Nigel Lythgoe Leaving American Idol

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Nigel Lythgoe, known best for his judging on So You Think You Can Dance, is one of the original top producers on American Idol as well. But he's leaving the show as it goes into its eighth season.

Nigel says, ''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.'' And that venture is all about So You Think You Can Dance. The show's success has prompted Nigel to bring it to other countries, like they did with Idol.

''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.

Sounds like Nigel's getting out just in time, since last season's ratings on AI were the lowest they've ever been. It may be time for Idol to throw in the towel!