where is nigel lythgoe now

So You Think You Can Dance’s Shocking Turns: New Judges, Format Tweaks, and Will It Survive?

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Season 17 of So You Think You Can Dance has been a season of surprises, stumbles, and, maybe, just maybe, hope for its future. Instead of “unexpected judge changes,” try “surprise switch-up of the judges.”. Let’s unpack the drama, the dancing, and the burning question on everyone’s minds: will SYTYCD make it to Season 18?

Glee’s Matthew Morrison Out, Leah Remini In: A Birthday Twist

Matthew Morrison, the new judge on Dancing With the Stars, was unexpectedly fired after it was revealed he messaged a contestant in secret. This violated the show’s rules and led to his dismissal.

There were rumors that Morrison might be brought back, but in the end, it was Leah Remini who took over the judging role for the show’s 300th episode.

U2 at Sphere in Vegas are magnificent. The sound and vision in this venue is the best I have ever heard or seen. pic.twitter.com/nhOcNgPhpY

— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) October 16, 2023

Morrison’s sudden exit left viewers wondering if there were bigger problems behind the scenes or if it was just a simple mistake. Some speculated that it might have been related to Lythgoe’s birthday wish, as he had publicly said that he would like to see Remini on the judging panel.

New Judges, New Challenges: Facing Doubts and Finding Their Footing

Season 17 hasn’t been an easy ride for the new judges either. Jojo Siwa, beloved by legions of young fans, has faced criticism about her qualifications. Meanwhile, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a seasoned dancer and SYTYCD alum himself, has grappled with fan backlash over some of the contestants chosen for the competition. The pressure is on these newcomers to find their groove and prove their worth on the prestigious panel.

Dancing to a Different Tune: Format Revamp Shakes Up the Competition

This season also saw a major shake-up in the elimination process. Gone are the days of home viewers wielding the power to send dancers packing. Now, the fate of the contestants rests in the hands of the in-studio audience and the judges. “Changing the format has made things less predictable and kept the audience interested. But it’s too soon to tell if it’s a good idea or not.”

The Big Question: Will SYTYCD Find Its Encore?

It’s unclear if Leah Remini will join the next season, as Nigel Lythgoe hoped. Can she bring success and a season renewal? The road ahead is uncertain, but there’s still hope. The show’s core—the stunning talent of the dancers, the passion of the judges, and the captivating mix of styles—remains strong. So You Think You Can Dance is like a dancer who needs to learn a new routine to stay in the competition. It can do it if it fixes the problems and uses its new strengths.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, tune in to see how the rest of Season 17 unfolds. Catch new episodes Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox, or catch up on the drama and dazzling routines with the first eight episodes available on Hulu. Get ready for jaw-dropping moves and maybe even the next dance superstar! This season could be legendary and keep SYTYCD in the limelight for years to come.