Nigel Lythgoe leaving 'American Idol'

Front Page: Executive producer to focus on joint venture -- "American Idol" exec producer Nigel Lythgoe is giving up his duties on the hit Fox competish to focus on a new joint venture with 19 Entertainment's Simon Fuller. Lythgoe announced his decision to step down from his "Idol" perch Monday, confirming speculation (first reported last month by TV Week) that he'd been looking to focus his energies elsewhere. Besides the new venture with Fuller - which is still in the negotiation stage - Lythgoe has been focused on his other show with 19, Fox's summer hit "So You Think You Can Dance." Lythgoe co-created "Dance" with Fuller and also serves as a judge on the show. The producer said he's also focused on creating local versions of "Dance" in South Africa, Australia and Canada. It's unclear what Lythgoe's title on "Idol" - if any - will be going forward. While not a regular on the show, Lythgoe is frequently seen on the show consulting with the "Idol" judges and host Ryan Seacrest; the "Idol" cameras ... (link)