Nigel Lythgoe's 'American Idol' exit: Good for the show?

Vicki Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 08:26 PM EST

FIne by me that Nigel is going. Simon is the heart of the show. He is fantastic. A little cocky, but he is honest and when he is wrong he admits it. Paula gets on my nerves, too sugary. Watupdawg has become the male Paula... I think Ryan is a fantastic host. Keep he and Simon and boot the rest. Don't agree about the homo bantering. besides who cares. Yes, focus on raw talent regardless of gender.

Nick Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 07:40 PM EST

Finally. I think this will make the show a lot better.

Tink53Fan Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 02:11 PM EST

Paula doesn't add value to the show. She needs to be honest about the performance, rather than talk about the outfit. Randy has been so off the past few seasons. He is so into himself. Simon is the true judge. He is honest which is how it will be in the real world. This isn't a show about boosting someone's confidence, but finding a true singer. Theme nights need to go. Each contestant should be able to pick any song they want to sing. The song selection needs to be 90's and forward. Ryan definitely adds value to the show. He is a great host. The auditions need to go! 90% of those people shouldn't even make it to the judges. I have a very talented friend who tried out and didn't make it to them, while all those bad auditions did. We need quality singers like Kelly, Carrie, Jordan. Don't accept anything less! I don't feel that they should be cut evenly based on male/female, but that the lowest should go. Who cares if it isn't equal?

Tracy Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

No more making fun of the magic rainbow what a wonderful story about the writer of time of my life. www.regiehamm.com

JJ Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 02:10 AM EST

I think Nigel leaving is much more a good thing than bad. Perhaps finally the show will get some much needed new life to it. That spark its been missing the last few seasons. Perhaps the contestants will get to break out at least one original too. And theme weeks and musical guests will be more current and not from our grandparents and parents days. Something more from now and our siblings days. :P

Jiggly Thighs Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 11:45 PM EST

It would be foolish to release the voting numbers because it would indicate the favorite and we would get a sense of who the winner is. Sheesh. The biggest turn off for me was the bad auditions. The ratings were there to see the good auditions, why did they need to ruin in with the bad ones? Idol does need an overhaul. Hope the new team will get revitalized and give us something good.

Big Mama Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 11:37 PM EST

It's possible Nigel was forced out (encouraged to "retire") because of the numerous complaints we all have about AI. Get back that rawness and edge that Season 2 had.

Paul Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

I'm happy. I think Ken Warwick, assuming he stays on, will do a fine job without Nigel.
Also, I think that we won't have to worry about the sabotage that Nigel loved so much ("Hit Me Up" for Syesha?! WTF?!)--

joanie Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

oops, I mean pseudo

joanie Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

Angelia, is THAT what Seacrest and Cowell are trying to do? Thay aren't very good at it, obviously.What a stupid way to stir psuedo-scandal. I think Seacrest needs to go, seriously! He gags me. And I liked the remarks of Simon much better before I realized he was not being honest so much as trying to sway voters into a contrary position. Yuck, who does his hair? Who dresses him? He looks like a eurogigolo. eeuuww...and don't get me started about Paula.....ooh, I just threw up a little in my mouth...

duranmom Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 05:36 AM EST

No, wait, I need the swaybots one more time:
"nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, good bye!"

OK, NOW they can go.

Anyway, I can't be that peeved with this season's results, b/c David Cook won.

I really hope Randy and Paula get the boot too. Randy used to be insightful -- now he's a three-phrase pony; and at least Paula was the "comforter" of the panel...until "Paula-gate". The comforter of years ago would have apologized for punching Jason while he was down -- but not anymore. It's crazy. I also agree with whoever said (and it may have been Slezak) that we should DEFINITELY see the top 24 in those horrific "look who we found" packages. Or do away with the crazies all together -- I have better things to do with the MONTH of January. Seriously, they show primarily really bad contestants for practically a month straight until the top 24 is announced. That's sooooooo wrong.

