Report: Nigel Lythgoe Being Lured Back To ‘American Idol’

Former “American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe could be returning to his old haunting grounds, according to a new report.

Lythgoe, a current judge and executive producer of FOX hit “So You Think You Can Dance,” is reportedly being lured back to the “Idol” fold two years after he left the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

With the new Lythgoe rumors, a new name has cropped up as a potential judge on the show – international pop sensation Justin Timberlake. The trade paper reported that Justin is a star whom show creator Simon Fuller would like to bring on board, although most view that possibility as nothing more than a pipe dream on behalf of the show’s co-creator.

Other reported potential judges to fill the seat of Brit Simon Cowell — who exited the series in May – include recent “Idol” guest mentor Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak, Bret Michaels and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The latter possibility is one to whom former “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks told AccessHollywood.com she gives the thumbs-up.

“Diddy would be a good replacement for Simon just because their personalities are the same they definitely speak their mind and they definitely have their opinions on different things,” Jordin said recently. “He would just have to know that it was a family show, but you know what it doesn’t matter, I think it’d be kind of cool.”

Reps for Lythgoe, FOX and FremantleMedia had no comment when contacted by Access Hollywood.

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