Nigel Lythgoe scrambles to prepare for ‘Idol Gives Back’

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In a conference call with the media today, “American Idol” mastermind Nigel Lythgoe was ecstatic, if a bit frazzled, about the rapidly approaching “Idol Gives Back” television extravaganza.

Just a week before the program is scheduled to air, “Idol” producers are still in the editing room, cutting together tape of various stars doing their part to help some of the world’s most impoverished areas. “We haven’t gotten Bono’s pieces yet,” said Lythgoe, after rattling off an impressive list of tear-jerking footage he has already received. Producing this special, it seems, will really come down to the wire.

So why do it during “Idol” season, inquired one reporter. Why not wait until things slow down to produce a program of such vast scope? Lythgoe’s answer was simple. The middle of “Idol” season would give ‘Idol Gives Back’ the largest possible audience. “That’s when people are watching. That’s when people care.”

But despite the fact that the show comes during “Idol” season, Lythgoe insisted on not cheapening “Idol Gives Back” by eliminating an “Idol” hopeful that night. He wants viewers to tune in for “Idol Gives Back,” and for no other reason. “Carrots are just misleading the audience and stink,” Lythgoe explained in his characteristically frank manner.

So, with such a rich cast of characters joining the event this year, whose appearance is Lythgoe looking forward to most? Despite slated appearances by many of America’s favorite funnymen (Dane Cook, Adam Sandler, Billy Crystal, and Jim Carrey) it’s Robin Williams’ performance that left Lythgoe most tickled. He giggled just thinking about it, but wouldn’t tell us much more. It’s a surprise!

And although Lythgoe was excited just thinking about Williams’ upcoming performance, one question that left him less than delighted was whether or not he was worried that after donating so much last year, viewers would be tired of giving. “I believe you either give or you don’t give,” Lythgoe explained, adding that people will continue to donate so long as, “we have done our job right in saying look … the smallest amount of money makes a difference.” As he went on, Lythgoe became incensed at the idea of givers’ fatigue, shouting, “No! I’m bloody well not worried about that!”

-- Stephanie Lysaght