Adam Shankman named new judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance'

"American Idol" isn't the only talent competition with a new judge on the block.

Fox has announced film director and choreographer Adam Shankman will be added as a new judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" starting Oct. 27.

A frequent guest judge and choreographer on the show since the show's third season in 2007, Shankman most recently helped guest judge the audition rounds for the dance competition's inaugural fall season. He will permanently join current judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy beginning with Season 6's Top 20 performance special next month.

Shankman is best known for his work as director on films including "17 Again" and "Hairspray." Prior to directing, he worked as a choreographer on films such as "Boogie Nights," the TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" as well as music videos for Whitney Houston and The B-52's.

Shankman's addition comes weeks after brief speculation that former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul would appear on the program as either a guest judge or a choreographer.

-- Kate Stanhope

Photo credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

Comments

[Maria]

I have never liked Shankman as a judge and actually haven't enjoyed the episodes with his critiques. In my opinion, he is too over the top and I get the feeling that he wants to be leader of the judges or something. There is always competition for critique-space, and it takes Mary like 3 years to spit hers out (God love her) and I just don't see how this will work with Shankman's personality being as big as it is. I respect outgoing people, but not when it gets to the point where it is obnoxious.

[JH]

So does this mean that none of the other choreographers are going to be guest judges on the show since they only have three weekly judges? That's REAL dumb if that's the case. I would much rather have the third seat rotate amongst the choreographers than have to listen to Adam Shankman babble week in and week out.