angelia Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 09:18 PM EST

I didn't see anyone embracing my pet peeve and that is Seacrest and Simon carrying on the pseudo-homosexual banter that a captive audience is subjected to on a weekly basis.And they call some of the finalists one trick ponies. Sheesh!

frank Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 07:43 PM EST

I am so glad to hear the buck-toothed wonder is out. I agree with PT that the lack of an apology to Jason ("Paulagate") and the accolades given to Ms. Abdul herself was truly a disgrace. And, further rub salt in the wound, Nigel made time for his close-up to promote his crappy SYTYCD (a show that reveals him to be the pervert that he is). I would like to think the Peter Noone wannabe got canned.

Musicfan5 Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 07:21 PM EST

Thank god. Producers DO have an impact on show content--so I'm hoping new producers will make major changes. Here's what I want fixed.
1.) Open the purse strings- the limited song choices is bothersome. Idol makes FOX a ton of money. Start clearing more songs/artists so contestant selections can be entertaining and unexpected. Journey and Heart are not the only rock bands in the past 30 years to have hits.
2.) No sway-bots. Ever. Period.
3.) One bad audition 2-hour special and that's it. Focus more on Hollywood and the real talent.
4.) Stop "scripting" the show to a predetermined outcome (David vs. David). Sadly, Paulagate revealed just how scripted my former favorite show truly is.
5.) Have a l-o-n-g talk with Randy. If the experts on Project Runway, Top Chef, and Next Food Network Star can all provide insightful feedback--why can't he?
6.) Be more creative with the theme nights. And no...the upteenth version of Motown Night is not what I have in mind.

Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 06:55 PM EST

They should be more concerned with who did not show up to the Puerto Rico audition than this.

James T. Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 06:53 PM EST

The faces which are on camera are more important than the ones that are not. Idol will survive. Now if Cowell was leaving that would be different.

cld9 Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

Ding dong the witch is dead, the wicked with is dead!

woohoo! This is great news!

Paul Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

So Slezak is still talking about "Paulagate." Let me put my surprised face on. Loser.

garth Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 04:02 PM EST

Best thing to happen since the show started is his leaving. Now it needs to get back to basics and jettison the teeny bop sorority girl swaybot krapfest the show often evolves into. He won't be missed.

PT Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

I was ecstatic when I heard Nigel is out. I said I would not watch AI again unless some major changes were made after the blatant manipulation of the show this year: commenting on artists on other shows, editing to make some look stupid or arrogant,and trying to influence voters with prejudicial comments by judges, Ryan and Nigel both on the show & on other shows. I couldn't believe it when they did not apologize to Jason but sent out the love for Paula. I am thankful for season 7 giving me the gift of Jason. He's a true artist with a great future ahead of him. He writes, plays instruments, and sings in a unique and beautiful style all his own. I wish the show would encourage the contestants to perform the music that defines them as artists. Hey Michael, you would make a great replacement for Randy. You saw this season better than any of the 3 stooges.

joanie Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST

Michael, you say "good night and good luck" to Nigel and I say "goodbye and GOOD RIDDENCE" to him. American Idol will benefit from the removal (I'm sure there is a back story to his leaving) of Nigel. Apparently, Nigel felt it was all about him, not the talented kids hungry to be discovered. I was slow to warm to AI, but tuned in one night to be forever and insatiably smitten with David Archuleta. Not that I thought each performance was an impeccable tour de force, but there was something, something about him that I found compelling. When I saw the three interviews you did with David, I started to understand what it is.
But, I digress.... we were speaking about Nigel Lythgoe....who I believe will do the same damage to "So You Think You Can Dance" that he did with AI. Such an arrogant and self-serving individual who apparently possesses no artistic talent himself, but wants desperately to appear "hip". p.s. Michael, please do more interviews with David Archuleta

Sean Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

Don't be surprised in Lythgoe's departure does NOT give Idol a fresh new life. After all, the Simons (Fuller & Cowell) will still be there. New creative ideas are not their strength. Just look at how Cowell stirred his new discovery (Leona Lewis) to release Kelly Clarkson AI victory song (Moment Like This) as her debut single in the UK. I predict that AI will continue to rehash whatever was last popular. Thank god it's a solo competition because I'm sure we'd watching the new Jonas Bothers if producers could find a way to pull it off.

bjookw Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

Given SYTYCD has been infinitely better for the past two seasons than Idol, I'm worried that Lythgoe was the only one keeping the ship afloat on the cold sea of network suits' and corporate sponsors' demands. This move might be worse off for Idol than many suspect.

S Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

Don't let the door hit ya in the butt on the way out Nigel! I hope that they get back to the 30 minute results show, no more sway bots, and please, please limit the freaks and geeks on the audition show. I want to see more talant and less of the wierdos who are just looking for a way to be on tv.

Stephanie T. Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST

Mary B.

Linda Perry is a singer/songwriter/producer. She was the frontwoman for the group 4 Non-Blondes. In the '90's they had a one hit wonder with the song, "What's Up?"

"And I said, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, I said hey! What's going on?"

Lucas Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

Well, while it is true that there is a lot wrong with idol, what's good about it was due to Nigel. He invented the darn show, for better or worse.

strickens_girl Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

Do you think we could get him to leave So You Think You Can Dance too? I'm tired of his gross pervy comments and blatant favoritism on what used to be a great show.

gailer Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 12:24 PM EST

Great column Michael!
I now feel some hope for Idol, and that somehow we have been vindicated for what went on last season! Let's hope that the judges will clean up their act for next season!
Dreadhead #342

Amanda Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

While I agree that AI needs some changes, I'm not sure that losing Nigel will bring those changes. I really enjoy him on SYTYCD, so I'm not sure he's the problem with AI--maybe someone else is. Anyway, I think they need to stop showing so many bad auditions, and show us all the auditions of the top 24--no pre-pimping of favorite contestants by the huge discrepancies in air time. And if these judges can't give coherent, useful, fair advice to the singers, then replace them!

Lauri Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

I'm in tears right now. I never thought I'd see this day. Thank you God! Thank you!

supermart Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

Well, there is some justice in this world! 1) Ryan was BITTEN by an aussie-shark who is a Michael Johns'fan (I suppose). 2)Finally, the person who was responsible for Paula-gate is GONE! (Maybe this is a sort of an apology to Jason Castro!). Well now, being serious, this is totally GOOD !!! This is the 1st. step to improving AI, this show which I totally love, needs a lot of changes. We already talked in several boards how to improve AI, but let's remember: Start the show in Hollywood week w/ flash-backs of the most relevant auditions, current mentors, mosh-pit OUT, don't script the judges (And I guess Randy time has come), still think Paula-Simon is a good duo (the opposites-good and bad-they have good chemistry for the show), let the american people decide who stays/goes, DONT FIX THE RESULTS, that's the most important thing! With Lythgoe out I think all this could be more than a dream. Slezak you rule.

Amy Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST

All I can say is a great big "Hallelujah"!

Trish Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 09:51 AM EST

I've been surprised how much I actually enjoy SYTYCD and wish Nigel all the best with his "baby," and THANK YOU, PROVIDENCE, for getting him as far away from Idol and possible! Michael, do you ever watch Canadian Idol? I really hope the AI folks take a good like at that show and incorporate the "themes" and group performances our neighbors up North handle soooo much better. Also waiting for your tour recap. Where is it???

AA Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

Oh, and our top 24 on Cdn Idol was 15 guys and 9 girls, quickly down to two girls, and we only have one girl in the top eight.

AA Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

With Canadian Idol this season, their themes have been much more general, allowing contestants to pick something that suits them: British Invasion, acoustic, dead artists. I don't know if we're paying more for the rights to songs, but I agree with "Palais" below, the song variety is much better up here than on AI. Plus, two weeks/four eps of auditions seemed to be just right. And instruments again! All the talented ones appear to be musicians, not necessarily singers--no one cares if they're "pitchy", dawg. Slezak, I recommend checking out the Pigott Brothers on Canadian Idol on youtube, if you're needing an idol fix.

