American Idol's Former Executive Producer Talks Judge Chemistry & Show Cancellation!

Given American Idol’s lowest ratings this past season, it’s not quite a surprise that Fox felt the need to implement some serious changes, including firing their executive producers!
But former EP Nigel Lythgoe opened up at the third annual Critic’s Choice Awards Monday evening when asked about the show. He revealed:

“It was embarrassing for everybody.”

Though Nigel wasn’t aware of any potential Idol judges under consideration, he made it a point to explain that judge chemistry is absolutely necessary:

“I believe in getting people together, testing their chemistry which is what I did with Randy, Paula and Simon. After that whoever you bring in is a risk because we’ve saw it happen before. Its one of those things, you don’t know how anybody’s going to be as a judge. You could be the greatest singer in the world that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be a good judge.”

He then added:

“That little team, Randy, Paula and Simon, again are the template for judges forever now.”

As for his emotional state given his firing, Nigel explained:

“Of course, and I’m saddened from that point of view. I suppose both Ken [Warwick] and myself, we created the production that then went worldwide and certainly created the results show, which was never in anybody’s thoughts until we came to America. And it feels like that’s the template for many other reality shows now. So then to be asked to leave, it’s then like, ‘Oh wow.'”

But there’s no ill-will here. Nigel, still a proponent of the reality competition singing show, wants to see it succeed:

“Nobody wants to see that program fail, so if the people that are now in charge as I said in my statement feel as though its going to improve by giving it to somebody else to recharge the batteries if you will, I’m happy. The big thing for me is to keep that platform for the talent. If the ratings keep going down the program is going to be canceled and the platform’s gonna go. And you won’t get the Kelly Clarksons and Carrie Underwoods.”

He’s totally right!
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that!
[Image via FayesVision/WENN.]