Paging MC Skat Kat! On last night’s dazzling episode of So You Think You Can Dance, Nigel Lythgoe officially offered former American Idol judge Paula Abdul a guest spot on the series’ esteemed panel. And though Fox has yet to confirm whether or not the singer has accepted Nigel’s offer, I can’t help but feel incredibly conflicted about the possibility of Paula’s return to competitive reality TV.
On the one hand, the rabid Idol fan in me would welcome Paula with open arms. After all, we haven’t even seen a Paula-less Idol yet, and I’m already mourning her absence more than I mourned the loss of Anty in Honey I Shrunk the Kids. The loopy judge was just starting to get—dare I say it?—perceptive and wise, and the inevitability of a Paula blunder always made for exhilarating television.
But does that presence belong on SYTYCD? The dance show already boasts a zany counterpart (Mary) to Nigel’s British spin. If we add one more, our televisions might implode from whack overload, and send out toxic airwaves that impede our ability to add fractions. But in all seriousness, one of SYTYCD’s most redeeming qualities is its ability to expand viewers’ minds by casting judges and choreographers that aren’t immediately recognizable to mainstream America. Instead, they are talented figures that are well-respected in the dancing world. Am I wrong for feeling things should stay the way they are? (Just look how Ellen DeGeneres turned out last season.) As talented as she is, if we add a Paula, then, honestly, we’re getting into slippery slope territory—it would be just a matter of time until one of the Kardashian sisters graced the panel.
What do you think, PopWatchers? Should Paula serve as a guest judge on SYTYCD?
Photo Credit: Kelsey McNeal/Fox; Paula Abdul: Fox
Comments (1-15) of 96 Add your comment
No to Paula or any 4th judge. More judges just means more time spent on the critique and less time spent on the dance and dancers!
Exactly. Let’s not make this show any more about the judges than it already is.
Agreed! No Paula…her ditziness and slurring would take away from the polished and professionalism of the dancers!
That’s a yes for me to choreography.
Totally agreed!
I wouldn’t mind seeing Paula come in and do some choreography or sit in maybe ONCE as a judge, but I do not want to see her as a permanent judge. It just would be annoying–we don’t need another lovey dovey judge–just more dancing!
SPOILER ABOUT TONIGHT!!!
ok, so did anyone else think, goodbye Brandon the MINUTE the judges called Russell’s name? I mean really–like the judges are going to eliminate their golden boy!!
I DID! But I liked the way they (sort of) resolved it. You know, what Nigel said to Brandon. That was good, because it’s not fair to him. Although I don’t know who Nigel has to ask to get permission – I’m just picturing another one of Adam B. Vary’s (I think it was his) imagined conversations between Nigel and …Nigel.
Totally… Russell is my man! I might have stopped watching if he was cut this early on.
We don’t need another judge, especially, in the likes of Paula Abdul. The show must focus on the DANCERS and their well earned talents, and not whatever “Ms.Abdul” may or may not be in the influence of….(if she were to be added on) Mr. Nygel, please do not add her on.
Totally agree to both. Paula should just choreograph a few times, but PLEASE not jugde. SYTYCD has always been honest with their judging, Paula, when on AI, would always be too nice and never really critize a signer. Maybe she would be diferent on SYTYCD, but I don’t want to see it. I would just fast forward when she talks. I like there being a different judge each week. As for Russell and Brandon – I knew they wouldn’t give Brandon a real chance. It cool that Nigel said he’d talk to FOX about letting him come back though.
I think the judges just wanted to see his solo.
no….only if they have 3….four is too many. Ellen was funny last season, but did she really contribute anything but a few ‘nailing it’ comments? She did nothing to critique or improve the dancers.
No. Just no.
exactly. more like, please, no no no no no no no, just no. NO.
Although she is qualified – a thousand times NO as a regular judge. Maybe as a guest judge, once.
OMG Yes. She would be perfect for guest spot!! It’s right up her alley since she’s a dancer and choreographer herself!! I’d love to see her on SYTYCD.
I agree: have her as a guest judge, and possibly choreograph a result show dance. Four judges, as proved on AI, can be a bit much.
NOOOOO!!!! My favorite thing about SYTYCD is that the judges all know what they’re talking about. I really don’t need to play the “is Paula gonna make sense today” game. I love this show and Paula would ruin it.
Paula knows a lot more about dance than she does about singing – I think she’d bring a lot to the table. As for other judges who know what they’re talking about, uhhhhh, have you heard Lil C speak lately?
YES YES YES
NO, NO, NO!!
Yeah that would be great! She is a dancer and successful choreographer after all! And her loopiness would be fun to watch, I wonder who would win in that contest between her and Mary..
I don’t even need to read the article. After reading the title, my answer is a resounding NO…
NO NO NO NO NO!
the question is wether Paula herself wants to be on the show. It’s undeniable that she is a talented choreographer and dancer wether you want to accept it or not. You can paint her as negative as you want but that is a fact that cannot be changed. The truth is SYTYCD will benefit more from Paula than she will from them and Nigel knows that. That’s why he has been pleading for her to join the show since she left idol. I would love to see her on the show. But I would prefer to see her on something new like AXF if the rumours are actually true. I would watch any show that has Paula as a judge.
False. Paula is unemployed. That is why she will benefit more than SYTYCD. I say let her choreograph but keep her speaking time to a minimum. The show should be about the dancers NOT the choreographers.
If Paula was really unemployed she would have jumped at the offer from the word go. But she clearly hasn’t which means either she has bigger and better things to do or she is clearly not interested. Remember it’s Nigel who’s been wanting her on the show since she left idol. She did not offer to be on the show. That also shows that Nigel has a lot of love and respect for her as a person and as a dancer and choreographer which makes me love him mor.
No. Do not want Paula on SYTYCD. Loved her on idol and wish she go back on that show.
I want my Mia!
I say a definite yes to Paula – to be a choreographer. After all that was what she did first and she is really good at it. If she does get a spot as a judge, it should only be a once-in-a-while type of slot – like Lil C (who I think is buck)
I would rather have Anty.
YESSS!! She’s a successful dancer and choreographer! She would be an amazing add! Her and Mary would be hilarious together!