As shown by a recent episode of “So You Think You Can Dance,” Nigel Lythgoe has had “American Idol” on the brain, and with good reason: He’s back as the executive producer of the vocal talent reality competition, according to THR.
While many have theories of what Lythgoe’s return will mean for the show, all he's saying for now is that he’s interested in “creating more magic,” whatever that may mean.
Lythgoe, who served as an executive producer on “Idol” for its first seven years, said in a statement that he’s remained close with “Idol’s” other exec, Simon Fuller since they started “Pop Idol” in England. Since then, he said, "American Idol became a juggernaut of epic proportions, but to me it was always like home.”
Lythgoe will join fellow “Idol” executive producers Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick for the show’s 10th anniversary season, which starts in January, and no, he said on Twitter, he will not be a judge.
"YES, I am returning to 'IDOL,'" Lythgoe tweeted. "I hear we have the biggest turnout of talent in years. I'm very excited at the prospect of finding a new STAR." But, he added, "I am not going to be a Judge on 'IDOL.' I am returning to the team in my old role as Executive Producer."