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NIGEL LYTHGOE RETURNS TO "AMERICAN IDOL" AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Nigel Lythgoe will return as an executive producer of AMERICAN IDOL, television's No. 1 series. Lythgoe joins executive producers Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick for the milestone 10th anniversary season of AMERICAN IDOL, premiering January 2011 on FOX.

"Since we launched the original 'Pop Idol' in England, I've remained close with Simon Fuller. Working as executive producer on AMERICAN IDOL for its first seven years not only was an inspirational journey into the heart of American pop culture, it opened my eyes to the untapped potential of the incredibly dynamic young people in this world. I have been able to continue discovering raw talent on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, which I co-created with Simon," said Lythgoe. "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."

"I am so happy to be welcoming Nigel back to the IDOL family. He is, without a doubt, the most accomplished executive producer I have ever worked with. Nigel helped to define the show I created almost 10 years ago, mentoring our judging panel and nurturing our talent. His unbridled passion has been missed," said AMERICAN IDOL creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "This year, with IDOL celebrating our 10th season as the world's biggest and most powerful TV show, I felt it was an important time to collaborate with Nigel once again to help redefine AMERICAN IDOL and take us through to the next incarnation of the show."

Nigel Lythgoe is co-founder of Big Red 2 Entertainment, a company he set up with IDOL creator Simon Fuller and CKX. Lythgoe is also co-creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. His other executive producer credits include seven seasons of AMERICAN IDOL. While serving as the show's executive producer, AMERICAN IDOL was nominated for 47 Emmy Awards, and in 2007, received the prestigious Governors' Award, the Television Academy's highest honor, for IDOL GIVES BACK, which he executive produced.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.