Nigel Lythgoe
Nigel Lythgoe
Full Name and Common Aliases
Nigel Ian Lythgoe is a British television producer, director, and choreographer, best known for co-creating the hit reality TV show American Idol.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 9, 1949, in London, England, Nigel Lythgoe is still active in the entertainment industry today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nigel Lythgoe holds British nationality and has worked as a television producer, director, and choreographer throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a show business family, Lythgoe's father was a talent agent who represented artists such as The Beatles. This exposure to the entertainment industry at a young age likely influenced Nigel's future career choices. He began his professional career as a dancer, performing with notable companies including the London Festival Ballet.
Major Accomplishments
Nigel Lythgoe has had an impressive and varied career in television production. In addition to co-creating American Idol, he was also instrumental in developing other popular shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and Pop Idol (the UK version of American Idol). These programs not only captivated audiences worldwide but also launched the careers of numerous talented performers.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Nigel Lythgoe's most notable works include:
Co-creator and executive producer of American Idol, which debuted in 2002 and went on to become one of the highest-rated television shows in the US.
Creator and executive producer of Pop Idol, the UK version of American Idol that premiered in 2001.
Director and choreographer for numerous stage productions, including musicals and dance performances.Impact and Legacy
Nigel Lythgoe's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. His innovative approach to reality television has influenced an entire generation of producers and creators. The shows he developed have become staples of modern entertainment, providing a platform for talented performers to showcase their skills and gain widespread recognition.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nigel Lythgoe is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Innovative approach to television production
Ability to create hit shows that captivate audiences worldwide
Impact on popular culture, particularly in the realm of reality TV
Quotes by Nigel Lythgoe

That makes entertaining television. That is the circus of American Idol. We go for the very, very best and the very, very worst. It’s the boring people that we don’t want to see on television.

The minute you take away somebody the public’s voting for, you’re screwing with the program. There’s no logic to it.

If you don’t know the right people or have the right connections, you may never be discovered. With ‘Opening Act,’ we are democratizing a notoriously impossible process, pulling back the curtains on a consistently fascinating industry, and affording aspiring artists the chance of a lifetime.

I don’t think rap really fits in to ‘American Idol’ in the sense that I believe rap is an art form in itself more akin to poetry, more akin to drama, if you will.

And what is a stage dad, or a stage mom? It’s someone who’s protective. That’s all.

This is more than a talent show. We're watching dreams come true. Of course, dreams can turn into nightmares, especially when they wind up on national television.

The minute you take away somebody the public's voting for, you're screwing with the program. There's no logic to it.

I don't think rap really fits in to 'American Idol' in the sense that I believe rap is an art form in itself more akin to poetry, more akin to drama, if you will.

