Nigel Lythgoe confirms ‘American Idol’ exit, still on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

Just in case you ever really doubted the news that was coming out regarding Nigel Lythgoe’s job status on “American Idol,” it’s now official. After spending ten of the show’s twelve years serving as executive producer, he has been let go as Fox looks to go in a new direction moving forward.

Nigel first confirmed the news of his firing in a series of Twitter posts late this week, where he also addressed the current status of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and confirmed that he will remain a part of that show (which he co-created alongside Simon Fuller and executive-produces) for at least the rest of the season and likely longer:

“Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad! Monday we choose our top 20. I’ll smile again … Yes, don’t worry I’m on #SYTYCD. FOX still loves me. It’s not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 Seasons.”

One important thing to remember here is that Nigel is far from the only person who was let go from “American Idol” in what is a massive house-cleaning to try and restore the show to its former glory. Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Randy Jackson, have all chosen to depart, and we’re sure that Lythgoe’s fellow executive producer Ken Warwick is also out. Meanwhile, Fox’s own reality head Mike Darnell stepped down, and there is a new man running the ship now in David Hill.

We do hope for the best from Nigel and although we didn’t always agree with all of his creative decisions, the man is a genius and in part responsible for bringing us some of the best reality television of the last decade.

What do you think about Nigel’s exit? If you want to read more about some of the possible changes coming up for the show, all you have to do is click here.

Photo: Fox