After 11 seasons of “So You Think You Can Dance,” Fox has opted not to renew its contract with Mary Murphy. The reality competition judge issued a statement on Monday announcing the network had decided against bringing her back for Season 12, which begins in May.
“I’m saddened of course to be released from my contract,” she said in the statement obtained by TheWrap. “I’m very grateful and proud to have been part of such an extraordinary television show.”
Fox issued a statement regarding the departure of Murphy and the new direction of its competitive dancing series, which read: “Mary has been a huge part of ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ from mentoring the dancers as a choreographer to inspiring fans as a judge. She will always be part of our ‘Dance’ family and we wish her continued success.”
Murphy, who fans affectionately refer to as the “Hot Tamale Train,” sat alongside Nigel Lythgoe for most of her 11 years on the Emmy-nominated Fox series. She specifically thanked him for his support.
“Thank you to the dancers and choreographers who inspired and enriched my life every week; to the crew and producers, especially James Breen, Jeff Thacker, and Nigel Lythgoe, I thank you for believing in me,” Murphy continued. “And thank you to my fans,as you always put a smile on my face when I encountered you. It has been a great pleasure and honor to be part of the dance wave that went global.”
“SYTYCD” was created by Simon Fuller and Lythgoe. They both serve as executive producers with Allen Shapiro, Barry Adelman, James Breen, and Jeff Thacker.
“So You Think You Can Dance” returns to Fox on Wednesday, May 28 at 8 p.m.
'Dancing With the Stars' Final Four Best and Worst of Season 17 (Photos)
Amber Riley is the one to beat in Season 17 of "DWTS." The 27-year-old "Glee" star has proven she can do more than belt out an impressive rendition of "And I Am Telling You." Riley can paso doble, she can cha cha, and her flawless Viennese waltz with partner Derek Hough last week earned her a perfect 40. Judge Bruno Tonioli was so inspired by the performance, he told Riley, "You dance like an angel."
But this hasn't been a perfect season for the Los Angeles native. Her Charleston in Week 3 earned her a person-low 24, and by Week 4, Riley was having knee trouble and had to start wearing a brace. Odds of winning: 4 to 1.
Bill Engvall is not what anyone would call a graceful dancer. But what the Texan lacks in rhythm he makes up for in humor and optimism. The husband and father's best routine and score so far came in Week 10, when he and professional dance partner Emma Slater performed an Argentine tango to the tune of 32 points.
Engvall's worst performance came in a hard-to-watch Week 1 Foxtrot that only garnered 18 points. While Slater should be commended for her ability to play up Engvall's charming personality, and he should be applauded for dancing through a painful groin injury, their good times may be over. Odds of winning: 50 to 1.
Of course 24-year-old Corbin Bleu can dance. The "High School Musical" alum has been trained to do it since childhood. Last year, he performed on Broadway. Never was his pedigree more apparent than in Week 9 when he wowed fans and judges alike with a Fosse-esque jazz number that judge Carrie Ann Inaba called "the best dance I've seen in 17 seasons."
Bleu's highly tuned skill set could make him seem arrogant in the eyes of viewers. For instance, his Week 6 Viennese waltz with partner Karina Smirnoff was a low-scoring flop made worse by its poorly executed "Game of Thrones" homage. Odds of winning: 7 to 1.
Although Jack Osbourne's chances are not as strong as Riley's and Bleu's, he shouldn't be counted out. While dancing like no one is watching, the former reality star is fighting multiple sclerosis. Undeterred, the 28-year-old earned 38 points for his near perfect Argentine tango with pro partner Cheryl Burke in Week 10.
Although some have accused Osbourne of cashing in on sympathy votes, no one can accuse Ozzy and Sharon's son of ennui. He has approached each routine -- even his not-so-great cha cha in Week 3 -- with vigor and enthusiasm. Odds of winning: 5 to 1
1 of 9
And then there were four.
It’s time for ”Dancing With the Stars“ to crown its Season 17 champion but who will it be? Well, it depends on which of the four finalists — Amber Riley, Corbin Bleu, Jack Osbourne and Bill Engvall — the judges and fans think is the best dancer. Popularity clearly plays a part, too. How else can you explain why a slightly off-beat but charming Engvall is still in the running for the show’s coveted mirror-ball trophy?
Even the best among them (Riley and Bleu) have had their fair share of missteps while Osbourne and Engvall have come just short of a perfect score once or twice. Or at least Osbourne has.
But don’t just take our word for it. Click through to see the final four contestants best and worst perfomances and their odds at winning it all.
The ”Dancing With the Stars“ Season 17 finale airs Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
