FOX: ‘American Idol’ Executive Producers Nigel Lythgoe & Ken Warwick Are Fired

Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick have been fired as executive producers of American Idol. FOX and Lythgoe confirmed the news Saturday, following reports that came before formal exit discussions had begun.

When Lythgoe confirmed the news, he also noted that he will continue to appear as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. “just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad! Monday we choose our top 20. I’ll smile again,” Lythgoe said on Twitter. Shortly thereafter, FOX released a statement regarding the two founding American Idol executive producers.

“The passion and dedication that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick brought to American Idol guided the show to become a true cultural phenomenon, ” FOX said in a statement. “While we are saddened they will no longer be executive producers on the show, we are grateful for their tremendous contributions and look forward to continuing to work with them on additional projects.”

A few of American Idol‘s previous contestants, including Gurpreet Singh Sarin and Nick Boddington, thanked Lythgoe for his time spent on the show. “in all seriousness you are one [of] the best things that’s ever happened to TV,” Jacob Lusk, Season 10 finalist, said to Lythgoe on Twitter.

Going into Season 13 however, American Idol‘s ratings has hit record lows while a fourth of its Live! summer tour dates were canceled. Nearly all of its current judges, including Randy Jackson, will be replaced, reportedly by American Idol alumni such as Jennifer Hudson.