American Idol Judges: "All the Seats Are Open," Says Nigel Lythgoe

AI producer insists no deals are done, but hopes announce panel "within the next month"

By Marc Malkin, Brett Malec Aug 29, 2010 1:37 PMTags
So you think you can dance, Nigel LythgoeMichael Williams/FOX

Nigel Lythgoe insists you shouldn't believe everything you've been hearing about American Idol.

AI's returning producer says he still doesn't have all the judges finalized…

"All the seats are open," Lythgoe told us at yesterday's BAFTA/LA pre-Emmy Tea Party.

Who would he love to have? While sources confirm Lythgoe is still courting Elton John, the producer named the original trio, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, as his dream team.

"Randy's still there," Lythgoe said. "The thing is, we don't look at replacing. Simon is a caustic Brit, so don't look for a caustic Brit. Look for somebody else. It's not about typecasting."

As we were the first to report, Kara DioGuardi told Fox she wanted out two months ago. She still hasn't heard from execs about her status.

Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler reportedly signed a deal earlier this month.

Lythgoe said he hopes to announce the new judging panel "within the next month."

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