'American Idol' show runner steps down

In recent months, Fox executives announced that they intend to make some creative changes to the format of "American Idol" in its eighth season next year to freshen up the show.

But they weren't counting on a change in show runners. As first reported on TMZ, executive producer and show runner Nigel Lythgoe is stepping down from the Fox juggernaut to pursue a new show and continue with "So You Think You Can Dance," which he also runs.

In a statement issued Monday by Lythgoe and 19 Entertainment, the British producer said that he was "stepping back from day-to-day producing work on 'American Idol'" because he is going to devote all of his time to a new venture with Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment and to working on local versions of "Dance" in Australia, South Africa, and Canada." Fuller and Lythgoe created "So You Think You Can Dance."

Lythgoe denied a request for an interview, as did Fox executives. The network also issued a statement Monday: "[Nigel] is an extraordinarily talented producer whose creative contributions to the No. 1 show on television has been immeasurable. While we are disappointed that he will no longer be executive producing 'American Idol,' we are pleased to continue working with him on 'So You Think You Can Dance.'"

In May, Fox Chairman Peter Liguori said during a news conference that producers and the network were excited about revamping the show next year. Last month, during the TV industry's press tour, President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly said he could not disclose details of the changes. One thing that seems certain is that the Wednesday results show will go back to a half-hour format.

Fox executives said they do not know who will run "Idol" next year. But it's likely that Ken Warwick, who has worked closely with Lythgoe since the show launched, will take over.

-- Maria Elena Fernandez

(Photo: Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)