At a crucial moment for the American Idol franchise, the singing competition is bringing back former Idol producer (and current So You Think You Can Dance producer and judge) Nigel Lythgoe in an attempt to “reboot the show†after Simon Cowell’s departure. This news could spell trouble for remaining judges Randy, Ellen, and Kara as Lythgoe told Zap2It in April, “I would replace the entire judging panel Â… I don’t think it really works replacing one person.â€
Meanwhile, there are some new names to throw into the mix of potential judges, a group that already includes music-industry types like Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr. Idol producer Simon Fuller is said to be wooing Elton John and Justin Timberlake to join the Idol fun (this seems as good a time as any to reiterate: Justin, please drop everything else and get back in the studio). Meanwhile, Lythgoe’s return to the show just might mean the return of America’s favorite loopy cheerleader. When asked previously whom he would choose to judge the show, Lythgoe has said Elton John, Usher … and Paula Abdul.
Lythgoe near deal to produce ‘American Idol’ [Live Feed/HR]