Nigel Lythgoe Returns As Executive Producer of American Idol

August 5, 2010 by Masterclass Lady 7 Comments


Nigel Lythgoe, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Fuller

Nigel Lythgoe, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Fuller

 

 Well, the kitty-cat’s out of the bag  – not that it was ever in the bag for long.  The rumours have flown all over the internet.  

In fact, Nigel Lythgoe himself  inadvertently referred to American Idol during last week’s judging comments on So You Think You Can Dance.  It was one of those great “oops” moments that live television loves to capture for its viewers.   

And so, according to Ryan Seacrest’s Facebook page, Nigel Lythgoe will return as an executive producer of “American Idol,” television’s No. 1 series, joining executive producers Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick for the milestone 10th anniversary season of American Idol,  premiering January 2011 on FOX.  

In a press release, Nigel was quoted as saying:  

“Since we launched the original ‘Pop Idol’ in England, I’ve remained close with Simon Fuller. Working as executive producer on ‘American Idol’ for its first seven years not only was an inspirational journey into the heart of American pop culture, it opened my eyes to the untapped potential of the incredibly dynamic young people in this world. I have been able to continue discovering raw talent on ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ which I co-created with Simon,” said Lythgoe. “’American Idol’ became a juggernaut of epic proportions, but to me it was always like home. I am elated and honored to be rejoining childhood friend and fellow executive producer Ken Warwick, and look forward to creating more magic.”  

So, there you have it, folks. I am pretty excited about this transition and feel that Nigel will point American Idol in the direction that we all wish for this show:  stronger focus on the singers.  

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American Idol, Entertainment, Music, Nigel Lythgoe, Ryan Seacrest, Television

About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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7 Responses to “Nigel Lythgoe Returns As Executive Producer of American Idol”

  1. Connie D. August 5, 2010 at 9:58 am

    I am pleased that Nigel is returning, and looking forward to seeing extremely talented contestants in 2011.

    I wonder if Nigel will have any control over Ryan Seacrest? I really don’t like to see Ryan put the kids on the spot with his lame questions. Sometimes I just cringe and walk out of the room.

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  2. Masterclass Lady August 5, 2010 at 10:34 am

    Yes, Connie, I agree. I love Ryan but some of those questions! I think the whole crew, from the performers, to the host, to the judges, to the producers, were totally misdirected over the last two years.

    Like

  3. janey August 9, 2010 at 11:27 am

    Hello MCL! ummmmmm, my comment is loosely Idol related (it’s a bit off topic, forgive me?) Have you seen David’s new vid? I’d love to have your take on his new song…would you mind? Please and thank you ♥

    Like

  4. louise August 18, 2010 at 11:48 am

    I’m not particularly a Steven Tyler fan, but it sounds as if he is definitely going to be one of the AI judges this year.

    http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38753952/ns/today-entertainment/

    Like

  5. louise August 18, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    David Archuleta’s preferred judges . . .

    http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-David-1021842.aspx

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  6. Louise August 28, 2010 at 7:22 am

    Did any of you see the Harry Connick Jr.’s interview on Larry King Live last night? I just happened to be channel surfing and came across it. He asked Harry about being a judge on Idol. Harry said they had been some talk about it but no serious discussions. That’s really too bad because I thought he seemed interested in doing it. He came across as a really terrific guy in that interview. AI will really make a big mistake if they don’t ask him to be one of the judges.

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  7. Connie D. August 28, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    Yes, I did see Harry Connick Jr. on Larry King, and became enchanted by him all over again.

    The interview was about New Orleans, but Larry asked him about mentoring on Idol, and Harry stated that to mentor, you must spend time with the contestants, so that’s what he did.

    He acted extremely interested in judging on Idol, therefore I am extremely interested in having him there. Unfortunately, it will probably not happen at this late date. That’s too bad, because I know Harry Connick Jr. would only choose the kids who can sing on key every time during auditions.

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