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'American Idol': Nigel Lythgoe close to signing on as executive producer
"So You Think You Can Dance" judge and producer Nigel Lythgoe is considering a return to his roots.
After departing from "American Idol" at the end of Season 7, The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed reveals that he's nearing a deal to come back as executive producer.
And this is not good news for the current judging panel. Lythgoe told Zap2it in April that if he were responsible for casting the show, he'd replace all of them. He cited Elton John and Usher as top picks for new blood and expressed an interest in rehiring Paula Abdul.
It may be too late for Abdul -- she's already moved on to her own CBS series -- but Elton John is another matter. THR also reports that "American Idol" creator and producer Simon Fuller is making ovations to the iconic British singer. And another name added to the list of candidates? Justin Timberlake. Fuller's reportedly going after him too.
Should Lythgoe take on the job, "American Idol" could look completely different when it returns for Season 10 in 2011. But if there is indeed a massive shake-up, the most likely to survive the purge is Randy Jackson. The judge, who has a year left on his contract, is said to be in a better position than his colleagues.
Lythgoe originally left "Idol" to spend more time focusing on "SYTYCD" and other ventures with Fuller's 19 Entertainment.
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Photo: FOX
After departing from "American Idol" at the end of Season 7, The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed reveals that he's nearing a deal to come back as executive producer.
And this is not good news for the current judging panel. Lythgoe told Zap2it in April that if he were responsible for casting the show, he'd replace all of them. He cited Elton John and Usher as top picks for new blood and expressed an interest in rehiring Paula Abdul.
It may be too late for Abdul -- she's already moved on to her own CBS series -- but Elton John is another matter. THR also reports that "American Idol" creator and producer Simon Fuller is making ovations to the iconic British singer. And another name added to the list of candidates? Justin Timberlake. Fuller's reportedly going after him too.
Should Lythgoe take on the job, "American Idol" could look completely different when it returns for Season 10 in 2011. But if there is indeed a massive shake-up, the most likely to survive the purge is Randy Jackson. The judge, who has a year left on his contract, is said to be in a better position than his colleagues.
Lythgoe originally left "Idol" to spend more time focusing on "SYTYCD" and other ventures with Fuller's 19 Entertainment.
Follow Zap2it and MikeyLikesTV on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news.
Photo: FOX
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I hope so..
That is the only way they can make this show good again. You can't just replace Simon. You need to change them all. It will be even worse than this season. (I know scary thought).
I think a new judging panel is exactly what the show needs. Get rid of Ryan too. That guys bugs me to no end.
Would love to see Paula back. Miss her.
I support a completely new judges panel. Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Paula Abdul and Harry Conick Jr. Would be an amazing panel.
If also like to see a new host. I'm tired of Ryan Seacrest.
I agree with making big changes. I would have Kara, Victoria Beckham and Gene Simmons. I think that would be a great fresh panel.
I also agree, Idol needs a complete face-lift and if that requires replacing all current judges, than so be it!!!! Having 4 judges is not necessary, commentary takes too much time and often judges are repetitive. The show has lost it's glory, maybe it's time to close the book and bow out gracefully.
I think Nigel himself would make a great judge. He always has insightful and intelligent comments on SYTYCD and is not afraid to tell the truth.
As long as Randy stays, it's all good.
It will be wonderful for AI to have Nigel Lythgoe back at the helm. He will bring some real class back to the show. IMO, he will do for the young singer's competition what he's done for dance... nothing short of miraculous!
I hope Lythgoe overhauls the judging panel, but please don't bring Abdul back. She's alienated more people than those standing by her. She may be sly like a fox, but she is not a viable judge. While we're at it, please get rid of Seacrest. He behaved so badly last year on so many levels!
Last, but not least, I also vote for Gene Simmons. My friends and I are big fans of his show, Family Jewels. He is very smart, intelligent, and articulate, and would be an outstanding judge and mentor IMHO.
get rid of ryan seacrest!! he gets paid waaay too much money for the simple job he does.