Nigel Lythgoe wishes Mia Michaels nothing but the best following her decision to leave So You Think You Can Dance as a guest judge and choreographer.
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"We are thrilled to have given a talent such as Mia Michaels a platform to create Emmy Award-winning choreography. During the auditions this season she has helped choose the best, most diverse Top 20 we have ever had," the So You Think You Can Dance co-creator, executive producer and lead judge said in a Thursday statement.
"She knows that she is always welcome to return later this season or next. She’s chosen to move on to new challenges and we will continue to support her and wish her all the best."
Michaels announced Wednesday on her Facebook and Twitter accounts that she would leaving the Fox dance-themed reality competition series effective immediately.
"It's been an amazing five years on SYTYCD. I thank them for all the great memories and movement I have been able to create for the world," wrote Michaels on Facebook. "Today was my official resignation of the U.S. show and look forward to what's ahead for me."
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Last month, Fox announced that it had tapped Adam Shankman to serve as a regular member of So You Think You Can Dance's sixth-season judging panel along with Mary Murphy and Lythgoe.
The show had previously used a rotating series of guest judges -- including Michaels and fellow choreographers Lil'C, Tyce Diorio, and Debbie Allen, among others -- to fill the third seat alongside Lythgoe and Murphy.
Michaels still participated in So You Think You Can Dance's pre-taped sixth-season "Las Vegas Round," which has aired the past two weeks.
The Top 20 sixth-season finalists will be revealed during next Wednesday's broadcast at 8PM ET/PT.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio