Times they are a-changin’. The longtime executive producer of ‘American Idol’ confirmed via Twitter on June 9 that he had been fired from the show.
The American Idol exodus continues. After all four judges revealed that they were leaving the show in May, now executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is also on his way out.
Nigel Lythgoe: I Got Fired From ‘American Idol’
The 67-year-old England native confirmed that he had been sacked on his Twitter: “Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad!”
Nigel was the original producer of the massive hit show that started way back in 2002. He has produced all 12 seasons except for season eight and nine, when he took a hiatus from Idol to focus on his other creation, So You Think You Can Dance.
Like Idol, SYTYCD is also on FOX, but Nigel assured his Twitter followers that he hadn’t been canned from that position. “Yes, don’t worry I’m on #SYTYCD. FOX still loves me,” he tweeted, “It’s not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 seasons.”
Nigel added that he’s still excited about his dance competition show, which is starting to narrow down its contestants this season: “Monday we choose our top 20. I’ll smile again.”
Nigel Lythgoe Leaving ‘American Idol’: FOX Releases Statement
FOX later confirmed Nigel’s exit, along with fellow executive producer Kevin Warwick in a statement:
The passion and dedication that Nigel Lythgoe and Kevin Warwick brought to American Idol guided the show to become a true cultural phenomenon. While we are saddened they will no longer be executive producers on the show, we are grateful for their tremendous contributions and look forward to continuing to work with them on additional projects.
Nigel had been facing criticism that he was responsible for the show’s stale theme nights, and that he was the reason for Idol slipping against hipper, more lively singing competition shows like The Voice.
‘American Idol’s’ New Direction
American Idol’s new direction actually might be to go back to the old ways. Former Idol host Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Seacrest had a private meeting on Friday, June 7, according to Radar Online. J Lo has reportedly been in discussions to return to the show after leaving after season 11. Jennifer Hudson has also been heavily rumored to be joining the show as a judge.
There’s no doubt that Nigel is a huge part of American Idol and that he helped change reality TV forever, but we’re also excited to see Idol in its new incarnation. What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Let us know!
– Andrew Gruttadaro
More ‘American Idol’ News:
- Mariah Carey Leaving 'American Idol' — Confirmed
- Adam Lambert: Judging 'American Idol' Would Be 'Such A Reward'
- Nicki Minaj Leaving 'American Idol'
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