Mary Murphy

Grab your ear plugs: Mary Murphy will return to So You Think You Can Dance as a resident judge for the show's upcoming eighth season, Fox announced Tuesday.

"I am thrilled and already dancing in my seat to be back as a permanent judge this season, which I'm sure will be the best ever," Murphy said in a statement.

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The shrill 52-year-old dancer and choreographer first returned to the judges' table for the Season 7 finale after an eight-month absence. During Season 7, she was replaced on the panel by longtime So You Think You Can Dance choreographer Mia Michaels, who left in November after just one season as a judge.

"Last year when I was sitting on the [judges] panel, I knew it wasn't the right fit because I felt too glossy sitting on the panel," Michaels told E! Online in November. "I heard they're bringing Mary Murphy back and I'm really happy for her. I've sat in that chair, but I feel like that was Mary's chair."

So You Think You Can Dance's Mia Michaels becomes permanent judge

Murphy joins fellow resident judge, co-creator and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

"I am delighted to have Mary back on the show," Lythgoe said in a statement. "Her expertise in dance, coupled with her warmth, compassion and humor, make her an excellent judge and fun to work with."

So You Think You Can Dance will kick off auditions for Season 8 on Feb. 2 in Salt Lake City. The show will also host auditions in Los Angeles and Charlotte, N.C. on Feb. 25 and March 1, respectively.

For more information on how to audition for So You Think You Can Dance, visit

Are you excited for Murphy to return?