Hot off the presses …
Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mia Michaels and acclaimed director and choreographer Adam Shankman will return to So You Think You Can Dance as the series’ resident judges. Michaels – who has been a guest judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance since its first season – will sit alongside Shankman and Nigel Lythgoe as the new judge and draw upon her expertise to critique and praise the dancers throughout the competition.
“I am extremely happy that Mia and Adam have returned and agreed to be resident judges,” said Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer/co-creator, So You Think You Can Dance. “Mia’s outspoken approach combined with Adam’s passion will definitely add a fresh new chemistry to the panel.”
Comments
144 comments on “Mia Michaels and Adam Shankman join Nigel as Resident Judges for Season 7“
kat brooks - wrote:
What happened to Mary? Can not stand Mia one more show! I record it so I can fast forward it past her speaking!
6/29/2010 3:44 AM UTC
Kelly - wrote:
I definitely agree with most of the comments above- bring Mary back and just use Mia as a choreographer and/or guest judge. Mary, Nigel & Adam made up the most balanced panel and Mia is a much better choreographer than judge. I also do not like the new format. Most of the “all stars” were not the best dancers in their respective seasons and therefore not really “all stars”. Give 20 new dancers a chance. And like someone said above, the fan base is mostly female and will therefore mostly vote for the guys. I am afraid we will just end up with a show full of guys and no girls. Please bring back the old format next season!
6/30/2010 11:45 AM UTC
Linda - wrote:
I am disgusted with Mia Michaels, she is the most negative judge and give me back Mary…at least she was fun. Even Adam feeds off of Mia…get her off the show!
6/30/2010 4:58 PM UTC
Linda - wrote:
Mary is suppose to be one of the choreographers this year…I sure hope so.
6/30/2010 5:01 PM UTC
zephy - wrote:
Bring Mary back PLEASEEEee! I miss her this season, she adds an excitement to the show that seems to be missing this year. I have watched since the beginning and it feels like the show is missing something without her. We miss Mary!!
6/30/2010 5:10 PM UTC
Anne - wrote:
Tachy, Tachy judges. How aweful to put down Melinda like that. I would hate to be compared to someone else. Shame on you!!!! I hate that Mia Michaels picks favorites and lets it be known from the beginning. I’m so disappointed with this season and really miss the upbeat Mary Murphy. This may be my last season of watching. It’s been a real downer for me this season with endless negativity.
6/30/2010 5:12 PM UTC
Gee - wrote:
Mia is outright cruel! It is painful to watch Mia destroy the tapper for being pigeon-toed. She does it over and over, as nauseum, for no constructive purpose. I shudder when its Mia’s turn to talk.
6/30/2010 5:13 PM UTC
C. N. - wrote:
Lauren was awesome tonight and I think the criticism was a little harsh. In my humble opinion, I think she nailed it and was very seductive and her dancing was super. I think the judges should reserve their favoritism and give credit where it is earned and Lauren earned a lot of credit tonight! I love most of this year’s dancers and it is very entertaining. Alex is the greatest and I just love Kent…he is a super person. I miss Mary Murphy too!! Exciting season!!
6/30/2010 6:10 PM UTC
Tom - wrote:
I thought that Mia and Adams comment tonight was the most unprofessional, uncalled for towards that young lady. They are there to criticize the dancers to help them NOT TO PUT THEM DOWN BY TELLING THEM THEY MADE A MISTAKE KEEPING THEM. Saying you are sorry will not erase that comment out of her head. HOW RUDE AND MEAN. Adam and Mia you should stick your heads in a hole in the ground and hide like an ostrich and never come out.
6/30/2010 6:28 PM UTC
Living in LV - wrote:
Mia just needs to give a thumbs up or thumbs down, and keep her mouth shut. Adam please don’t feed off of Mia, I like you alot. Mia needs to just choreograph routines. I have to agree with everyones comments, Mia was over the top. There is a way to express feelings without hurting someone elses.
7/1/2010 9:48 AM UTC
Peggy - wrote:
Adam shankman is the worst judge I have ever seen. He is so inconsistent with what he’s been saying and is just always exagerrating the truth which, in the end, makes him look stupid and not a good dancer -choreographer. This year’s show us just terrible. With good dancers, you would expect to have a better show. But no, this show is all just about wanting the dancers to show improvement rather than their talents. These dancers should be judged by who they are and not what the judges want them to become more of.
7/1/2010 4:39 PM UTC
the Judge - wrote:
Mia needs to go and Mary Michaels needs to return. Mia is too much about herself, and unnecessarily catty and cruel comments about the dancers. Such as this week where she told a dancer we eliminated the wrong person last week – saying “You should have left last week.” Why crush someone with such talent who is hopeful?
7/1/2010 6:11 PM UTC
Rita - wrote:
I miss Mary. I agree that Mia is very harsh with her comments. To tell the tapper she should have been release last week was very unprofessional. I thought the feedback provided by the judge was to improve the dancer’s ability. With Mia it is all about her and not about improving the dancer. Please bring Mary!
7/2/2010 8:36 PM UTC
Angela - wrote:
This season sucks!!! The format stinks. Can’t anyone see that? By having only 10 contestants, they give less opportunity for other dancers trying to make it. We, the viewers, have less opportunity to get to know more dancers and vote for our favorite one. Nigel, being executive producer and all, you know had a huge say about this season’s format. This is why he made that little comment about, “oh, i cover my ears to what people are saying about this season’s format. We would never have gotten a performance like Twitch and Alex’s hip-hop performance if we didn’t have these all-stars.” Um, sorry Nigel, totally wrong!!! The program obviously picks outstanding dancers, so yeah, you would have gotten a good performance like Twitch and Alex. So stupid. Also, not to continue bashing Nigel, but I think he is absolutely rude. Does everyone remember, last season when he told the audience to “Shut up?” That is so rude!!! He thinks he’s always right, ……can’t stand him.
7/3/2010 3:51 PM UTC
Kim - wrote:
Where is Mary Murphy??? Bring her back! She brought something to the show that is missing this season. Her critique was always different and refreshing. Now with Mia Michaels it is so serious and very judgmental. It seems as though Alan Shankman has become more negative after Mia speaks. Last year Alan’s critiques were very energetic and not always so negative. The dancers are amazing this year but I can’t watch because of this judging panel
7/5/2010 5:35 PM UTC
Emerald - wrote:
mia is too damn negative. she should not judge. Can’t say what I really want to say.
7/7/2010 5:33 PM UTC
terese - wrote:
honestly Mia got on my nerve Im almost tempted to stop watching this stupid show. Her criticism of Adechike’s Baliwood number tonight was totally unfair as compare to Jose’s. I guess Adechike is not your cup of tea… B-
7/7/2010 5:41 PM UTC
terese - wrote:
MIA,
SHUT UP….
7/7/2010 5:43 PM UTC
Tanya - wrote:
Is Mia prejudice? The way she treated Adechike was rediculous!! She was unjustly hard on him. I could not believe that she justified treating Adechike differently than Jose because Jose has “heart”. Additionally, in season 5 Mia was terrible to Brandon for more than half the season. Adechike did not deserve the treatment that he got from Mia. Mia needs to put aside her prejudice and judge the dancer based on their performance and not the color of their skin.
7/7/2010 5:56 PM UTC
june - wrote:
mia has to go – please – she is killing the show
7/7/2010 6:09 PM UTC
june - wrote:
watched every season since it began – first time poster on a blog – I have to let Nigel know that athe show is tanking ..
MIA HAS TO GO
7/7/2010 6:10 PM UTC
Cheryl - wrote:
I am dancer and have done so since the age of 5, so I completely understand construcive criticism as a tool of growth. However, what the judges Mia and Adam are doing this season is not constructive, it is demeaning, humiliating, and down right character assassination. Mia has stated that she has recently gone through the loss of a parent. Maybe she is bitter over her loss and confused about the direction fo her life, and this why she gives such bitting comments to the contestants. She has somehow made Adam Shankman her lacky along the way. It’s as if Adam has no spine and whatever Mia says Adam agrees with it. Maybe the show should change its name to “So You Think You Can Judge”.
7/7/2010 6:31 PM UTC
Kerry Wolf - wrote:
I am confused by Mia Michaels . She is such a brilliant choreographer but she seems to have favorites and seems quite prejudiced in her judging. Perhaps she suffered through sharp criticism in her career and wants to give back. It is uncomfortable to watch her on the panel even when she is heaping praise on a performer you like. Not usually this emotional about things but she is somehow in charge of vulnerable budding talents. Maybe the show should let us vote on the judges too. This is one of my favorite shows. LOVE IT!!! Kerry
7/7/2010 6:35 PM UTC
Lynn - wrote:
I agree with the majority of comments. Mia is terrible!! I really miss Mary and if the format doesn’t return to the way it was last year I will not watch it again. Mary was fun and upbeat and Mia is just depressing! And yes, I think we should vote on the judges.
7/7/2010 6:54 PM UTC
Riley - wrote:
Where’s Mary murphy this season?
7/7/2010 7:20 PM UTC
Jessica - wrote:
I have to say how disappointed that Mia is going to be a judge this season. She definetly has favorites and if you are not on that list watch out. I think that they need to bring Mary back. I liked that last season of judges. I think that Mia is going to bring the show down and that is really sad because this show has changed how people view dance. There has to be someone that will do a better job judging than Mia??????
7/7/2010 8:07 PM UTC
Nikki H. - wrote:
I never visit chat rooms or blogs but after watching this season so far, I had to post a comment. Been watching SYTYCD since season 3 and what initally drew me to the show were the beautiful routines, not personalities. I am more interested in performances than interviews. Who came up with the bright idea that viewers would rather have less routines and more background on the dancers? Fire them. Immediately. Is there something going on behind the scenes? I have never seen Mia Michaels be so outright evil in judging! She basically said the meanest thing she could say to Melinda & Adechike. Its like she was trying to break them. If she’s doing reverse psychology, its working. I called in and voted for Adechike just because she went so hard on him! His Bollywood wasn’t the best but she even called the jazz routine a zero (that’s really what she meant by donut). A zero? Really? Shout out to Melinda for going out gangsta. Don’t let anyone steal your joy.
7/7/2010 8:07 PM UTC
Donna - wrote:
I have two complaints about this season….
1)HATE the concept of 10 all-stars. WHY do producers always feel the need to change a good thing. I like the old concept of pairing up 20 contestants with different partners each week.
2)Where in the heck is Mary Murphy? Yes her screeching gets a tad annoying sometimes, but I much prefer her as a judge to Mia. Don’t get me wrong… Mia is a fabulous choreographer and should definitley be part of the show. I like Nigel, Mary, and Adam as judges and the idea of having a 4th rotating judge so you get different points of view from different types of dance.
Come on SYTYCD!! Get back to basics here!!
7/7/2010 8:42 PM UTC
Sue J - wrote:
I am finding it harder and harder with each episode to watch the show this season. While I can see some advantages to the new format of pairing contestants with all stars (I think it may have forced the contestants to become more focused sooner), I find the atmosphere increasingly unpleasant this season. Mia Michaels is completely inarticulate and frequently just plain mean. She rarely gives any professional level critisism. Instead she grunts or gestures or slides into insults in order to participate. If she can not find words to express herself in this medium, she should pass. The dancers are routinely expected to conduct themselves professionally and to grow and challenge themselves. Where is Mia’s coach or mentor on how to present oneself in a professional manner? Flamboyant rings and off the shoulder tops to display her tatoos may help her communicate who she is, but they do not help her communicate with the dancers, the audience or the viewers. She needs to watch the play back and work on her own grace.
And if Mary is unvailable again next season, please find someone else who has the background to contribute with a reasonable perspective on ballroom.
7/8/2010 12:11 AM UTC
Tanya - wrote:
Last night was my first time participating in a blog. After watching Mia’s uncalled for criticism of Adechike I was livid. The judges are supposed to help the dancers grow by giving them critiques not by demeaning them and breaking their spirits. I do not enjoy watching contestants get harassed. However, I do like to format of the show with the allstars. The allstars have improved the quality of the dancing and prevents the contestants from being held back by a weaker partner. Additionally, the allstars help the contestants grow by teaching them and challenging them. I also enjoy seeing my favorites from previous seasons dancing again. I am a devoted so you think you can dance viewer and change is good. But Mia is not a good change I can’t stand listening to her any more. The week the Christina left Melinda should have left, which the judges admitted to the next week. However, it was Mia and Alan who voted to kick off Christina. I bet that if Mary was a jugde this season Melinda would have left before Christina (she was amazing to watch).
7/8/2010 8:18 AM UTC
Tanya - wrote:
Oh and how could I forget, I could not believe that Mia said to Adechike that she missed Alex. I am sure that with both Adechike and Alex the dance would have been awesome. But how can Mia be mean enough to say that she missed Alex, basically saying that the performance was crap and it would have been the best thing she ever saw if Alex danced it. So uncalled for!! Adechike, I thought you did great!
7/8/2010 8:21 AM UTC
Helena - wrote:
Mia needs to be a quiet choreographer as far as I’m concerned. She’s quite annoying and I will not watch next season unless Mary Murphy returns. Sorry Mia you are NOT everything!
7/8/2010 8:25 AM UTC
Viki - wrote:
I think Cat and Nigel have a back bone on this show. Go Cat for speaking the truth! Cat should be a judge instead of Mia. I agree with the previous blogger, “where’s Mia’s coach?” Mia watch the playback PLEASE!
7/8/2010 8:42 AM UTC
Helena - wrote:
Ok Nigel (and I actually like you and respect your critique of the dancers), you dont have to listen when we say we don’t like the format and I don’t have to watch. One viewer… Out. Just removed sytycd from dvr
7/8/2010 9:14 AM UTC
Debbie - wrote:
When Mia said that Adecheke’s dance made her really miss Alex, my husband said, Mia really makes me miss Mary – and he’s not a fan on Mary.
7/8/2010 9:15 AM UTC
Michelle - wrote:
So when did this show turn into, “So You Think You Can Bully?” because, we have a winner… Mia Michaels. As someone else said, she went after him like a monkey on a cupcake and we are not amused. Tacky. Tacky.
Maybe her headbands are on too tight…
Regardless, can someone please post where two petitions are:
(1) How to Get Cat a raise/emmy write-in
(2) Start voting for new judges who won’t make pervy and/or hateful comments, but SHOCKER– comments on their dancing?
(I’m expecting Stabler and Benson to come in at any moment for Nigel.)
7/8/2010 11:04 AM UTC
Anne - wrote:
I have loved and faithfully watched this show since the beginning, and as a general rule this is pretty much the only TV show I watch. I was thrilled to see Mia back on the show, but she is a lousy judge. She is crass and rude. Her behavior turns me off enough that I am not so motivated to watch anymore. If she is still a judge next year, hard to say if I will even bother. She does amazing work as a choreographer and that is what she needs to stick to.
7/8/2010 1:51 PM UTC
Mel - wrote:
I was so disappointed, no outraged with Mia Michaels last night. The week before when she made her negative comments about the tapper started it. How tacky Mia. And then on last night, I was absolutely appalled with your comments about Adechicke. You are clearly prejudiced in your assessments of people. Your goal should be to lift people up instead of tear them down.
I tell you what, if So You Think You Can Dance keeps Mia, expect for the ratings to go way, way down. P-L-E-A-S-E bring back Mary. We need her back desperately!!!!! Mia is not the one to judge any show because her comments are biased. She needs to go with her nasty self.
7/8/2010 2:54 PM UTC
bayan jamay - wrote:
Mia,
How can you be soooo rude to dancers? It feels that you have “issues” and are taking it out on specific dancers. Giving constructive criticism is one thing, but crossing the line to abuse is inexcusable. As dancers we don’t even feel like watching the show anymore because of you! Why would you want to destroy a dancer’s spirit?
7/8/2010 2:57 PM UTC
Jackie - wrote:
I have been a fan since Season 1, and I was privileged to see the tour this past fall! I absolutely agree with everyone above. Mary was seldom, if ever, personally cruel. Mia Michael’s choreography is unbelievable–but, so is her judging, for a different reason. She is mean-spirited, demeaning, and condescending to dancers she doesn’[t like. I can not believe Nigel doesn’t restrain her.
