Lythgoe Says American Idol More Diverse Without Simon Cowell

While JLo may have had her “Randy who?” moment. It’s American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe’s turn with “Simon who?”

Lythgoe told US that not only has Simon’s exit allowed for a more diverse crowd of American Idol hopefuls, but the emotional level of the show has been raised. Yikes. That’s pretty rough on ol’ Simon.

“We’ve had some incredible country voices — in truth, Simon would have gotten rid of them straight-away because he wasn’t a country fan,” Lythgoe told Us. “This season we have a 16-year-old kid with an incredible voice and a jazz kid who does this fabulous scat-singing. Again, we wouldn’t have had him on the show because Simon would have said, ‘He’s not an American Idol! Get rid of him!’ … What you are definitely going to get this season is an American voice and American music.”

With Cowell gone, “The energy in the audition rooms is totally different,” Lythgoe told Us. “You aren’t tired at the end of the day, even though we are seeing twice as many kids as we did in the past. We are enjoying it; we are laughing.”

Nigel goes on with more details on how each judge is handling their roles. He cites Steven Tyler for his kind way of letting down singers, Lopez is giving strong direction, but it’s Randy who’s really stepping up his game from past seasons. Maybe Jennifer will have a little competition for the lead after all.

Do you think American Idol can pull through without Simon Cowell?

Source: MSNBC

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Nigel Lythgoe Predicts Jennifer Lopez Will Rule Judges Panel

Jennifer Lopez continues to be the best investment American Idol has made for its tenth season which premieres in January 2011. Now Idol’s executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is making the practically obvious prediction that Lopez will be taking charge of the now Simon-less judges panel.

“Randy, of course, has changed his persona. Randy knows what he’s doing, so he’s there,” the 61-year-old producer told us. “Jennifer gets stronger and stronger and she’ll take over. There’s no question in my mind.”

Nigel said between Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and J. Lo, it’s the 41-year-old girl who’s going to be leading the pack.

“No question in my mind. She will take over,” he said, adding, “And Steven is very smart, very quick witted. So, I really like them all. They all bring something — and they don’t all agree with each other.”

Would you have expected either Steven or Randy to take over instead? Randy is obviously the heir to the throne, but considering Lopez historically demanding attitude I think this was inevitable. Are you ready for Queen Jennifer?

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Lythgoe praises ‘American Idol’ chemistry

Nigel Lythgoe has reportedly praised the chemistry between American Idol judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

The trio have been filming the audition stage of the Fox competition this summer, following the announcement that Lopez and Tyler had been signed as judges.

Speaking to TV Guide, executive producer Lythgoe said: “I love three [judges] first off, and I think the chemistry is great in comparison to where it went [in the last few seasons].

“Randy’s come out of the shadows, I’m really happy with Randy. Randy is Simon Cowell now. Stephen is a lot of fun. And Jennifer just cares. She is like Paula [Abdul] with the caring but she’s a little tougher.”

Lopez recently spoke out about her experience as a judge so far, saying that she was having a great time and laughing off rumors of feuding behind the scenes. However, she also admitted that she found it hard at times to say no to certain contestants.

American Idol returns to Fox in January 2011.

Source: Digital Spy

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Nigel Lythgoe says Jennifer Lopez will be a ‘tougher’ Paula Abdul

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 29: TV producer Nigel Lythgoe arrives at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 29, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nigel Lythgoe

Jennifer Lopez will “take over” the panel, Nigel Lythgoe claims to Hollywood Life.

“No question in my mind. She will take over,” he said, adding, “And Steven is very smart, very quick witted. So, I really like them all. They all bring something — and they don’t all agree with each other.

Then he offers a slightly different take to TV Guide:

“Randy is Simon Cowell now. Stephen is a lot of fun. And Jennifer just cares. She is like Paula with the caring but she’s a little tougher.”

He also said the past two years, “Idol” had lost its mojo. Self serving? Of course! He wasn’t there!

“It’s a whole different atmosphere now,” he told TV Guide Magazine at the 7th Annual Gala benefiting the Alfred E. Mann …

Read further at: Nigel Lythgoe says Jennifer Lopez will be a ‘tougher’ Paula Abdul

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