Nigel Lythgoe to Rejoin 'American Idol' as Exec. Producer

Nigel Lythgoe will return to his role as an executive producer of 'American Idol' for the show's tenth season, The Hollywood Reporter reports.  Lythgoe, who was an executive producer during the show's first seven seasons, will be one of four executive producers, along with Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick.

Lythgoe said, "Since we launched the original 'Pop Idol' in England, I've remained close with Simon Fuller...'American Idol' became a juggernaut of epic proportions, but to me it was always like home."  Lythgoe is also excited about "creating more magic," the Reporter reports.

Fuller, who created the show, said, "His unbridled passion has been missed...I felt it was an important time to collaborate with Nigel once again to help redefine American Idol and take us through to the next incarnation of the show."

The tenth season of 'American Idol' will premiere in January. 

'American Idol' is a highly popular Fox reality show in which solo singers compete to be declared the new American Idol.  Past winners include Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, and Lee Dewyze. The show is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and features Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi as judges;  one or more new judges will soon be chosen, due to the departure of Simon Cowell and Ellen Degeneres.

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