'So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation' season 13 news: Maddie Ziegler starts as new judge on show

When "So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation" season 13 returned, "Dance Moms" alum, Maddie Ziegler, made her debut as the show's newest — and youngest — judge alongside Paula Abdul, Nigel Lythgoe, and Jason Derulo. On Friday, June 20, the 13-year-old dancer met the contestants for the first time.

As one of the most promising talents from the Abby Lee Dance Company, fans are watching out for this rising new star and how she will do in her new career. Many believe her addition to the panel of judges on "So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation" season 13 is very apt. After all, as a young dancer whose career is just budding, who is better than her to judge the new generation of dancers aged eight to 13 years old competing in the show's latest run?

Even though Ziegler is no older than the show's contestants, the talented young lady has already received her share of celebrity, recognition, and awards. Ziegler has performed in several high-profile events like last year's Grammy Awards, twice on "Dancing with the Stars," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Saturday Night Live," as well as "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" thrice already.

She also recently bagged a People's Choice Award. She has been recognized for her performance of contemporary routines and is an aspiring actress who has starred in hit television shows like "Pretty Little Liars" and "Austin & Ally." She will be making her debut in the film "The Book of Henry" which will be released in September.

The award-winning teen will be sharing her experience and expertise with the show's contestants who will be performing varied styles in dancing such as ballroom, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary. The selected dancers will pair with "So You Think You Can Dance" All-Stars dancers and vie for the title of America's Favorite Dancer.

Ziegler spoke of her involvement as a judge on the show, saying, "I'm usually on the kids' side of this whole competition and usually the one being judged, so it's going to be very different but super relaxing and fun for me to be on the other side."

The new judge said that she planned on being fair and honest in giving her opinion, and taking in stride the likelihood that she may know some of the competitors.

"So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation" airs on Mondays on Fox.