lock in three.

Anyway, let us know what you think about this in the comments, and dance over here to get some further TV news via email, courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Fox.)