Nigel Lythgoe News

In tonight's episode of American Idol, the top 61 contestants tackled one of the vastest song catalogs in the history of music- The Beatles. And where better to tribute the Fab Four than on the set of Cirque Du Soleil's LOVE in Las Vegas.

Platinum-selling recording artist and AMERICAN IDOL judge Jennifer Lopez will world premiere the music video for her new hit single, 'On The Floor (feat. Pitbull),' during AMERICAN IDOL Thursday, March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

There's good news for Idol this week: for the first time in the show's history, American Idol went up against CBS's megahit Survivor. In fact, while contestants were shakin' it in group numbers last night, the rival reality show's most recent adaptation, Redemption Island had its season premiere; and rating results were mortifying. Fox crushed CBS with more than double the viewers, marking Redemption Island as the lowest rated premiere in Survivor history. That's embarrassing.

In tonight's episode of American Idol, the Hollywood Round continued with perhaps the most dreaded and challenging level of the entire competition. For the first time in this season, mere talent wasn't necessarily enough to earn a spot to the next episode. This time around contestants had to deal with choreography, harmonies, and egos. That's right, tonight contestants had to endure their biggest test yet- group performances. Tonight was this is one of the only times that contestants will be judged based on their performance as a group.

In tonight's episode of Fox's American Idol, the contestants continue the Hollywood Round with the dreaded group auditions. Catch a sneak peek of the episode below!

It's here! It's finally here! No more eccentric old men dressed as pirates. No more delusional teenagers who have convinced themselves that they're not tone deaf. American Idol's Hollywood round has finally begun, and from this point forward performances are legit- for the most part.

Tonight's episode of American Idol marks a turning point in the competition, as judges Randy, JLo and Mr. Tyler made the trek to San Francisco for the final stop in their nation-wide search for America's most promising singers. That's right, starting tomorrow night, Idol will reach it's final destination, where the best auditionees from around the country will duke it out to survive the brutal first cut of the Hollywood round.

Father-son team, Nigel & Simon Lythgoe announced today that they have partnered with CMT to launch a new music competition series designed to find CMT'S NEXT SUPERSTAR. CMT'S NEXT SUPERSTAR is set to premiere in April on CMT.

On tonight's episode of everyone's favorite reality competition, American Idol made a stop in the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles. Boasting a population of over 4.06 million, and culture that thrives on creative industries, surely at least a handful of LA's residents were able to impress the judges, right? Wrong.

On tonight's episode, AMERICAN IDOL auditions hit Los Angeles. Check out pictures from the episode below!

Week three of the revamped American Idol kicked off in Austin tonight, and with this third trip to the Lone Star state marks the midpoint of the initial audition round. That's right, in just two weeks, on February 16, the golden ticket holders will begin the annual Hollywood showdown. Until then, we'll have to stay content with the 7500 auditionees that Texas had to offer tonight.

Auditions Resume Wednesday, February 2, in Salt Lake City; Atlanta to Host Auditions Saturday, February 19; Los Angeles Auditions Move to Saturday, March 12

World-class dancer and choreographer Mary Murphy will return to SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE as one of the series' resident judges.

Week two of American Idol auditions has come to a close, and in tonight's episode Randy, JLo, and Mr. Tyler left Wisconsin and headed for the country music capital of the world- Nashville. In this second trip to Music City in the past ten seasons, the judges set up headquarters at the iconic Ryman Auditorium of Grand Ole Opry fame and were soon met by 17,000 Idol hopefuls. But would any of the 17,000 prove as promising as Nashville native and country music superstar Carrie Underwood? Hmmmm, maybe a few.

Week two of American Idol auditions have officially begun, and with episode three of America's favorite reality series came a trip to the Midwest! In tonight's two hour episode, Randy Jackson and Idol's two still fresh-faced judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler took a trip to Milwaukee to seek out Wisconsin's biggest and brightest stars.

Auditions Resume Wednesday, February 2, in Salt Lake City; Atlanta to Host Auditions Saturday, February 19; Los Angeles Auditions Move to Saturday, March 12

Last night's season ten premiere of American Idol dominated primetime television as only American Idol can. But will 2011 treat the series as well as the last seven years have? Can the show maintain its appeal sans Simon Cowell? Well, if last night's ratings are any indication, yes and no. While Idol ratings surpassed all other major networks combined ( including Idol alum Paula Abdul's Live to Dance), last night's 26.2 million viewers were down 17 percent from last year's almost 30 million. So Idol still achieved outstanding numbers, but they didn't quite hold up to those of past seasons.

It's back! After months of anticipation, Idol fans can finally sit back and enjoy this much anticipated season 10 return of Fox's highly addictive reality competition. With this tenth installment of the series, however, comes more changes than ever to the program that we are all so accustomed. Could such drastic alterations spark a new interest in a show that has been otherwise lack-luster for the past few seasons? I, for one have been very intrigued, but only tomorrow's ratings can say for sure. Have no idea what changes I'm talking about? Been living under a rock for the past six months? Let's review.

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX); 19 Entertainment Ltd., a division of CKX, Inc.; and FremantleMedia North America today announced that Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola and AT&T will return as official sponsors for the 10th season of AMERICAN IDOL.

Television's No. 1 series, AMERICAN IDOL, will move to Wednesdays and Thursdays this season beginning with a two-night premiere event Wednesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).