After a lackluster Season 13, which saw the show’s lowest ratings yet, “So You Think You Can Dance” is returning to the format that initially made it a success.
Last year, the Fox dance competition series featured 8- to 13-year-olds versus their normal cast of dancers ages 18 to 30. The show’s routines didn’t gain as much momentum as usual, since the age gap between the all-star dancers and their kid partners affected the choreography and the way the performances played out.
During a Build Series interview with host Cat Deeley, she told HuffPost that herself, co-creator and judge Nigel Lythgoe, and the rest of the “SYTYCD” team are excited to return to the show’s roots with adult dancers.
“We’ve gone old school again, which is really nice,” Deeley said. “We all really enjoyed doing the kids season because it was so different and it was completely new, but it’s nice to have the adults back again, too.”
The Emmy-nominated host previewed the new season, saying that the return of choreographer Mary Murphy and the addition of new judge Vanessa Hudgens is sure to entertain viewers.
“Mary Murphy’s back, which is great. The Hot Tamale Train is rolling back into town. Woo, woo!” Deeley said. “And we’ve also got Vanessa Hudgens on the panel too, which I think is brilliant because she is an all-round artist ― singer, dancer, performer, Broadway star. I think she’ll be a brilliant addition, and she’s already been on the road with us and she’s been doing auditions and she gets up onstage with people and dances. She’s in it. It’s great.”
Deeley says she “adores” her job, and is thrilled to still be on the air 14 seasons later. The only thing she ever worries about is whether the newcomers can top past performers ― like Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Witney Carson.
“Every season, before I start, I go in with a little bit of trepidation because you just don’t know if they’re going to be as amazing as the season before,” Deeley admitted. “But we got some great people this time.”
“SYTYCD” premieres Monday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Watch the full Build Series interview with Cat Deeley below.
Before You Go
