Nigel Lythgoe who judges and produces “So You Think You Can Dance,” is stepping down as executive producer on American Idol. Nigel Lythgoe will continue his roles on SYTYCD, but will reduce his workload by giving up American Idol.

Nigel Lythgoe made this statement:

“My summer will be taken up by travels to South Africa, Australia and Canada to work on local versions of (‘SYTYCD’). I will step back from my day-to-day producing work on ‘American Idol’ and will be devoting my time to a new venture with Simon Fuller.”