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Nigel Lythgoe Is Sad After American Idol Firing, but Is Moving On

American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe apparently was a few days behind getting the news that he had lost his job — but is taking it in stride.

Nicholas White

American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe apparently was a few days behind getting the news that he had lost his job — but is taking it in stride.

"Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday [sic]. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad!" Lythgoe tweeted Saturday — four days after news surfaced he wouldn't be back for the show's Season 13.

"It's not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 Seasons," he explained.

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Lythgoe, a judge for all 10 seasons on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, says he still has a good relationship with his longtime employer.

"Don't worry. I'm on #SYTYCD. Fox still loves me," Lythgoe, 63, wrote. "Monday we choose our top 20. I'll smile again."