Maddie Ziegler, 13, has just returned to "Dance Moms" from filming his first feature film role. Days after her return, it was announced that the most famous dancer of the Lifetime reality show is set to become a reality show judge.
The reality show "So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation" will premiere on May 30. The panel of judges of the 13th season of the Fox reality competition will include Nigel Lythgoe, Paula Abdul, Jason Derulo and Ziegler, TV Line has learned.
This makes Ziegler the youngest judge of "SYTYCD" ever. In a statement, Fox said that as a young dancer, the "Dance Moms" star will lend her expertise "to critique and praise the contestants as they battle it out during the studio shows this summer."
The age bracket of the contestants in the new season will be from eight to 13 years old. The judges will be looking for young dancers who excel across various dance styles including hip-hop, contemporary, ballroom, tap, breaking and animation.
Currently, auditions for the new season are underway and will hit Chicago on March 11 and New York City on March 18. Those who pass the audition round will advance to The Academy and eventually the Top 10.
"SYTYCD" All-Stars from previous seasons will return. They will be paired with the Top 10 finalists to compete for the title of America's Favorite Dancer.
Aside from judging "SYTYCD" Season 13, Ziegler is also set to star in the upcoming drama film titled "The Book of Henry." Written by Gregg Hurwitz and directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film also stars Lee Pace, Jacob Tremblay, Naomi Watts, Sarah Silverman, Dean Norris, Jaeden Lieberher, Bobby Moynihan, Jackson Nicoll, Maxwell Simkins, Tonya Pinkins and Marian Neshat, among others.
After "The Book of Henry," Ziegler will lend her voice to a character in the upcoming animation film "Ballerina." She will also star in the upcoming film "Sister," which will be directed by her frequent collaborator Sia Furler.
Ziegler and Furler worked in the music videos of "Chandelier," "Elastic Heart" and "Big Girls Cry." Watch the music video of "Big Girls Cry" here: