Abdul, Derulo to judge on Fox's 'Dance'

Paula Abdul will return to her dance roots as a judge on the upcoming season of Fox's So You Think You Can Dance.

The former American Idol judge, a two-time Emmy-winning choreographer, and platinum-selling recording artist Jason Derulo will join executive producer Nigel Lythgoe on the judging panel for Season 12, which will premiere in the summer. It's a reunion for Abdul and Lythgoe, who was an Idol executive producer.

Cat Deeley will return as host of the dance competition, which opens its auditions in New York on Jan. 24.

Abdul and Derulo will take over the seats that were filled by Mary Murphy and a rotating guest judge. The new season will feature a "Stage vs. Street" format in which stage dancers (contemporary, ballet, jazz, tap) will compete against street dancers (hip-hop, animation, breaking).

"With the new and exciting format comes a new and exciting panel of judges," Lythgoe said in a statement accompanying the judge announcement. "I'm delighted that Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo will be joining me at the judges' table this season. Paula is an incredible artist and she brings the perfect combination of expertise and heart to the panel. Jason's insight, humor and creativity will add a new perspective to the panel that we haven't had before."

Abdul and Derulo offered their comments, too.

"I have dedicated a large part of my career as a choreographer to discovering and mentoring some of the most iconic artists and performers from all over the world," Abdul said. "So You Think You Can Dance has a long-standing history of launching brilliant careers for young choreographers and dancers in the industry."

"I am truly excited, and eagerly look forward to joining the cast of So You Think You Can Dance," Derulo said. "It is one of the most respected and longest-tenured shows on network television, and I hope to be a part of new growth and continued success."

After New York, auditions will be held in Dallas (Feb. 14); Detroit (Feb. 22); Memphis (March 8); and Los Angeles (March 15).