Thursday, May 13, 2010

Mia Michaels & Adam Shankman Named 'So You Think You Can Dance' Judges

We all know that the guest judges on 'So You Think You Can Dance' can tango with the best of them, but occasionally, even the most accomplished choreographers want to trade the toe-tapping for a more verbal form of the rumba.

Following the news that former judge Mary Murphy will be ditching the judging table full-time to provide more choreography in season 7 (Murphy will still serve as a guest judge), The Wrap is now reporting that previous guest judge Mia Michaels will be stepping up to fill her spot alongside returning experts Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman.


Michaels first joined the talent contest in 2005 as a contributing choreographer, and has gone on to win two Emmy Awards for her choreography on Celine Dion's 'Calling You' and 'Mercy' TV shows.

"I am extremely happy that Mia and Adam have returned and agreed to be resident judges," show-creator Lythgoe said in a statement. "Mia's outspoken approach combined with Adam's passion will definitely add a fresh new chemistry to the panel."

Michaels' appointment is one of several new shake-ups designed to reinvigorate the franchise. Other adjustments include 10 finalists in competition and only one elimination per week. Competitors are also set to switch partners every week, dancing with one of several 'SYTYCD' all-star dancers, all recognizable former finalists who are skilled in numerous styles of dance. In addition, all performances will now be live.

The all-stars include Stephen "Twitch" Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval.

British presenter Cat Deely is returning to host the series, which premieres May 27 on FOX.

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