5 Shocking Twists That Defined The Latest Season Of So You Think You Can Dance—And What’s Next For Season 19

The landscape of America's beloved dance competition, *So You Think You Can Dance* (SYTYCD), has fundamentally shifted, as evidenced by the dramatic, high-stakes changes of its latest installment. After an eagerly anticipated return, the show delivered a season filled with format overhauls, a controversial judging panel, and a champion who had to navigate a completely new path to victory. As of today, December 18, 2025, the future of the series remains a major question mark for fans, with no official confirmation on a potential Season 19. The 2024 season, which premiered on the FOX television network, attempted to inject new life into the long-running show by mirroring the "authentic experience of building a successful career in dance." This meant less focus on the traditional stage performances and more on real-world challenges, mentorship, and a faster-paced elimination structure that left many viewers and critics divided. The ultimate champion, Anthony Curley, rose above the chaos to secure his place in the show's history, but the journey was far from the classic *SYTYCD* experience.

The Rise of Anthony Curley: Season 18 Winner and Full Profile

The most recent season of *So You Think You Can Dance* culminated in a thrilling finale that saw contemporary dancer Anthony Curley crowned the champion. His victory was hard-earned, prevailing over equally talented finalists Dakayla Wilson and Madison Alvarado. Here is a quick look at the latest *SYTYCD* winner.

• Full Name: Anthony Curley
• Season: 18 (2024)
• Winning Style: Contemporary Dance
• Hometown/Origin: Known for his powerful emotional delivery and technical precision.
• Winning Prize: A cash prize and the coveted title of "America's Favorite Dancer."
• Runner-up: Dakayla Wilson
• Other Finalist: Madison Alvarado
• Victory Moment: He was handed the trophy by the previous season's victor, Alexis Warr, in a moment that celebrated the show's legacy despite the format changes.

Anthony's journey was a testament to his versatility, as he successfully tackled various genres, including hip-hop, jazz, and ballroom, under the intense pressure of the new competition structure. The finale itself marked a slight return to the show's roots, focusing on high-energy stage performances, including a memorable duet between Anthony and an eliminated Top 10 dancer.

The Controversial Format Changes That Divided the Fanbase

Season 18 was defined by a radical departure from the familiar *SYTYCD* structure that had been a staple for nearly two decades. The core intention was to make the show more relevant to the modern dance industry. This resulted in several key changes that sparked intense debate among the dedicated fanbase.

1. The Shift to "Real-World" Challenges

Instead of a week-to-week elimination based purely on audience votes and judge scores, the new format introduced "real-world challenges." Dancers were tasked with performing in music videos, working on Broadway, and collaborating with top choreographers to prove their adaptability. This move aimed to test their professional readiness, but it alienated some purists who missed the focus on pure stage artistry and technique.

2. The Judging and Elimination Overhaul

Initially, the season's elimination process was largely controlled by the judging panel, which included Allison Holker, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and JoJo Siwa. This was a significant shift from the classic format where public voting played a dominant role early on. While the judging panel, hosted by the ever-present Cat Deeley, was stacked with industry veterans and fan-favorites, the lack of early audience input drew criticism. In a rare mid-season move, the format was adjusted again due to viewer feedback, proving the changes were not universally accepted.

3. The Departure of Nigel Lythgoe

Perhaps the most significant change occurred off-screen. Longtime executive producer and original judge, Nigel Lythgoe, departed the series in January 2024. This departure followed a sex abuse lawsuit, which cast a shadow over the production and represented the end of an era for the show. Lythgoe had been the creative backbone of *SYTYCD* since its inception, and his absence was keenly felt throughout the season.

The New Judging Panel: Holker, Chmerkovskiy, and Siwa

The judges' table for Season 18 featured a mix of returning faces and fresh perspectives, all with deep roots in the dance world.

• Allison Holker: A beloved *SYTYCD* alum, Holker returned to the panel, bringing her deep understanding of the competition and her experience across multiple dance styles. Her presence was a comforting link to the show's past, and she often spoke with an emotional depth, particularly as the widow of former *SYTYCD* All-Star Stephen 'tWitch' Boss.
• Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Known for his powerful presence on *Dancing with the Stars*, Maksim brought a sharp, professional ballroom perspective to the panel. His critiques were focused on technique and stage command, offering a rigorous standard for the competitors.
• JoJo Siwa: The pop culture icon and dancer, who previously served as a judge, returned to offer a perspective that resonated with the show's younger audience. Her experience as a competitor on *DWTS* and her massive social media following brought a new layer of celebrity and relatability to the critiques.

Guest judges, including *SYTYCD* All-Star Comfort Fedoke, also appeared, bridging the gap between the show’s legacy and its new direction.

The Uncertain Future: Will So You Think You Can Dance Return for Season 19?

The biggest question on the minds of dance enthusiasts globally is whether the show will return. Despite the success of crowning Anthony Curley and the high-stakes drama of the format changes, the status of *So You Think You Can Dance* Season 19 remains officially unconfirmed. As of December 18, 2025, the FOX network has not made any official announcement regarding a renewal or cancellation. This late confirmation is not entirely unusual for the series, which has faced multiple hiatuses and renewals in the past. However, the dramatic shifts in the most recent season—from the controversial format to the departure of a key figure—suggest that the network is carefully evaluating the show's performance and future direction. Fans are left to speculate on what a potential Season 19 might look like. Will the producers listen to the calls to return to the classic structure, which emphasized the partnership between dancer and choreographer and the power of the public vote? Or will they double down on the "real-world" challenges, continuing to evolve the series into a more professional-focused reality show? The answer will determine if *SYTYCD* can recapture its Emmy Award-winning glory and continue to be the premier platform for discovering America's next favorite dancer. Until an official announcement is made, the dance world waits with bated breath for news on the series' fate.