A lot has changed for So You Think You Can Dance this year as it returns from a two-year hiatus, But longtime host Cat Deeley believes that the changes are "good" for the show. SYTYCD returned with its 17th season premiere on Wednesday, May 18, and the show is looking to find "America's Favorite Dancer" after being off the air since 2019 due to COVID. Before the pandemic hit, the dance competition was a staple for Fox, and it launched many successful dance careers. N2w, the show is back, and the excitement around the new season is higher than ever.
Fox renewed SYTYCD back in 2020 for its 17th installment, but the season never came to fruition due to COVID, and Fox made no plans to bring it back that year or the following year. The new season was officially confirmed in February after months of speculation and anticipation. Former contestant Stephen "tWitch" Boss, pop icon JoJo Siwa, and Glee actor Matthew Morrison were announced as the new judges in a complete overhaul. Executive producer and veteran judge Nigel Lythgoe revealed he would not be on the judging panel for the first time in SYTYCD history.
The only thing that stayed constant during the hiatus was Cat Deeley, the show's formidable host since 2006. In an interview with The Wrap, Cat shared her excitement to be back and her thoughts on the shakeup at the judge's table. While acknowledging she would miss former judges Nigel and Mary Murphy, Cat said that the changes were "good" for the show to "mix things up." She raves about the new judges, particularly admiring their passion for the show, and dance in general.
When asked about the dancers who auditioned, Cat explained that the energy surrounding the contestants was 'unique' as many have waited for years to get their shot at the competition. She claims that "it's a really interesting lineup," talking about the hopefuls for the new season. Cat talked about getting the phone call to return to the show, and there was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to come back and host. In the interview, Cat talks about the "loyal" and "dedicated" SYTYCD audience, and she is elated to be returning.
Cat Deeley is synonymous with So You Think You Can Dance. It would not be the same show if she was not at the helm hosting every week. The changes in the judging panel are bittersweet for viewers, who will miss Nigel and Mary's banter and thoughtful critique but the season 17 premiere clearly showed that tWitch, JoJo, and Matthew are more than ready to take over the show and have a profound impact on these contestants vying to be "America's Favorite Dancer!"
Source: The Wrap