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Nigel Lythgoe Talks Up Kinder, Gentler 'American Idol'
by Hilary Rothing, posted Feb 17th 2011 3:30PM
If you think that that warm and fuzzy feeling you get while watching 'American Idol' this season is because of the Snuggie you're wrapped in, well, you're wrong.Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has all intentions of making America's no. 1 TV show the feel-good hit of the season.
In a media conference call this afternoon, Lythgoe explained the shift in the show's vibe, which one can't simply attribute to the departure of Simon Cowell.
"I feel that with the times we are in, the economic crisis we are in, I believe in America now, we need warmth," he said. "The positions we find ourselves in, we are going to get ourselves out of. The true mark of any program-maker is judging the times and society when the program goes out. We need to be warmer and we need to think we have a future."
Lythgoe prefaced the statement by explaining that when 'Idol' first came to the States, it was the honesty of Simon Cowell that viewers responded to. But with Cowell gone -- and irreplaceable in Lythgoe's estimation -- the show needed to take a different direction rather than try to fill his shoes.
But some fans and critics have accused the judges of going to easy on what is the largest pool of contestants the show has seen. Lythgoe defended his two new judging stars, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, and their judging style in the Hollywood round, citing the large talent pool this season.
"This is the most amount we've ever taken to Hollywood, something like 327, and we knew it was going to be really tough. It was just going to be a bloodbath and we didn't want to lose anybody," he said. "The judges this year have been particularly picky and careful about giving everyone a second opportunity because everybody screws up with nerves, and they know because they've done it themselves."
Which begs the question: Were too many people let through to Hollywood to begin with?
"At the end of the day, you have to say, does it help the program that more people are given an opportunity or does it not?" Lythgoe mused. "I truly believe, hand on my heart, that we have the best talent we've ever had, ever. So therefore, whether they're soft or not, at the end of the day they still have to bring it down to present America with the final group of people. If it's giving people the opportunity to get it right along the road, I'm all for it with the results I've seen this year."
Lythgoe also pointed out Randy Jackson's role as "the anchor" for the show. "The role Randy is playing is somewhat overlooked. He is the anchor of the program, whatever happens ... Randy is there and will move the process forward for me. And he's using more words than 'dog'," he said.
A few other tidbits from Nigel:
- Although rumors are swirling about a Top 24, there was no confirmation from Nigel, who said we'll just have to "wait and see."
- Asked if there will be an "inevitable Aerosmith performance" on 'American Idol,' Nigel responded with "I can say nothing, but I think you may have answered your own question." We'll take that as a yes.
- On the Steven Tyler "apology," Nigel chalked it up to British humor
- Is Nigel scared of 'The X Factor?' "No, we complement each other."
- Is the 'Idol' house an attempt to go the 'Big Brother' route? Not at all. Rather it's about seeing another side of the contestants and getting to know their personalities. "The best thing is knowing who you support and why," Nigel said.
- The live shows will be focusing on "pinning things down and saying them articulately," said Nigel, referring back to 'Idol's' nasty reputation for running over time. The judges have not been practicing, but Nigel plans to keep the show on time.
- As far as ratings go, Nigel is pleased with how the numbers have held up in the absence of Paula, and now Simon.
- And finally, look to be blown away by some serious talent on tonight's episode!
'American Idol' airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8PM on Fox.
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