Lythgoe Set to Return to 'American Idol'

As Cowell exits, former EP poised to retake reigns at top-rated show

By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/27/2010 9:46:54 AM

Former American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is close to a new deal to return to the Fox hit, according to reports.

Lythgoe left the show in 2008 citing his packed schedule with So You Think You Can Dance, where he is an executive producer as well as a judge. But there was also speculation at the time of tension between Lythgoe and Simon Cowell.

Cowell has left the show, a major shake-up as the acerbic judge was seen as the linchpin at the judges' table. Several months before production starts on the new season, the show has yet to name a replacement for Cowell.

Cowell is leaving to helm X Factor, a new reality competition series for Fox.

American Idol is still the top-rated show on television by far, but it has seen ratings erosion over the last several seasons. This year's finale was watched by 24.2 million people, down 16% compareded to the year before. Next season, the minimum age for competitors will be lowered to 15.