‘American Idol’ Producers Nigel Lythgoe And Ken Warwick Fired By Fox

Fox has reportedly fired long-time American Idol producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick.

Since the singing competition experienced record low numbers last season, the network is looking to make some changes to the format. This apparently included ditching two producers who helped get the show on the air.

An insider close to the program explained the situation to the folks at The Wrap. However, neither Fox nor American Idol representatives have confirmed Lythgoe and Warwick’s departure from the show.

Reports that the producers were being let go arrived days after Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj were dropped as judges from the singing competition. Randy Jackson announced his decision to leave shortly before last season came to a close.

The only person who might come back is Keith Urban. Even the country music superstar isn’t sure where he stands with American Idol at the moment.

“I’m pretty much in the same boat as everybody else here with the rumors that have been floating around. I don’t know anything more about what’s happening next season,” he explained.

Reports suggested that the new panel of judges would consist of former American Idol contestants. Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Adam Lambert were reportedly in consideration for the program.

However, a monkey wrench may have been tossed into this plan after the departure of alternative programming chief Mike Darnell over Memorial Day weekend.

As mentioned, Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were instrumental in getting the show off the ground back in 2002. The duo is also worked on the British show Pop Idol. Although Lythgoe originally left American Idol in 2008, he came back for more in 2010.

Neither producer has commented on the situation as of this writing.

Are you a fan of American Idol? What do you think about fox firing long-time producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick?

[Image via FOX]