The American Idol exodus continues. After all four judges revealed that they were leaving the show in May, now executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is also on his way out.

Nigel Lythgoe: I Got Fired From ‘American Idol’

The 67-year-old England native confirmed that he had been sacked on his Twitter: “Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad!”

Nigel was the original producer of the massive hit show that started way back in 2002. He has produced all 12 seasons except for season eight and nine, when he took a hiatus from Idol to focus on his other creation, So You Think You Can Dance.

Like Idol, SYTYCD is also on FOX, but Nigel assured his Twitter followers that he hadn’t been canned from that position. “Yes, don’t worry I’m on #SYTYCD. FOX still loves me,” he tweeted, “It’s not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 seasons.”

Nigel added that he’s still excited about his dance competition show, which is starting to narrow down its contestants this season: “Monday we choose our top 20. I’ll smile again.”

Nigel Lythgoe Leaving ‘American Idol’: FOX Releases Statement

FOX later confirmed Nigel’s exit, along with fellow executive producer Kevin Warwick in a statement:

The passion and dedication that Nigel Lythgoe and Kevin Warwick brought to American Idol guided the show to become a true cultural phenomenon. While we are saddened they will no longer be executive producers on the show, we are grateful for their tremendous contributions and look forward to continuing to work with them on additional projects.

Nigel had been facing criticism that he was responsible for the show’s stale theme nights, and that he was the reason for Idol slipping against hipper, more lively singing competition shows like The Voice.

‘American Idol’s’ New Direction

American Idol’s new direction actually might be to go back to the old ways. Former Idol host Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Seacrest had a private meeting on Friday, June 7, according to Radar Online. J Lo has reportedly been in discussions to return to the show after leaving after season 11. Jennifer Hudson has also been heavily rumored to be joining the show as a judge.

There’s no doubt that Nigel is a huge part of American Idol and that he helped change reality TV forever, but we’re also excited to see Idol in its new incarnation. What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Let us know!

WATCH: ‘Idol’ Finale Mariah Carey Disses J. Lo & Candice Glover Wins

– Andrew Gruttadaro

More ‘American Idol’ News:

1. Mariah Carey Leaving ‘American Idol’ — Confirmed
2. Adam Lambert: Judging ‘American Idol’ Would Be ‘Such A Reward’
3. Nicki Minaj Leaving ‘American Idol’

Jermaine Jones was kicked off of American Idol for concealing his previous arrests, and on the March 14 episode cameras caught his shocking dismissal!

Jermaine, 25, sat with two executive producers — including Nigel Lythgoe – who explained why they couldn’t have him on the show anymore.

“The fact is we are not allowed to have anybody that has an outstanding warrant on the program — and you have four of them against you,” one of the producers said.

Jermaine explained why he hid the allegations, saying he didn’t want his history to impact his opportunities on the show.

“I just was scared and nervous,” he said. “I didn’t want to get judged. I didn’t want to get penalized for anything that happened in the past.”

Do YOU think Jermaine was kicked off the show in order to boost ratings, HollywoodLifers?

– William Earl

More ‘American Idol’:

1. Jermaine Jones Getting Kicked Off ‘American Idol’ For Hiding Previous Arrests
2. Heejun Han: ‘American Idol’ Made ‘The American Dream’ Come True For My Family
3. Demi Lovato Will Sing A Romantic Song On ‘American Idol’

Jermaine Jones was booted from American Idol because of not fully admitting his previous arrests, but sources close to production are telling HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that not only were his arrests common knowledge, but the move was a power play to boost ratings for the struggling season!

Jermaine, 25, annoyed Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe with his lies and was made an example of, sources say

“Nigel was aware of the troubles Jermaine had before the announcement of him being kicked off the show,” the source said. “They didn’t know about everything but they knew about a lot. They are actually more upset that he lied about his father being a deadbeat dad. They wanted to make him an example to the other Idols that you can’t play games, and have to play by the rules set forth by Nigel. You really have to be in Nigel’s ‘favorite’ club.”

