American Idol Executive Producer, Nigel Lythgoe speaks! He chatted with Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS FM radio show this morning, finally commenting on the departures of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez from the judges’ panel.
“I’m really upset. I spoke to Jennifer last Friday. She called me just after she spoke to you and I have to respect both Jennifer and Steven’s decisions. They’ve got a much bigger career than just sitting judging ‘Idol.’ They’re both very talented people and you have to respect their decision to carry on and do what they were doing before ‘Idol.’ It breaks my heart, because I love them both dearly.”
Nigel believes that the judges panel may turn into a “one year tour” sort of thing in order to accommodate big stars on the panel. He thinks “It’s great to hear lots of people’s opinions.
“At the end of the day it’s chemistry,” says Nigel of choosing the judges’ panel. “It’s not easy.”
“At the moment while we’re in the spotlight of the press it’s not really helping negotiations with anybody,” he adds, “I’m sure nobody’s name will be mentioned at this time while we’re getting it together.”
Nigel went on to discuss his new E! show, “Opening Act” which airs on Mondays at 10 pm.
