JoJo Siwa is revealing what kind of So You Think You Can Dance judge she will be. It was previously announced that JoJo will be joining Matthew Morrison and Twitch on season 17's panel. The season was originally supposed to premiere in 2020, with returning judges Laurieann Gibson, Mary Murphy, and Nigel Lythgoe. But after a two-season hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, producers decided to overhaul the panel completely. The only original cast member returning is host Cat Deeley.
While JoJo is new to So You Think You Can Dance, she certainly has experience on similar TV shows. Most recently, she came in second place as a contestant on Season 30 of Dancing With The Stars, with partner and former SYTYCD contestant Jenna Johnson. Before DWTS, JoJo competed on Abby Lee's Ultimate Dance Competition and The Masked Singer. JoJo and her mother Jessalyn also starred in Siwas Dance Pop Revolution, a show where they put together a group of young singers and dancers.
Now, JoJo is telling Extra what kind of So You Think You Can Dance judge she will be: "People think I'm... the nice judge. But I actually feel like I'm the technical judge... I have the core dance training background." Following reporter Katie Krause's reaction, JoJo clarified that she doesn't see herself as a mean judge: "Never... I don't wanna be a mean human... but honest." JoJo also believes that her time as a DWTS contestant has given her knowledge on ballroom dancing that will be useful while judging SYTYCD contestants.
Furthermore, JoJo discussed the dynamic of the new SYTYCD judging panel: "I think that Twitch brings such a great leadership role... me and [Matthew] are like brother and sister... we mess with each other all day long." JoJo emphasized that this panel is new and different, and acknowledged that the "iconic" people who judged before the show are no longer on screen. She's likely referring to original judges Mary Murphy and show creator/executive producer Nigel Lythoge. JoJo did not mention anything about Cat Deeley, who has hosted the show since season 2.
Whether or not SYTYCD fans enjoy this season is up in the air. Like any competition show with judges, the panel can make or break the season. Some fans will feel like they're watching a different show due to Nigel and Mary's absence. Others may embrace the changes. All of these judges each have big fan bases. JoJo may bring in younger viewers, as she mainly appeals to her age range. Matthew and Twitch offer both nostalgia and experience, with Matthew starring on former FOX hit Glee, and Twitch being a former SYTYCD contestant. Perhaps JoJo is the most controversial pick by producers, considering her youth and even the fact that many people find her polarizing. But So You Think You Can Dance fans can make up their minds on the new panel when season 17 premieres in less than three weeks.
Source: Extra