nigel lythgoe

So, 'Idol'-watchers: ready for yet more updates? According to The Los Angeles Times, Nigel Lythgoe has inked a deal to return to the show as executive producer and that music producer Jimmy Iovine has signed on for a "significant" role on the show. It's rumored that Fox will make an announcement later today, so stay tuned.

Although Lythgoe hasn't commented on the deal, it's understood that he'll run the show alongside current executive producer -- and his close friend since childhood -- Ken Warwick, but probably won't return as a judge. Similarly, music industry insider Iovine is also unlikely to be a judge, but instead will be "a mentor of sorts" to the contestants.

Iovine has worked with artists including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Dr. Dre and Eminem over his lengthy career, and his deal with the show comes after 'American Idol' switched record labels from Sony Music to Universal Music Group. Iovine is chairman of UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M label.

Two years after he quit, Nigel Lythgoe may be set to return to 'American Idol,' and word is that he's ready to clean house.

According to 'The Hollywood Reporter,' "Nasty Nigel" is close to signing a deal with Fox to be named executive producer. It's reportedly part of the network's "master plan to reboot the show" following declining ratings and mega-judge Simon Cowell's recent departure. And the seats at judges' table are, it would seem, ALL up for grabs under a new regime.

Execs have been scrambling to fill Cowell's chair with a high-profile music industry insider, and the many names so far linked with the spot have included Sean Combs, Quincy Jones, Bret Michaels and Harry Connick, Jr.

The previous front runner was thought to be singer Chris Isaak, but it's now rumored that at the top of 'American Idol' chief Simon Fuller's wishlist are Elton John and Justin Timberlake. And that although Fuller's been after Elton John for some time -- so far unsuccessfully -- Lythgoe could be the one to sign him, or even him and Timberlake.

But what happens to the current judges? Lythgoe told a reporter in April that if he was in charge at 'American Idol' he'd replace all of them, and he also criticized the decision to up the number of judges from three to four, saying it was "distracting" for the viewers. He's on record as saying that his choice as judges would be: Elton John (him again), Paula Abdul and Usher.