http://insidetv.aol.com - ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ returns to MTV tonight at 10PM ET with dance crews from every corner of the country ready to throw down their moves and make their marks in the competition. High-energy and swelling with catchy beats, the show is kicking off its fifth season of pitting groups of young, hip-hop influenced dancers against each other for the top honors (and a cash prize).

This season, R&B wunderkind Omarion is joining ‘ABDC’ as a judge. He’s replacing choreographer Shane Sparks, who in December was arrested on felony charges of child molestation. Sparks served as a judge on ‘ABDC’ alongside Lil’ Mama and former *NSYNC member JC Chasez since the series launched in 2008.

Omarion, who worked with Sparks on the 2004 dance movie ‘You Got Served,’ spoke to AOL TV about stepping into Sparks’ role, what drew him to ‘ABDC’ in the midst of a busy career in music and film and how his judging style is similar to that of ‘American Idol”s resident heavy, Simon Cowell.

You taped your first show, the season premiere, on Tuesday. What was it like?
It was great night. There was lots of energy … I’m really ready to get into it, and I’m ready to see the crews. [In regionals], we were checking out what some of the crews were bringing to the table. It should be a great season.

This is your first time as a judge on a major show. How is the experience like so far?
For me, I’ve only judged [smaller] contests, this is totally different. I want to see how people receive it, because I think I’m the tougher judge. JC [Chasez] has been on it for a long time, and Lil’ Mama’s been on it for a long time, they’re judging is going to be what it has been. But for me, I have a totally different eye, in reference to what ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ is.

For instance, I know a lot of the crews that get picked, some are based on their ability to pull tricks and the acrobatics. But technically, it’s not what dancing is about. Those moves are cool, and they’re exciting to watch, but somebody that’s a true dancer, and that’s coming from the dance world, I know that that’s dancing. So, that’s the place I’m going to come from … like, “Where’s the dance? Where’s the choreography?” The ability to reach people through movement. That’s what street dancers really respect. Even B-Boys will tell you, if you don’t have your founation, if you’re not coming into the circle with your top [moves] …That’s what I respect, because I’m from that world.

So it sounds like you’re going to become the Simon Cowell of the judges’ line-up.
It’s funny — but what I tell people is, I’m way sexier than Simon. Simon is cool, and that’s my boy, and he’s a great judge. But I don’t know if he can do sexy better than this young man.

How would you describe the dynamic that will emerge among you, Lil’ Mama and JC?
People are definitely going to have to watch the show. You’ve got to tune in and see it.

You’re taking over the judge’s role from Shane Sparks, who left ‘ABDC’ amid unfortunate circumstances. What was you reaction to his departure, and did it give you pause with regard to taking over the reins?
I think it’s always tough when, publicly, people tamper with any situation that hasn’t been proven. That’s always been my thing. People always speculate. We’re in the business where, if people believe [something] … it’s hard to persuade them otherwise. For me, the proof is in the pudding. I believe he’s a great person, and a great guy. I’ve only known him to be that way.

Has he given you any advice going into this season? Have you two spoken?
No, I have not spoken to him.

Given your diverse background, from acting creds to a singing career, what made you want to do this show?
Because I’ve been a dancer since I’ve been able to pretty much walk, I felt that this was a perfect opportunity for me. It’s not only an avenue to have an influence on the dancers, but it’s also a great avenue to be able to see what’s new and what’s hot and fresh. I’m such a big fan of originality and creativity and newness. I came up on ‘Soul Train’ and ‘The Box’ … Stuff like ‘ABDC’ is what keeps an artist like me alive.

How has dance changed since you began your career?
I think we’re in an interesting time, as far as dancing goes. For me, not too much excites me anymore. Especially when you’re talking about crews … [But] the state of dancing is in a new, exciting, evolutionary state. Dancing, to people outside of it, seems simple. You’ve got your Soulja Boy, your ‘Walk It Out.’ Some people would consider that dancing [laughs], and I think it’s a form of dance, but I don’t know if you can call that [dancing].

Where do you see dancers — on ‘ABDC’ and elsewhere — going in terms of their careers? What new avenues exist?
The only thing I hope that stays with dancers is the passion. There are a lot of technical dancers that do it really well, but it’s not from the heart. For me, if you want to talk about Michael Jackson, if you want to talk about Bob Fosse, if you want to talk about the Nicholas brothers, if you want to talk about any of the real history of dance and performers … they danced with joy. They danced from their heart. They [stood in front of] the mirror, and practiced one move, every time. Ballet is the same way, and jazz is the same way. I just really want people to dance from their hearts. That was one of the comments I had. I don’t if people really understood that. Because I’m a dancer, I can tell the difference.

You recently started your own record label, Starworld on EMI, which released your new album ‘Ollusion’ this month. How is it going so far? When will we see the talent you’re developing?
It’s going well. I never thought I would have the opportunity to own my own masters — and to be in such a business position. Not only can I be in control of my creativity, but I can see how everything works. My drive became totally different. I have a few artists who I’ll be introducing to the world … I’ll probably have my first artist out by the end of next year [or so].