Mary Murphy Calling it Quits on So You Think You Can Dance
She may be known for her 'Hot Tamale Train,' but So You Think You Can Dance judge Mary Murphy has announced that she is leaving the show after eleven seasons.
Murphy was not asked to renew her contract, and expressed deep sadness at not being asked to rejoin her fellow judges. She continued to say that she was thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a show that came to be a huge television success.
There had been suspicions that Murphy would be leaving So You Think You Can Dance. Season 12's production got underway in November, followed by sources reporting that the Fox television network, which airs the show, was considering hiring Paula Abdul as a replacement for Murphy.
Murphy accepted the news of her termination from the show by thanking the folks on the show, including James Breen, Jeff Thacker, and Nigel Lythgoe. She had been on So You Think You Can Dance since its inception, serving as a mentor and judge for the dancing contestants. She is a professional choreographer and former ballroom dance champion. Murphy was also the longest-serving judge on the dance competition series, taking a break during the show's seventh season.
Her expected replacement, Paula Abdul, was a judge for the earlier seasons of singing-competition show American Idol. She has appeared on So You Think You Can Dance in the past, serving as a guest judge during the 2013 season. She also lent her judging prowess to Australia's version of the show last season.
