Lythgoe Leaving 'American Idol'

(FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) — Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed rumors that he is stepping down as executive producer of American Idol, the most popular show on television. ''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,'' Lythgoe said via a statement. ''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 Simon Fuller.'' Idol production company 19 Entertainment denied rumors that Lythgoe was also stepping down as president of that company. (Hollywood Reporter)