Tom Joyce Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 08:14 AM EST

The show needs some sort of kick in the a$$. It's been seriously dragging and this last season I barely watched.

http://www.webchannel24.com/MUSIC_VIDEOS

Sandra Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 07:38 AM EST

I agree, it should be the top 24, period. If it happens to be lopsided more boys than girls, or the other way around, so what? We should be looking for the best talent. It is disturbing to see a talented guy or girl eliminated because the gender equity rule must apply.

Jane Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 01:56 AM EST

I think Nigel leaving could be a very very good thing. It can't hurt anyways. Hopefully the new fellow or lady taking charge will realize the show needs to start having some original music by the finalist when the show gets down to the top 12 or 6 would be a good idea. Also perhaps now there will be more current and under 40 mentors and guests on the show. And the awful theme weeks will be put to an end. Perhaps having viewers submit and text in theme ideas would be a good idea. I dunno I just hope this season is better than more recent ones. And the final 3 are ppl we really want there and not someone the show wants there.

Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 12:49 AM EST

Slezak....I've never posted before. I'm a big fan of idolatry and your idol articles. I totally agree Lythgoe leaving is a good thing (plus he creeps me out on the dance show). On a side note, I caught the Idols show at Nassau Coliseum with my sisters tonight. The Davids were both spectatcular and the crowd was really into the show. However, when Carly came on stage I felt compelled to scream for my favorite idol. Waiting for a quick moment of audience silence between her second and third song I'm thinking what the hell do I say....but then I thought of you and screamed...."Please do Superstar!!!!!" I have no idea if she heard me, but my 16 year old sister was mortified. I got her autograph after the show, she was so sweet in person. Unfortunately only Carly, Brooke, Syesha, Kristy and David A. came out for autographs before they kicked us out. My sister was devastated not to get Castro's autograph which I simply don't understand. He started on the ukelele and I took my bathroom break!

mags Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 12:49 AM EST

Hey Slezak, Are you going to be covering the current AI tour at all? The Idols have been in New York this past week and I keep hoping to read your review of the show!

Nix Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 12:21 AM EST

Lythgoe's Europop-centric approach to music--slick, packaged, ultimately inoffensive product--will always be in conflict with the stubborn strain of "gritty authenticity" that pervades the corners of American popular culture. That said, can AI ever reach that sort of cred? Should it? Or should it just be a cheesetastic funfest like Eurovision? (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) There's always been a curious and sometimes dramatic mix of the corny and prepackaged with the out-of-left-field did you see that? moments in the American version of Idol. My instinct is the combination is part of its allure, no matter how grating the cheese (!) can be.

Andrew Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

Sally, giving too much attention to the mentors takes focus away from the contestants.

Al Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 09:37 PM EST

Randy can go and be more of a part of his America's best dance crew- keep Paula at least she still has water cooler potential NO MORE SWAYBOTS!!!!

ymbcastrofan Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 09:31 PM EST

Ta-ta,Nigel.I agree w/Pamela's & Marsha's comments.I also think the voting should be limited, online, & transparent so the audience knows how many votes each contestant got.If the same 3 judges return,they should all improve how they give feedback to the contestants.This year, Paula was the only one who at least tried to be specific on what they did right or wrong.All Simon & Randy ever did was say if they liked it or not. Who cares?Everyone knows Randy was pushing for a rocker this year.And Simon seemed to be trying to push the singers into specific music genres where his label could make money off them.This Season, the judges' critiques were inconsistent & obviously biased.They criticized some people if they sang a song too much like the original.But if someone besides David C they tried to make a song their own, they would criticize them for that too.Like when Simon told Jason "You don't mess with that song", referring to his totally cool and upbeat version of "I Shot the Sheriff."

