Nigel Lythgoe left his job as executive producer of American Idol two years ago to focus on another hit reality show, So You Think You Can Dance. However, in its hour of need, Nigel is ready to make a return to Idol as the fourth judge.
With the much publicized exit of the irreplaceable Simon Cowell, E! Online reports that “there’s also been much quieter talk about scrapping the whole crop of current judges,” something that Nigel has recommended in the past as a way to deal with the show’s decreasing popularity.
In an interview with E! earlier this year, Nigel expressed his concern that the show has become too much about the judges, which has been pulling focus away from the show’s ultimate goal of discovering young talent. Returning the spotlight to the newest flock of singing talent would, in Nigel’s opinion, once again make American Idol successful.
So who would ideally fill the seats on the judges’ panel?
Series creator Simon Fuller reportedly names Justin Timberlake and Elton John as two of the biggest industry names high on his wish list. *High Five!* I would love to see Elton do it! Nigel Lythgoe has also given Sir Elton his seal of approval, saying he is someone who is “capable of knowing what’s needed.”
Nigel also gave props to former AI judge Paula Abdul, and mentioned Usher as a potential candidate because he “knows exactly what’s going on in the moment.”
Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak and Bret Michaels have also been discussed as potential Simon Cowell replacements.
As for the current Idol panel – Kara has a year-to-year deal that has not been officially finalized for the upcoming season and Randy Jackson only has a year remaining on his contract. Ellen is the only judge who presently has a multi-year deal, so for now it seems she’s at least planning on stickin’ around.
