Nigel Lythgoe has returned as executive producer for the next season of FOX’s American Idol. Does that mean we will have a confirmed judging panel soon?
Due to the long negotiations with the So You Think You Can Dance judge, the production of the upcoming season is “way behind normal schedule,” according to E! News source. Lythgoe announced that his first order of business is to “lock in judges.”
Since the departure of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on the show, there has been a major gap to fill on the judging table. Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, Adam Lambert, Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias have all been rumored to join Mariah Carey at the judges table next season.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that the four-member panel wish list for “Idol” execs would be Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, a country singer (Urban is their #1 choice), and a Latin artist (preferably Enrique Iglesias).
There is no word as to what role Randy Jackson will play during the upcoming season.
