Nigel Lythgoe speaks out on "embarrassing" American Idol exit
Despite having already released a statement on his ouster from American Idol, former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe hasn't remained quiet about the show he helped put on the map.
While chatting on the red carpet at the third annual Critics' Choice Awards, Lythgoe stated he learned of his dismissal the same way everyone else did: he read about it online. While on vacation, no less! "It was embarrassing for everybody," Lythgoe admitted.
The executive producer and judge on FOX's other hit reality series, So You Think You Can Dance discussed other pressing Idol issues, including the possibility of former contestants graduating to the judging panel.
"I don't know," said Lythgoe, citing the importance of screen tests prior to making any official decisions on judges, as this was the process for original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
"I believe in getting people together, testing their chemistry which is what I did with Randy, Paula and Simon," Lythgoe explained. "After that whoever you bring in is a risk because we've saw it happen before. Its one of those things, you don't know how anybody's going to be as a judge. You could be the greatest singer in the world that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be a good judge."
Lythgoe would go on to add, "That little team, Randy, Paula and Simon, again are the template for judges forever now." When a reporter suggested that Idol should try to get Cowell, Jackson and Abdul back for another season, Lythgoe affirmed, "maybe they should!"
As for his feelings on whether it's strange to see another person helming his baby, Lythgoe told E! News, "Of course, and I'm saddened from that point of view. I suppose both Ken [Warwick] and myself, we created the production that then went worldwide and certainly created the results show, which was never in anybody's thoughts until we came to America. And it feels like that's the template for many other reality shows now. So then to be asked to leave, it's then like, 'Oh wow.'"
However, Lythgoe remains in good spirits, stating he doesn't take his firing "personally," and adding that he wants to see the show succeed.
"Nobody wants to see that program fail, so if the people that are now in charge as I said in my statement feel as though its going to improve by giving it to somebody else to recharge the batteries if you will, I'm happy," he explained. "The big thing for me is to keep that platform for the talent. If the ratings keep going down the program is going to be canceled and the platform's gonna go. And you won't get the Kelly Clarksons and Carrie Underwoods."
Via: E! Online
