Nigel Lythgoe to return to 'Idol'

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A familiar face is coming back to "American Idol," and it's not Paula Abdul or Simon Cowell.

Fox announced Thursday that British TV personality Nigel Lythgoe is returning to the singing competition in the producing role he left two years ago.

Lythgoe left to focus on "So You Think You Can Dance," the Fox dancing contest he executive produces and judges. He will represent CKx Inc., the holding company of "Idol" co-producer 19 Entertainment.

Lythgoe will be joining executive producers Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Ken Warwick and creator Simon Fuller on behalf of CKx, which shares rights to the show with FremantleMedia North America. His return had been widely rumored the past week.

"Since we launched the original 'Pop Idol' in England, I've remained close with Simon Fuller," Lythgoe said. "'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."

Lythgoe originally served as "Idol" producer when it debuted in 2002.

"Nigel helped to define the show I created almost 10 years ago, mentoring our judging panel and nurturing our talent," Fuller said. "His unbridled passion has been missed."

The reunion comes amid sweeping changes for the show's judging panel. Cowell left at the end of last season, and Ellen DeGeneres announced last week she would not return.

Peter Rice, entertainment chairman for Fox Networks Group, declined to say Monday at a Television Critics Association meeting whether Randy Jackson or Kara DioGuardi would be back for season 10.

Other changes in store for the upcoming season include lowering the audition age eligibility from 16 to 15 years old, and Universal Music Group replacing Sony Music Entertainment as the label that develops, distributes and markets "Idol" finalists. The changes come after an edition which ratings dipped but not enough to knock "Idol" from the No. 1 spot.

The 10th season of "Idol" begins next January.

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