Lythgoe Tunes Out Idol, But Not 19 Entertainment

Nigel Lythgoe is stepping away from the American Idol juggernaut, which he has helped exec-produce since its inception, so as to focus on So You Think You Can Dance as well as a brand-new project. But contrary to some online reports, he is not ending his overall relationship with Idol producer 19 Entertainment.

In a statement explaining his decision, Lythgoe says, "Due to the huge success of So You Think You Can Dance, my summer will be taken up by travels to South Africa, Australia and Canada, to work on local versions of the show. [As such] I will step back from my day-to-day producing work on American Idol and will be devoting my time to a new venture with [ Dance cocreator] Simon Fuller."

Fuller, says Lythgoe, "is without doubt a man of vision, and I look forward to partnering with him on new and exciting challenges."

Fuller in turn hails Lythgoe as "the best producer I have ever worked with. We are a great team and have shared phenomenal success. Under our stewardship, 19 [Entertainment] has grown into a formidable force, and we are now looking at developing a number of shows through a new joint venture." - Matt Mitovich