Who are the judges for 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18? Meet the panel for Fox's dance show

Co-creator of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Nigel Lythgoe is replaced by internet sensation Jojo Siwa as a judge for Season 18
PUBLISHED MAR 4, 2024
'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18' new judges Jojo Siwa, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Allison Holker (Instagram/@thejojosiwa, @allisonholker,@maksimc)
'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18' new judges Jojo Siwa, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Allison Holker (Instagram/@thejojosiwa, @allisonholker,@maksimc)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA:  'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 will premiere on Fox on March 4, 2024. If you miss the broadcast, you can watch the episodes the next day on Hulu.

The award-winning show showcases dancers from diverse genres who compete in open auditions conducted in major cities around the United States.

Following additional rounds, only a select few are chosen to dance on the coveted stage. The show has been adapted in 41 countries and has had a consistent viewership rating for more than nine years, with 17 successful seasons. The judges' and audience's votes help hopefuls proceed to the finals. 

So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 starts  on Monday, March 4, 2024 on Fox at 9/8 c (Instagram/@danceonfox)
'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 judges with co-creator of the show Nigel Lythgoe (Instagram/@danceonfox)

'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 will feature a documentary format, incorporating the candidates' personal lives into the narrative.

The show will explore daily struggles, relationships, and personality clashes, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the dynamics behind the scenes.

Weekly dancing challenges will include football halftime performances, competing against Broadway artists, and appearing in music videos.

'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 drops on March 4 on Fox at 9/8c (Instagram/@danceonfox)
A poster of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@danceonfox)

Who are the judges in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18?

The judges for Season 18 are 'Dancing with the Stars' alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Allison Holker, a former participant, and All-Star, and internet sensation Jojo Siwa. Cat Deeley remains as the host this season.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Born on January 17, 1980, Maksim is a well-known Ukrainian-American Latin ballroom dance champion, instructor, and choreographer. He is widely known for his role as a professional dancer on Season 2 of 'Dancing With The Stars'.

On May 20, 2014, Maksim paired with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis to win the 'Dancing With The Stars' title. He also starred in 'Burn The Floor' and 'Forever Tango'.

He married Peta Murgatroyd in 2017 and has two children. Maksim will debut as a judge in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18. 

Maksim Chmerkovskiy's debuts as a judge on on 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@maksimc)
Maksim Chmerkovskiy's debuts as a judge on on 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@maksimc)

Allison Holker

Allison Renae Holker is an American dancer, choreographer, and actress born on February 6, 1988.

She gained fame after she appeared in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 2 and as a star in Seasons 7-11 and 14. She also starred in 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 19.

In 2013 she married dancer Stephen Twitch Boss and the couple has two children. Unfortunately, Twitch died by suicide on December 14, 2022. 

(allisonholker/Instagram)
Allison Holker will be part of the judging panel on 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@allisonholker)

Jojo Siwa

Born on May 19, 2003, Jojo Siwa is an internet sensation, YouTuber, reality show personality, dancer, and singer. She was part of the reality competition shows such as 'Dance Moms' and 'Boomerang'.

She was listed in Time's Annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She has over 10 million subscribers on YouTube.

She joined 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 17 as a judge. She will replace Nigel Lythgoe as a judge in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18. Lythgoe, the co-creator of 'So You Think You Can Dance' is currently undergoing investigation for sexual harassment lawsuits.

JoJo Siwa joins the judging panel of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@itsjojosiwa)
JoJo Siwa joins the judging panel of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@itsjojosiwa)

Comfort Fedoke- Audition Judge 

Born on May 20, 1988, Comfort is a multi-talented award-winning dancer, choreographer, director, actress, and singer.

Comfort rose to prominence in Season 4 of 'So You Think You Can Dance' and was called back as an All-Star. She continues to tutor new competitors each season. She will be seen as an audition judge for 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18.

Comfort Fedoke will join as audition round judge (Instagram/@comfortfedoke)
Comfort Fedoke will join as an audition  judge in 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@comfortfedoke)

Host Cat Deeley

One of the most popular TV hosts in the United States and the United Kingdom is Cat Deeley. For her work presenting 'So You Think You Can Dance', Deeley has been nominated for five Emmy Awards in the category of Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Programme.

In addition, Deeley's performance on the show earned her the Critics Choice Awards for Best Reality Host in 2012 and 2015. She won two BAFTA Awards, and in 2020, her debut book, "The Joy in You," was released.

Cat Deeley returns as a host of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@catdeeley)
Cat Deeley returns as a host of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 (Instagram/@catdeeley)

Watch 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 on Monday, March 4, 2024, on Fox and the next day on Hulu.

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