Joe C Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 08:53 PM EST

While I do think that a new direction will help, the bottom line is that AI has been around too long. The show stopped being fresh a while ago; no new producer will fix that. Still, if those damn idiots swaying for EVERY FREAKING SONG are banished, then it will be worth it.

Mona Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 08:48 PM EST

Oh I am so happy Michael is back on Idol gossip...wow, so Nigel left for SYTYCD? And he thinks that is going to be another Idol....good riddance if that is what he thinks, bring in new blood and have randy and paula stay for the tryouts and then bring in music producers weekly to mentor and bring some fresh sounds...i'm in my 50's and love new music and if i only had to listen to the stuff from my youth, I would die a slow death from boredom, I say let's hear the new classics and let gthe average American experience music they don't hear on current american radio, can't hurt

Sally Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 08:01 PM EST

Bye bye Nigel.

Ideas to improve - do something with Randy. First couple seasons he was the best judge - had the most insight and wasn't hateful. Now it is just mad hot dawg this and that was the bomb that. Either find a way to get him motivated again, or get rid of him.

Keep Paula and Simon. She's amusing. Adds nothing of judging value, but she provides some much needed sympathy for the bad performances.

Change up the themes. Make them more current. Did we really need 1 week of Beatles, then 1 week of John Lennon and Paul McCartney? In the end it was 2 weeks of Beatles music.

Show the mentors more. If you are going to have someone of Neil Diamond's calibre as a mentor, at least let the audience hear what he said.

Make the mentors more current. Timbaland would be an excellent choice. And the prior year's American Idol winner could give valuable insight to the singers.

real_vermonter Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 08:01 PM EST

I only have one word to say about his departure: "Hallelujah"

Nee Nee Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 07:45 PM EST

If all the dumb theme nights go away, I may think about watching it. Dangit! Just when I was ready to give up on that show! I do love SYTYCD, but I see similar patterns in that show. Luckily, the contestants are talented enough that they tend to overshadow the obviously biased judges comments.

Smoochie :) Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 07:45 PM EST

You can only knock the guy so much. He created the show. Randy, the power tool needs to go. Paula is a substance abusing fool, but 3 intelligent judges may be too much for the voting public to take. I think the show is tired anyway.

palais Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 07:40 PM EST

Maybe the new producer will stop being a penny pinching ninny and open up those purse strings and pay for the right to use better songs after s/he broadens the themes. All those artists people complain never appear on Idol appear on other versions of Idol ( on Canadian Idol this week we got a Radiohead cover, and I've seen everyone from Van Morrison to Ryan Adams have songs played on the show). Idol makes enough to pay proper royalties.

Marsha Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 07:27 PM EST

All good suggestions,altho i/o mentors per se,I'd like contestants to have help with song choice.It would ultimately still be their decision and in their careers,people will be offering things to them all the time. I would also like to see doing away with equal "boys" and "girls". Why let a good person go just to even the sexes?This is arbitrary.They aren't dance partners. Also,make the voting simple. Allow three votes per phone line or online (or both).There will be less controversy on "couldn't get thru" and less emphasis on announcing "a zillion" votes came thru.Elimination could also be done the way they do it on Nashville Star

ian Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 07:09 PM EST

i think that they should cut the elimination episode altogether, and, instead, reveal who gets eliminated in the first 10 minutes of each performance night by lining everyone up in order of how many votes they got and then have the eliminated contestant sing the song that they would've sung had they not been eliminated

sandy Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

the show definitely needs a new 'spark'. and not in the contrived sort of way. the contestants are usually quite amazing and "sparky" on their own merits. The contrived 'stuff' generally sucks. The instruments on stage were a great move...original songs would be good too. and more choice. but i also think it's good to get the finalists out of their comfort zone. Jason Castro's 'Travelin Thru' by Dolly Parton is one of my all time favorite songs at the moment (really, it's up there with 'Thunderoad') and he never would have chosen a song by Dolly Parton on his own. Anyway. Get rid of the Ryan/Judges script stuff. and let it flow....

to:PicklePancakes Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 06:38 PM EST

Ha ha....could not agree more. Those American pearly whites, pointy head, and dandy-boy stripes are really, really distracting.

