JoJo Siwa Replaces Nigel Lythgoe as ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Judge Following Assault Suits

A month after pop star and TV personality Paula Abdul accused fellow So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault, his replacement has been named. For its 18th season, recording artist and Kids’ Choice snub-ee JoJo Siwa will take over Lythgoe’s seat on the competition show’s panel, continuing a run that began with a judge role in Season 17.

In late 2023, Abdul filed suit against Lythgoe, who was also a producer on So You Think You Can Dance. According to Abdul, Lythgoe subjected her to sexual assault, verbal abuse, and bullying, but fearing retaliation, she did not report the alleged issues during her tenure on the series.

Lythgoe denies Abdul’s claims, telling Vanity Fair through a spokesperson that he is “shocked and saddened by the allegations” and said, “Not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for.”

Days later, two contestants from the ABC competition show All American Girl filed a separate lawsuit against Lythgoe claiming on-set groping and sexual assault, Variety reports. The full suit is available online. 

Following the second suit, Lythgoe announced, “I have informed the producers of So You Think You Can Dance of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series.”

“I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great programme has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.” 

While he does that, the So You Think You Can Dance show will apparently carry on, but with choreographer Allison Holker, dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Siwa—who has also competed on Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and on Dancing with the Stars—at the table at which Abdul and Lythgoe used to sit.

In an Instagram story posted to her account Friday, Siwa said, “Oh my gosh, this show is iconic and legendary for so many reasons … I am beyond excited, the talent is actually insane and I cannot wait for everyone to see them.” 

Siwa’s wait will end at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, March 4, when So You Think You Can Dance’s next season makes its premiere on Fox.