Fox Renews ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ Changes the Format

So You Think You Can Dance Judges
Jason Derulo, Cat Deeley, Nigel Lythgoe, and Paula Abdul on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (Photo: Brooklin Rosenstock © 2015 Fox Broadcasting Co)

So You Think You Can Dance will be looking for younger talent in season 13. Fox officially confirmed the dance competition’s renewal for a thirteenth season and announced a new twist: 8-13 year-olds will be competing. The season 13 young dancers will show off their skills in contemporary, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, animation or breaking styles and will be paired up with All-Stars as they compete for the America’s Favorite Dancer title.


Season 13 will premiere on May 30, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT with Cat Deeley back as host and Nigel Lythgoe, Paula Abdul, and Jason Derulo returning as judges.

“We are so happy to bring back the award-winning So You Think You Can Dance for a 13th season this summer with a brand-new format,” said David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “The series has captivated its loyal fan base for over a decade, inspiring young dancers across the country and transforming the face of dance in every medium – and we’re so excited to feature a young and talented new group of performers on the series.”

“Through the Dizzy Feet Foundation, I’ve had the great privilege of working with incredible young talent who will eventually shape the future of dance in this country,” said co-creator and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. “By evolving the So You Think You Can Dance format this season, we can showcase the very best junior dancers out there and open up the world of dance to a whole new generation.”

Auditions will take place in LA, Chicago, and New York beginning in late February. Here’s the details on the audition process, per Fox: “This season, So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation has an online registration audition option which begins today and ends Tuesday, March 1. All potential contestants are encouraged to have their parent or guardian sign up at the online audition portal at sytycdauditions.com and upload a video or provide a link to a video of the contestant’s performance. If selected, producers will reach out to schedule the contestant for a pre-arranged time slot in one of the three audition cities. Visit sytycdauditions.com for terms and conditions.”

SYTYCD Season 13 Info:

During nationwide auditions, which begin next month in three cities, including Los Angeles (Saturday, Feb. 27), Chicago (Friday, March 11) and New York (Friday, March 18), the most talented next generation of dancers will compete in front of the judges for a place at “The Academy,” where only the best of the best will be selected for the next round of competition. At the end of the round, the Top 10 dancers will be partnered permanently with a SYTYCD All-Star. The competition then moves on to the SYTYCD studio, where the top youngsters will compete each week in a variety of styles, working and performing alongside their All-Stars with world-renowned choreographers. One young contestant will go home each week until a winner is named on the season finale.

The SYTYCD Auditions:

Los Angeles, CA – Saturday, Feb. 27 at 8am PT
Orpheum Theatre
842 Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Chicago, IL – Friday, March 11 at 8am
Lou Conte Dance Studio
1147 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607

New York, NY – Friday, March 18 at 8am
Broadway Dance Center
322 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036