TCA: Nigel Lythgoe’s future on ‘American Idol’ -- ‘We’re in negotiations’

Who the new judges will be on the next season of “American Idol”isn’t the only question facing Fox. The fate of one of the key figures behind the scenes -- executive producer Nigel Lythgoe -- is also up in the air.

Lythgoe is keeping mum.

“I can’t make any comments about my future with ‘Idol’ at the moment,” Lythgoe said during the Television Critics Assn. press tour Monday, where he was doing press for his other Fox show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” “We’re in negotiations,” he added.

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Earlier this month, Tyler and Fox announced he was departing the show after two seasons to focus on Aerosmith, the band he fronts (though, sources say he was pushed out). A few days later, Lopez told “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest she was looking to leave the show to give more attention to her other acting and music projects.

But maybe Lythgoe’s feelings toward those departures signals his hope for a longer presence. “I was really upset to hear ofSteven [Tyler] leaving us and the possibility of Jennifer [Lopez] leaving us. She did say 99% she’s leaving. Strange thing to say. You’re either leaving or not leaving. I hope that 1% means she’s not leaving.”

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