Lythgoe, a
prolific producer who also is a judge on the Fox network's "So You Think
You Can Dance," has been named an executive producer of "American
Idol" for its 10th season, starting in January 2011, Fox said on Thursday.
The producer, whose return to the show had been widely rumored for weeks,
helped launch televised singing contest "Pop Idol" in the UK with
long-time friend Simon Fuller. The pair brought the popular format to the United
States with "American Idol," which airs on Fox. Lythgoe left
"American Idol" after seven seasons, and in the past four the show
has seen its viewership slide. "Working as executive producer on 'American
Idol' for its first seven years not only was an inspirational journey into the
heart of American pop culture, it opened my eyes to the untapped potential of
the incredibly dynamic young people in this world," Lythgoe said.