Maroon (to gokarm) Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 06:31 PM EST

I agree with you. SYTYCD is run much better and shows respect for the art form of dance. However, his constant leering at the scantily clad contestants is really, really creepy. He just comes off as a dirty old man.

dupkey Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 06:30 PM EST

My wish for next season: Introduce mentors. It worked extremely well in Nashville Star. Of course, I think this would mean getting rid of the Paula/Randy comedy show.

Diane Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 06:27 PM EST

I knew Nigel's "bum" was toast after the PaulaGate episode (and, rightly so). I suspect his "stepping down" is just another Nigel-coated phrase that tries to hide the fact that he was "fired"? Please, let us all pray that the swaybots move on over to Nigel's dance show (along with Peter Noone). Ta ta, Nigel!

Delon Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

PAULA SHOULD STAY !!!

Andrew Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 06:19 PM EST

Nigel made sure that season 7 wouldn't have another Sanjaya Malakar and turned focus to the contestants instead of the mentors. I hope his replacement keeps the show in good shape.

Donna Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

Right on the money Michael. Whew, the AI season is over now I can concentrate on appreciating Jason Castro more & more. I may not watch Idol in the future but will be purchasing Jason's album the moment it is released. I heard that what he has recorded so far is sounding fantastic!

JB Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

Hey Michael. I read that Nigel is only going to miss the auditions and will be back for the "live" shows. I agree with everything you said, so I am hopeful he is gone for good. Can you get the official word on this?! Also, I know he was a creative force behind SYTYCD, but he has been intolerable on-air this season.

Bobbi Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:44 PM EST

Mary B., you make a good point. They can't go overboard the other way with themes either. They need to have a much more balanced approached to capture the kind of wide audience base they used to have - of all age groups.

PicklePancakes Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:43 PM EST

I tried to read this, but Nigel's super-de-duper Photoshopped head is too distracting.

Kath Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST

My first thought: an emphatic, throaty "HELL YEAH!"

Second thought: "This is just damage control, though."

Third thought: "...HELL YEAH!"

Between this and the 30-minute results shows, I think they're actually moving in the right direction. Now if they'd just do something about the adult contempocrap...

Amy Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

Bravo Michael, Bravo. I was thrilled when I read Nigel left Idol. Now how about some focus groups that could help AI become relevant again? Here are some of my desires. Cease with the inane themes. Let the Idols showcase who they are and what type of music they want to make! Judge constructively and without malice and without trying to manipulate voters!

Have judges who have a clue as to what is popular in todays modern music.

Those would be a good start.

gokarm Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

If Nigel ran AI like he does SYTYCD...there'd be no problem. Trouble is, he disrespects singers with his antics. Good riddance! (Still, David Cook won, so how p.o'ed can I really be?)

Linda Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:26 PM EST

Adios, Nigel! Great news! I must admit though that Paula Abdul is my fav judge. She is super crazy and super funny! And brings me sweet teenager memories. Where were you folks in the '80s?

Mary B. Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 05:04 PM EST

Who is Linda Perry? Maybe AI could have Miley Cyrus and Lil Wayne as mentors. That way the show could really get rid of us oldsters.

Jane Cobb's sister Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

I'm glad Nigel's on that midnight train to Georgia. Good Riddance! All I know is that Idolatry got more fun to watch than the actual Idol last season. Clearly this is a testament to the Pdub Dynamic Duo (Mike S and Annie B), but also a sign to the declining appeal of Nigel's "upgrades" to the show.

Frankly, other than the addition of a live band I feel that most of the new stuff they've added in recent years had only detracted from the show.

I say keep Simon and Ryan as their sparring's starting to get really mean, but everyone else has got to go!

Matt Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

I think this show needs a new producer and I'm glad Nigel is outta there. I'd love to see Randy and Paula replaced, but its not likely. I would actually prefer Paula over Randy though. The show was more disgustging than usual last season with how pre-determined everything was and how unfair the judges were to people like Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado because none of them were TCO.

