Jason Derulo and Paula Abdul join dance show's judging panel

R&B star Jason Derulo and singer/choreographer Paula Abdul have been tapped to join the judging panel for competition program So You Think You Can Dance.

Both the Talk Dirty hitmaker and the Opposites Attract singer have served as guest judges on the Emmy-winning reality show, but producers announced on Thursday (22Jan15) that both will be regulars for the upcoming 12th season.

Abdul, who previously served on the judging panel for American Idol and The X Factor, shares her excitement for the new venture in a statement which reads: "I have dedicated a large part of my career as a choreographer to discovering and mentoring some of the most iconic artists and performers from all over the world. So You Think You Can Dance has a long-standing history of launching brilliant careers for young choreographers and dancers in the industry."

Derulo adds, "I am truly excited, and eagerly look forward to joining the cast of So You Think You Can Dance. It is one of the most respected and longest-tenured shows on network television, and I hope to be a part of new growth and continued success."

Abdul and Derulo join returning judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe on the panel, with host Cat Deeley returning as presenter.

The new season of So You Think You Can Dance begins this summer (15).