'So You Think You Can Dance' adds Vanessa Hudgens as Season 14 judge with Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy

So You Think You Can Dance has a brand new judge onboard: Vanessa Hudgens.


Fox has announced Hudgens, an actress and Broadway musical star, has signed on to judge So You Think You Can Dance's upcoming fourteenth season alongside returning judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy.

As previously announced, this summer's edition of So You Think You Can Dance will premiere with a one-hour episode on Monday, June 12 at 8PM ET/PT.

Hudgens, who previously starred on Fox's Grease: Live musical as Rizzo, will make her judging debut on Part 1 of the Los Angeles auditions.

"I am so excited for Vanessa to join Mary and me on the judging panel for the 14th season of So You Think You Can Dance. There was instant chemistry in the audition rounds, and I know the SYTYCD fans will love her as much as we do," Lythgoe, who also executive produces the series, said in a statement.


"Vanessa is an accomplished artist and brings her own brand of enthusiasm and energy to our panel."

Hudgens' film credits include Thirteen, Spring Breakers, Powerless, and High School Musical.

Season 14 of So You Think You Can Dance will feature highly-skilled dancers between the ages of 18-30 showing off their talent in various dance styles -- including contemporary, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, animation, breaking and more.

During the initial audition rounds, talented dancers will compete in front of the judges for a coveted spot at "The Academy" callback rounds in Los Angeles.

Once "The Academy" round concludes, each of this season's 10 All-Stars will choose one dancer to move on to the show's Top 10.


After the Top 10 are chosen, the dancers will compete live each week for America's votes in different dance styles, working with famed choreographers and performing with the All-Stars.

The eventual winner of So You Think You Can Dance will be crowned "America's Favorite Dancer" during the season finale.

Last season, So You Think You Can Dance tried out a new Next Generation format that featured dancers ages 13 and under. The franchise crowned Kida Burns its youngest champion ever in Summer 2016, with JT Church finishing as the runner-up.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski