The Shocking Truth Behind 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18: New Format, Judges, And The Winner Revealed

The iconic dance competition series, So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), made a dramatic return to television with its eighteenth season, bringing with it a whirlwind of changes that left both long-time fans and new viewers buzzing. As of today, December 18, 2025, the conversation still revolves around the controversial new format, the refreshed judging panel, and the triumphant dancer who claimed the Season 18 title, Anthony Curley. The show, which premiered on March 4, 2024, on FOX, redefined its structure, moving away from some of its most cherished traditions in a bold attempt to stay relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of reality television.

The biggest question now looming is the fate of the series, as an official announcement for Season 19 remains unconfirmed. With the show’s creator, Nigel Lythgoe, departing just before the season began, and a format overhaul that shifted the power dynamics, the show’s future hangs in the balance. This is the definitive, up-to-the-minute breakdown of everything you need to know about the latest installment of America’s favorite dance show.

The Latest Season 18: Host, Judges, and The Winner's Circle

Season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance was a pivotal moment for the show, marked by significant personnel and structural shifts. The core of the latest season can be summarized by the new faces on the panel and the ultimate champion who navigated the redesigned competition.

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• Season 18 Premiere Date: March 4, 2024
• Host: Cat Deeley (returned for her seventeenth consecutive season)
• Judges: JoJo Siwa, Allison Holker, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
• Guest Judges/Alumni: Comfort Fedoke (guest judged during the auditions)
• Creator Departure: Nigel Lythgoe (departed in January 2024)
• Winner: Anthony Curley
• Runner-up: Dakayla Wilson
• Top 3 Finalist: Madison
• Season 19 Status: Not officially renewed or canceled (as of December 17, 2025)

Anthony Curley: The Season 18 Champion

The biggest news of the season came on May 20, 2024, when Anthony Curley was crowned the winner of Season 18. Curley’s journey through the competition was a testament to his versatility and ability to adapt to the new, high-pressure format. He triumphed over a talented field, including runner-up Dakayla Wilson and fellow Top 3 finalist Madison. The victory solidified his place among the show's elite, demonstrating that even with a controversial new structure, raw dance talent and dedication can still carry a competitor to the top.

The Controversial New Format: Why Fans Were Divided

For nearly two decades, SYTYCD was known for its consistent format: nationwide auditions, a grueling "Vegas Week" to select the Top 20, and then weekly live performances featuring diverse dance styles, with America voting for its "Favorite Dancer." Season 18, however, broke this mold, introducing a significant and highly debated structure.

The Shift from "America's Favorite Dancer"

The most immediate and divisive change was the removal of the public voting system for the winner. In the new format, the ultimate champion was selected solely by the judging panel—JoJo Siwa, Allison Holker, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. This move fundamentally altered the show’s core identity, leading many long-time viewers to feel that the title of "America's Favorite Dancer" was no longer truly applicable. The power shift to the judges was a major point of contention on social media and fan forums.

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The Introduction of "Real-World" Challenges

Season 18 introduced a series of "real-world" challenges designed to expose the dancers to different facets of the professional dance industry. These challenges went beyond the typical studio performances, tasking the Top 10 with assignments like performing in a music video, starring in a Broadway show, and taking on the role of a choreographer. The goal was to test the dancers’ adaptability and professionalism, mirroring the demands of a modern dance career. While this added a fresh layer of complexity, some fans missed the focus on pure, unadulterated technical and artistic dance showcased in previous seasons.

The New Judges and Nigel Lythgoe's Departure

The judging panel saw a complete refresh, which was both exciting and unsettling for the fanbase. The return of alum Allison Holker, who had been a fan-favorite contestant and an All-Star, brought a sense of continuity and emotional connection to the show.

• JoJo Siwa: The social media star and former Dancing with the Stars contestant returned to the panel, bringing a contemporary perspective and a massive following.
• Maksim Chmerkovskiy: The veteran professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars brought a wealth of ballroom and competitive experience, often providing sharp, technical critiques.
• Comfort Fedoke: Another beloved alum, Fedoke, guest-judged during the audition phase, bridging the gap between the show’s history and its future.

The most significant change, however, was the departure of co-creator and long-time judge Nigel Lythgoe in January 2024. Lythgoe's exit, which followed a high-profile lawsuit, marked the end of an era for the series. His presence had been synonymous with the show's identity, and his absence was a major factor in the feeling that Season 18 was a true reinvention.

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The Uncertain Future: Will 'SYTYCD' Return for Season 19?

As of late 2025, the fate of So You Think You Can Dance Season 19 remains officially unconfirmed by FOX. The lack of a swift renewal announcement, combined with the mixed fan reaction to the new format, has created a cloud of uncertainty. While the show still has a dedicated following and continues to discover remarkable talent, the ratings and the cost of production are always key factors in network decisions.

The show’s longevity is a testament to the universal appeal of dance and the incredible skill of the contestants. Fans are actively engaging on social media, discussing potential changes that could bring back a more traditional format, such as reintroducing public voting and focusing more on the core dance styles like Contemporary Dance, Hip-Hop, Ballroom, Jazz, and Tap. Whether the producers will listen to the feedback and adjust the format for a potential Season 19 remains to be seen. For now, the dance world waits to see if the stage will light up again for America's next favorite dancer.