Pamela Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 04:36 PM EST

A new producer should be the breath of fresh air everyone - well, at least here - agrees the show desperately needs.

I agree with your suggestions Michael and those in Mark Harris' excellent column. I'd say in addition: Don't ditch all the auditions rounds just reduce the amount of space given to the time-wasting bad "just wanna to see me on the tv" auditioners and give a little more airtime to Hollywood week. Let's see a bit more of the whittling down of what are supposed to potentially good singers then, perhaps, viewers will be more knowledgable about, and therefore invested in, who might realistically make the top 24. It would lead nicely into the idea of going live on who makes Top 24.

wg Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

Yup - both nervous and hopeful simultaneously! *fingers crossed that it gets better not worse from here*

Steve Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

Good riddance. Some ideas for the show: 1. reveal the votes (or at least the top three) on each show; 2. if you won't get rid of Paula/Randy, at least add a guest judge (or let the mentor from that week judge as well)

Jae Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

Yes. Goodbye, Nigel. And good riddance! Now if Paula and Randy follow, AI is ON! But Sleazak, you speak such good idol sense as always. Nice to read you again. You should do a season 7 follow up with the kids on tour. They are totally making fools of the judges. :)

Kristen Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

If my memory is correct, there was one of the early seasons (1-4) that they DID announce the top 24 live. I thought it was a great idea- and they never did it again.

Carlos Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

I'm so happy he's gone - someone get him away from SYTYCD now too because this season proves he's out to ruin that also!

Lauren Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST

Good stuff. I'm on board, buddy. My thoughts exactly: http://alteredview.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/and-another-thing/

Winona Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST

Sounds good - and perhaps the absurd age-limits can go with him.
<= an over-the-hill 33-year-old singer

PS Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:50 PM EST

For everyone who hates Randy and Paula (Ra-ula?), or think they are useless, look up David Cook in the Hollywood rounds on You Tube. Simon wanted to cut him, and "Raula" kept him in. They do have a good sense for the business, they just have very odd on-air sensibilities.

Christina Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

Losing Nigel is the best thing that could have happened to the show. Horrible themes, swaying arms, group songs, etc. are all things that Nigel was responsible for. Hopefully someone from outside if the British reality family takes over and makes the show a whole lot less cheesy

Liz Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

As soon as they stop airing the crazies auditioning, they will stop showing up. I, for one, am very much looking to an AI without Swaybots® and all the other lame ideas Mr. Lythgoe had. It'll be very interesting to see if/how it changes next season!

coco Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

Oh Dear Slezak! You just made my afternoon. Can't wait to see the changes. If it were up to me, I will get rid of Randy ASAP; I will leave Paula just for the entertainment factor; Simon has to stay because he is the only one who knows anything about this business in the current panel; I will spend some time looking for a nicer version of Simon to replace Randy. Another suggestion is to completely eliminate the audition episodes (this can be a DVD release weeks before the show so people can get familiarized with potential contestants ONLY if they want to). Just show the stories and auditions of the top 24. And finally, get rid of the swayboats, I'm totally supportive Slezak!

ilovemarks Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

Sorry, missing (Y)ou.

ilovemarks Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

I agree with all of your suggestions. Could you suggest he no longer focus 24/7 as a producer and judge of SYTCD? Where he blatantly 'shipped certain dancers and tried to manipulate the outcome there as well? Slezak... You have the power!

maria72 Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:37 PM EST

Unfortunately, he still will be at the helm of So You Think you Can Dance...this year being the weakest and manipulated season to date...

Ed Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

Michael, I love your sweater!

Vic Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST

I hope it does improve in all the ways you mentioned. Randy and Paula are lame and pretty much coast through their duties. I think if either were forced to put a little effort into their comments, they could do fine.

Stephanie T. Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

Now is it possible to limit the amount of crazy auditioners on television when Idol airs again in January?