'American Idol' vs. 'So You Think You Can Dance' judges

New York Daily News - New York, NY, USA - Reality competitions are only as good as the judges who preside over them. The "American Idol" panel, the gold standard of the genre, proves that the right combination of critiques can add professional insight, comic relief or a verbal jab (much to the delight of the audience). So how do the folks of Fox's summer series "So You Think You Can Dance" measure up to the "Idol" ideal?

THE BRITS
Simon Cowell vs. Nigel Lythgoe

Similarities:  Snarky Simon is known as tough but fair, and contestants respect him because of his experience in the music industry. Likewise, Nasty Nigel has tremendous experience in dance, having studied jazz, tap and European folk at a young age. They never try to sugarcoat their comments, but aren't afraid to give props to contestants who deserve them.

Differences: Sometimes Cowell appears to delight in squashing the dreams of pop hopefuls. Lythgoe, on the other hand, adds encouragement or helpful advice on the back end of every negative comment. The high volume of returning auditioners indicates that Lythgoe and Co. actually want contestants to improve and try out again.

THE TWITS
Paula Abdul vs. Mary Murphy

Similarities: The loopy brunettes both devote a lot of their critiques to the contestants' appearance. Murphy's signature comment is to label a dancer sexy enough to ride on her "hot tamale train," which is about as nonsensical and confusing as most of what Abdul says. They're both goofy, loud and the least likely to be taken seriously.

Differences: While Abdul hardly ever has a bad thing to say, Murphy doesn't hold back when she thinks a contestant isn't up to snuff. But Murphy is a ballroom-dancing champion, so she actually knows what she's talking about. Abdul sang "Opposites Attract" next to a cartoon of MC Skat Kat.