7/8/2010 5:40 PM UTC
Jackie - wrote:
I have been a fan since Season 1, and I was privileged to see the tour this past fall! I absolutely agree with everyone above. Mary was seldom, if ever, personally cruel. Mia Michael’s choreography is unbelievable–but, so is her judging, for a different reason. She is mean-spirited, demeaning, and condescending.
7/8/2010 5:42 PM UTC
Kim - wrote:
Let me start by saying “I MISS MARY!” Just as Mia mentioned that she was disappointed that Alex did not perform I am disappointed that Mary is not on the panel. Mia needs to look back at the tapes and re-evaluate her bias. During her apology she mentioned that she gives dancers tough love–that would be accurate if she gave the same feedback to all dancers. The comments she made on Wednesday were very hurtful and ugly. I’m disappointed and hopeful that Nigel will reconsider his panel for next year.
In closing, I had profound respect for Mia prior to her comments but the comments she made this week certainly overshadow my respect for her as a choreographer.
7/8/2010 6:03 PM UTC
Ginger - wrote:
Oh Mary, Mary where did you go???? I miss Mary on the the judges panel. Love Mia’s choreography, don’t love her role as a regular judge.
Bring Mary back please.
7/8/2010 6:20 PM UTC
Neil - wrote:
Half the time she has very conflicting comments about the dancers. She’s can be very rude, disrespectful and nasty about her comments that doesn’t make any sense. I MISS MARY!!!
7/8/2010 8:39 PM UTC
lisa - wrote:
I cant stand Mia Michaels!!! She is so negative and mean. Her favoritism is so obvious. I miss Mary!!!!
7/8/2010 9:08 PM UTC
Helen - wrote:
I completely agree with all of the comments regarding Mia. In past seasons when she has judged, I supsected that she was nasty and vindictive, but she seemed to keep herself somewhat in check (except with Brandon). This season, she is abusive, inconsistent, and extremely bothersome. She needs therapy and medication…and she has no business judging young talented people. Her apology tonight was a joke. It’s nauseating to hear her talk about people having “heart” when she obviously has none. Nigel – PLEASE bring back Mary.
7/8/2010 10:06 PM UTC
T. Hooks - wrote:
Mia, you were extremely rude in judging Adichikeke during his moment, saying you “really miss Alex right now!” was in extreme poor taste.
This is the proper way to judge: give a sincerely positive point and then speak on what needs to be worked on, while still being positive (just like you do for the others). What you did was similar to a mother blatantly pointing out she loves one child over the other. Not cute Mia …Yaaahhh!!!
7/9/2010 7:00 AM UTC
Tanya - wrote:
Mia’s apology last night was not even a true apology. She said that she was sorry “if” she hurt Adechike. Of course she hurt Adechike she said his dance was donut holes and she wanted Alex. And tough love, where in the world was the love in saying that he has no heart. Apology unexcepted! Please bring back the Hot tamale Train!!
7/9/2010 8:42 AM UTC
Mike - wrote:
Watched this show with pleasure since season 1. The last 3 weeks have been appalling. Judging from the posts here I’m not alone in being dumbfounded by Mia Michael’s inarticulate posturing.
However, It’s only TV and I get to excercise control. I now PVR the episodes so I can watch the exquisite performances (by 11 amazing dancers this season) and skip the stupidity of the judging. (Cat’s comments don’t fall into this category)
Mia, stay in the studio, and Nigel, the creepy old dude comments are borderline mysogynist. I suggest the judging panel take it’s own advice, and watch the playback.
7/9/2010 9:01 AM UTC
Mary - wrote:
The new format has left me cold. I thought I would like it but it’s just not as exciting as the old. I loved, loved, loved previous seasons and would never have considered missing a show. This year — honestly — it’s ho-hum and, while I’ve seen all but one episode, I increasingly find myself considering other offers for a Wednesday night…something I would not have done in past seasons. FOX — I suggest you listen to the comments here and address them. This show WAS a delight. Now — it feels forced. Bring back the JOY!
7/9/2010 9:34 AM UTC
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