Nigel Lythgoe to Return to AMERICAN IDOL

As first reported on ETOnline, Nigel Lythgoe will be returning as executive producer of FOX's long-running singing competition AMERICAN IDOL. An official announcement from the network is expected shortly. The successful producer is also behind the show Pop Idol and is the creator, executive producer and a regular judge for So You Think You Can Dance. In 2009, he created the competition Superstars of Dance.

According to the report, drawn-out negotiations between Lythgoe and Idol have now caused production of the show to fall "way behind normal schedule." First up on Lythgoe's agenda will be to "lock in judges."

Along that front, Idol fans can hope to soon learn the fate of rumored possible judges Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, Nick Jonas and Enrique Iglesias. Mariah Carey has recently been confirmed as a judge for the upcoming season. Stay tuned!

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!