Nigel Lythgoe May Return To ‘Idol’

“So You Think You Can Dance” judge Nigel Lythgoe is in talks to come back to “American Idol” next season in the producing role he left two years ago. Fox declined comment on Lythgoe’s possible return or whether his judging role on “So You Think You Can Dance” would be affected. Lythgoe is also co-creator and an executive producer of “SYTYCD.” Meanwhile, Justin Timberlake joins Elton John, Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr. on the list of possible and rumored replacements for Simon Cowell on “Idol.” The new judge would join current judges Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi – unless Lythgoe has his way. He said he would replace all four judges to refocus the show on the performers. Lythgoe also noted that he would select three judges rather than four, and that he would choose Paula Abdul, Elton John and Usher as the show’s ideal judges.