Furthermore, Nigel, 62, thought this was a unique opportunity to shock fans and create a season-defining moment.

“Some people on set are also upset that they are using this as a ratings grab because this season hasn’t had a breakout moment,” the source also said. “The other Idols and staffers were extremely surprised with how this all turned out since Jermaine was very nice on set. I was told this is all Nigel’s call: he runs the show very tight and doesn’t allow much to happen organically. It’s his decision on everything that makes it to TV.”

Do YOU think Jermaine was kicked off the show in order to boost ratings, HollywoodLifers?

– Reporting By Russ Weakland, Written By William Earl

More ‘American Idol’:

1. Jermaine Jones Getting Kicked Off ‘American Idol’ For Hiding Previous Arrests
2. Heejun Han: ‘American Idol’ Made ‘The American Dream’ Come True For My Family
3. Demi Lovato Will Sing A Romantic Song On ‘American Idol’

It sounds like Nigel Lythgoe wants American Idol viewers to stay focused on his reality singing competition and not that other one on NBC.

We just learned that Nigel is mandating judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler to not use the term “The Voice” under any circumstances — and we can understand why.

The Voice is averaging 19.4 million viewers, while its Fox predecessor is averaging 18 million viewers.

Regardless, Nigel’s mandate seems to be in full effect; just last night on AI‘s March 7th episode, judge Steven Tyler referred to contestant Jessica Sanchez as “the one” among the Top 13 remaining hopefuls.

More ‘American Idol’ News:

1. Jessica Sanchez Says She Felt Whitney Houston’s Presence On ‘American Idol’
2. Tommy Hilfiger Will Rock ‘American Idol’ Contestants’ Style As New Image Advisor
3. Russ Says: American Idol’s Elise Testone Deserves One More Chance To Shine

Even a soccer game the following day didn’t stop David Beckham from coming out and hanging with Prince William and Kate Middleton during their first cocktail reception in Los Angeles July 8. HollywoodLife.com spoke with guests of the A-list fete, who gave us all the inside details!

First things first, let’s discuss the Duchess’s outfit. The 29-year-old princess wore a ‘Maja’ Green silk dress by American designer Diane Von Furstenberg and carried a bag that was also DVF.

“Kate looked stunning in her short green dress with long sleeves and tan shoes,” guest Laura Jenkins told HollywoodLife.com. “I told her that her wedding was magnificent and Kate said, ‘I was so nervous at my wedding. So was my dad. It feels like the wedding was forever ago.’ She also showed me her wedding ring, the one Princess Diana once wore. Both William and Kate were genuine, super nice, respectful and really in love with each other. England has a great royal future. Prince Williams is carrying on his mother’s legacy. She would be so proud of him.”

Award winning British film director, Michael Apted who directed The Chronicles of Narnia told HollywoodLife.com, “David Beckham was really a hit at the party. Everyone wanted to be around him and he just had an energy about him that was electric. David and Prince Charles spent quite a bit of time chatting. Actor Stephen Fry was also there and so was Nigel Lythgoe. The party lasted two hours, from 6:30-8:80. Kate and Prince Williams circulated the room. It was a very relaxed, low-key atmosphere. There was no stiffness at all.”

Kamilla Blanche told HollywoodLife.com, “I am from England, so it’s ironic that I got to meet the Royal Couple here in Los Angeles and not in London. I asked Kate what she thought of Los Angeles and she said, ‘I love the architecture of Los Angeles. I am really surprised that L.A. has so many different styles of architecture.’ I call them the Golden Couple because they are so beautiful and healthy. They were both glowing!”

Kamilla says, “They served appetizers and cocktails. They had mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef, which is a traditional English dish to serve on Sundays. They also had a table with lots of fresh fruit and cheese.”

