Ryan Seacrest Could Have Been a Judge on American Idol

By On 02/11/2009 · 5 Comments · In Uncategorized

Nigel Lythgoe was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on his KISS radio show in LA this morning.

From the Learn Something New Every Day department:

Ryan initially auditioned for American Idol, in front of Nigel…to be one of the judges!

But, when Nigel discovered Ryan had some impressive hosting skills, he was hired to work as host alongside Brian Dunkleman, who was hired first.

Nigel says he loves the new Idol tweaks.   Nigel, who has his So You Think You Can Dance contestants “dance for their lives” in front of the judges, must be flattered that Ken Warwick “borrowed” the idea for tonight’s chair episode.

Nigel, who is in town for the LA auditions for the 5th season of SYTYCD, also weighs in on the Rihanna/Chris Brown situation. They’re both going to need a lot of help, he concludes.

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  • mac

    I heard that interview this morning on the way to work. Ryan said that he had to decide and sign all the paperwork the day he auditioned. Talk about a twist of fate. Glad we got Ryan as the host!

  • RemusL

    Actually, Rock Star INXS also used the head-to-head sing for your lives in front of the judges concept.

    Fame Academy (an early competitor to Pop Idol in the UK in 2002 and 2003) also did this on elimination day, so the idea certainly didn’t originate with Nigel Lythgoe.

  • ilovetohateai

    while i am sorta glad that ryan is the host, i’d like to imagine AI without paula….

  • Jabkmc

    Oh my gosh, MJ! I can’t believe that I already knew something you didn’t about AI. haha! I have yet to actually watch AI. I found Archie in a roundabout way and have only seen things on YouTube, etc.. And I’m not watching this season either. Sorry.

    However, a few weeks ago I was up late at night with insomnia and was watching Rachel Ray’s “Inside Dish” program on the Food Network. She was visiting with Ryan at his sushi restaurant he owns. They talked about this very thing!

    I checked and it originally aired on Dec. 26th. It was the first show of Season 2 of Inside Dish. I was trying to see if it is scheduled to re-air anytime soon, but I’m having trouble with the FN site.

  • KrazeeK120

    lovetohate….I’d like to picture it without Yo Dawg, er, Randy. :)

    Earth to Nigel…they stole your idea to create fake drama. Don’t be so flattered.