Both the Hollywood Reporter [5] and Deadline.com [6] are reporting that Nigel Lythgoe will be returning as "American Idol's" executive producer, but multiple individuals with knowledge of the inner workings at "Idol" tell TheWrap that it's not a done deal.
Several individuals close to "Idol" say that Lythgoe's close to signing a deal to retake the reins of the show, but the ink isn't dry yet.
Lythgoe, a judge and executive producer on "So You Think You Can Dance," was one of "Idol's" original producers. He left the show in 2008, saying he wanted to focus on "SYTYCD," which he co-created with "Idol" creator Simon Fuller.
Both Lythgoe and Fuller are executives at 19 Television, which produces both shows. They also teamed to form the production company Big Red 2 Entertainment in June.
A Fox spokesperson said the network could not confirm the reports about Lythgoe's return. Neither Lythgoe, 19 Television nor Big Red 2 responded to requests for comment. Execs for the U.K.-based FremantleMedia, which co-produces "Idol" with 19, were unavailable to comment.