“Kate said her favorite part of her Canadian tour was going to the Calgary Stampede,” added Kamilla. “Kate said, ‘I only wish I had more time to spend in Calgary and at the Stampede.’ “

“After the party Kate and Prince Williams went upstairs to their chambers in the seven bedroom mansion and David Beckham went with them,” guest Peter Stern tells HollywoodLife.com. “You can tell Prince Williams and David Beckham are close friends. David said Victoria wasn’t there because she is about to give birth at any moment. She may even give birth while the Royal Couple are in town. In that case maybe they would even visit her.”

What do YOU think of Kate and William’s first day in America? Sound off below!

Sandra Clark and Russ Weakland

We’re about to lose some of the funniest moments on ‘American Idol’ now that they’ve dropped the top 24 from the line up! Are you outraged?

This is crazy! Some major changes are about to take place on American Idol, and I don’t like it one bit! First, they lose Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell as the judges, and now the hit show has dropped the top 24 contestants round and will cut directly to the final 12! Are the producers trying to lose their fans as well?

“I didn’t think [the top 24] were very good,” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe tells TV Guide. “I was bored with them by the time they got there.”

Has Nigel completely forgotten the entertainment factor of the show? One of the main reasons fans tune in is to see people go on the show and make fools of themselves.

Nigel seems to think he will spark interest by implementing a set of new challenges for the competitors, like filming the best music video, working on self promotion and collaborating with a band and dancers to come up with an awards show styled performance. BORING!

We also still don’t know if new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be able to fill Paula and Simon’s shoes. “They both listen intently, and don’t make glib remarks,” Nigel says. “They give honest critiques.” YAWN!

Sure, Nigel suggests Randy Jackson has even stepped up his role a notch, but honestly how exciting can this man be? “Randy is pulling his weight,” Nigel explains. “He really has stepped up. He’s essentially come out of himself. He’s enjoying being in that position.”

Whatever! It sounds like this upcoming season is going to be a total snooze fest. But hey, at least now I can forget about popping an Ambien to help me go to sleep — all I’m going to have to do is turn on Idol.

BFFs, what do you think of the all-new American Idol? Are these changes going to be for the better or has Idol totally lost its appeal? Vote below!

- Lindsey DiMattina

Forget what you’ve heard! Randy isn’t going to be the one calling the shots on the judges’ panel — Nigel Lythgoe tells HollywoodLife.com that honor is reserved for pop star Jennifer Lopez!

We knew it! Randy “Dawg” Jackson isn’t becoming the harshest critic on American Idol over night — instead, Jennifer Lopez will be taking command of the 10th season of American Idol. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe spoke to HollywoodlLife.com exclusively at the 7th Annual Alfred E. Mann Foundation Gala Oct.10 in Santa Monica and gave us all the juicy details.

“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.”

Ooh — that sounds dramatic! Does that mean the claws come out on the judges’ panel this season?

“No I don’t think there will be,“ Nigel said. “There’s too much respect between them.”

We can’t wait to see the chemistry between this new panel in January! Do YOU think American Idol will still be the best show on TV?

Russ Weakland & Reporting By Sarah Rose Attman

Getty Images

We told you J.Lo was most likely out of the running as a judge on the next season of AI, and now it seems Steven Tyler might be out too!

And another one bites the dust! Just when you thought you knew your American Idol judging panel for season 10, think again! We thought Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler was locked in for January 2011 along with Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, but now it seems everything is falling apart! Steven, who told reporters in Las Vegas Jul. 31 that he was going to be a judge on the popular reality competition show, revealed to TMZ Aug. 13 that he might be singing a different tune.

“I don’t know is that the rumor you heard?” he replied when asked if he would be appearing on American Idol. “You know … I don’t know … they haven’t called me yet. They’ve got to lay out the bread for me baby!”

American Idol’s Executive Producer, Nigel Lythgoe, must be scrambling! First came reports J.Lo was being replaced by Mariah Carey for being too much of a diva and now this!

We suggest American Idol just go out while they’re on top and end the series all together — do you agree?

—Chloe Melas