“American Idol” Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe Is Out

By: LATF Staff Member
TV
June 10, 2013, 4:53 pm

American Idol is 10 years old, making the show a senior citizen of TV. Over the past few weeks the FOX show has been making a few changes. The biggest one: Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe has been booted, fired, tossed to the side.

In a statement Lythgoe said, “I am truly saddened. Being part of “Idol” was “a personal life-changing experience for me.” He added, “[But] if the executives that are now in charge of ‘American Idol’ believe that the ratings will improve with my departure, I have no complaints. It’s been a great ride.”

What will become of American Idol? Will the ratings continue to drop? This upcoming season will tell-all. As for Lythgoe, he’s simply reflecting on the opportunities the show has brought him.

“It has been a tremendous honor to launch and build American Idol over the course of a decade and to see it recognized with 51 nominations and 6 Emmy Awards including the Academy’s highest honor, the Governors Award,” Lythgoe’s statement reads. “To be a part of the spin-off program, Idol Gives Back was incredible. As well as raising nearly $200 million for various charities it was a personal life-changing experience for me. It also provided me with the opportunity to produce and direct a magical sequence with Celine Dion together with Elvis Presley. This continues to be one of the highlights of my entire career. Over the years, I believe we have changed the face of American television forever and eventually created a true global phenomenon. It has been inspiring to find and launch the careers of artists ranging from Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Phillip Phillips and many more, spanning all musical styles and genres.”