Nigel Lythgoe
Mary Murphy was named a permanent judge of “So You Think You Can Dance” for Season Three, but only one person has been a permanent judge since Day One – Nigel Lythgoe. It only stands to reason as he and Simon Fuller created the show. The duo is also credited with created another monstrously successful reality show – “American Idol.” For his efforts as a producer, Nigel has been nominated for four Emmys and three PGA Golden Laurel Awards.
Lythgoe started his career as a professional dancer and choreographer. He was a choreographer with the BBS dance troupe Young Generation in the late Sixties. He has choreographed for over 500 television shows including “The Muppet Show.” Lythgoe produced shows such as “Gladiators” and “Blind Date” for London Weekend Television where he was the Head of Entertainment. He was the judge and executive producer of “Popstars” in the United Kingdom. He served as host of the British version of “American Idol” – “Pop Idol.” He proved to be as tough a judge as Simon is, being dubbed “Nasty Nigel.” He produced the British version of “Survivor” with Planet 24 before joining 19 Television.
Today, Lythgoe is the president of 19 Television, which produces “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” in America and “Pop Idol” in the United Kingdom. It has managed or is managing many previous “American Idol” and “Pop Idol” contestants including Taylor Hicks, Kelly Clarkson, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Will Young, and Gareth Gates. 19 Television, named after a Paul Hardcastle dance hit from the 80s, had also managed Annie Lennox, Spice Girls, and S Club 7.
What is next on Lythgoe’s agenda? He’s involved in another Fox show in development that follows the “American Idol”/”So You Think You Can Dance” formula – “The Search for the Next American Band.” Created by Simon Fuller, it will be produced by Lythgoe as well as Ken Warwick, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, FremantleMedia North American, and 19 Television. This time, the competition will feature auditions for bands of all genres and ages. The top ten will make it to the semifinals. You will get to see live performances and of course, viewers get to vote on who moves on. The finale will feature three bands going head to head in the competition for the final prize – a recording contract. Just as with the similar shows, bands will be challenged to perform different styles of music. There is no official airdate for the show yet, but rumors are it will air sometime this fall.
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