Nigel Lythgoe — The King Returns to ‘American Idol’

TMZ has learned Nigel Lythgoe will return to “American Idol” next season as the executive producer … marking one of the biggest TV “I told you so!” moments in decades.

Read more at TMZ

Ellen’s Departure Doesn’t Surprise ‘American Idol’ Experts

Ellen DeGeneres was the first to admit that her first, and as it turns out, last, season on “American Idol” was not smooth sailing. In the statement announcing her departure from the show, the daytime talk queen and veteran comedienne copped to feeling uncomfortable criticizing young singers. “It was a difficult decision to make,” DeGeneres said, “but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings.”

MTV News reached out to its panel of “Idol” experts for reaction on Friday (July 30), and each member said they were not shocked that DeGeneres pulled the ripcord on her three-year contract.

Read more at MTV

More Headlines after the JUMP…

J.Lo Hinted She Would Take ‘Idol’ Job If Offered

What a day for “American Idol” news! Ellen DeGeneres is leaving, Kara DioGuardi has reportedly been axed, and now Jennifer Lopez’s deal as an “American Idol” judge replacement is reportedly imminent.

“Extra” got a clue that Lopez was interested when Reporter AJ Calloway hypothesized to Lopez, “What if ‘Idol’ offered you $45 million to come onboard as a judge, what would you do?” To which the superstar replied, “Well, that’s hard to say no to,” she laughed, adding, “I’m not greedy, I’m not greedy, I’m not greedy!”

Read more at Extra Tv

SomethingPitchy Backstage With the Idols: Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox (VIDEO)

We weren’t exactly the biggest Lee DeWyze fans during this past season of ‘American Idol,’ but we’ll admit that after we interviewed him last week, we’re ready to call him our new BFF.

As you’ll see after the jump, the interview turned out to be, as Lee might put it, amazing. (Though, as he told us, he’s ready to pick a new favorite word.)

Then, stick around for SP’s favorite girl Crystal Bowersox, who told Gaby about her son’s cute mispronunciations, her budding romance with TV host Jimmy Kimmel (not!) and her thoughts on the new Janis Joplin biopic. (How was she not cast, Hollywood?!)

Something Pitchy

‘American Idol’: Jennifer Lopez can be a great judge — if she avoids Ellen DeGeneres’ mistakes

That said, I’m genuinely optimistic about the widely reported rumor (still not officially confirmed by Fox brass) that Jennifer Lopez has snagged a permanent seat in this high-stakes game of musical judges. If I’m going to carry the “renovation” theme into this paragraph — and you know that I am, of course — then J.Lo is like that slab of luxurious marble that you can only hope will be a perfect fit for your countertop. Nope, I’m not being facetious. Lest we forget, the “Jenny from the Block” singer was a warm and funny presence when she mentored the season 6 Idol contestants on Latin Night. Remember how she called Blake Lewis into the room to do a little beatboxing and help hopeless Haley Scarnato capture the rhythm of “Turn the Beat Around”? Or the way she pushed Melinda Doolittle to try to connect with her inner sex kitten on “Sway”? So what if J.Lo’s not the world’s greatest warbler? What she brought to her mentorship was a genuine interest in the contestants and a genuine ease in front of the cameras.

Read more at Entertainment Weekly

Miranda’s Just Like You – Only Prettier!

Hot on the heels of her four-week No. 1 single “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert is ready to release follow-up single “Only Prettier,” from her ACM Album of the Year, Revolution.

For the song’s video, Miranda asked a few of her “prettier” girlfriends, including Kellie Pickler, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum and Laura Bell Bundy, to join her. Lambert and friends portray two rival cliques attending a 1950′s high school sock hop. It’s planned to officially dance its way onto video outlets everywhere on August 5th.

Read more at AngryCountry.com

‘Idol’ contestant Paige Miles on the show’s changes

Paige Miles understands how difficult it was for Ellen DeGeneres to dole out criticism to “American Idol” contestants.

“I know it was hard for her to be hard on us because she knows what it’s like to be on the other side, to be booed and to be cheered on to an encore,” said Miles, who finished 11th last season on “Idol.”

Read more at CNN.com

Celebrities React To Ellen DeGeneres’ ‘American Idol’ Exit

Other celebrities have also joined the conversation, voicing reactions and well wishes. “Idol” season six third-place finisher Melinda Doolittle was shocked by the news. “I feel like I was tweeting this exact thing around this time last year,” she tweeted. “DUDE! Ellen?!?! DUDE!!!!!”

Last season’s champ, Lee DeWyze, also took to Twitter to offer a few words on how DeGeneres’ departure may affect the show. “The show will be fine,” he tweeted in reply to a fan.

Read more at MTV

Associated Press interview with Clay Aiken – He talks about his tour with Ruben Studdard

Sign seen at Adam Lambert’s concert tonight in San Diego

Is Adam the subject of an E True Hollywood Story? And isn’t it a bit soon?

UPDATE: Reporter from CBS8 confirms the E! crew: “We’ve been informed that E! is shooting an all exclusive piece following #adamlambert throughout tonight’s show in San Diego. @cbs8 at 11pm…We snagged Tommy and Monte. Told that Adam wasn’t available due to E! having exclusive rights tonight for filming.”