The judges of American Idol should probably start passing out their resumes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nigel Lythgoe--producer and judge on So You Think You Can Dance--is near a deal to return as American Idol's executive producer (the same post he held in season 7 when he departed.)

Why does this spell trouble for the American Idol judges? I think Nigel himself explains it best:

In April, Lythgoe told Zap2it that if it were his decision, he "would replace the entire judging panel." He went on to say, "I don't think it really works replacing one person. They don't have a great deal of chemistry at the moment."

I'm going to take a not-so-wild guess that the first judge on the chopping block would be Kara DioGuardi since her contract has yet to be renewed. Randy Jackson, an Idol veteran, still has another year remaining on his contract, and Ellen Degeneres signed a multi-year deal with the network.

Rumors are already circulating that Elton John, Justin Timberlake, and Usher are among the musical celebrities being courted for the judge seats. This leads me to believe that Lythgoe's "to-do" list for the next season reads something like this:

Reclaim the throne as executive producer.

Power lunch with BFFs Ken Warwick and Simon Fuller to celebrate being masters of the pop culture universe.

Call Usher. Offer money.

Call Elton John. Offer more money.

Call Justin Timberlake. Offer money, Fedoras.
 
Reward myself for a hard day's work by choosing MYSELF as the new judge!! OMG, soooo excited! (Announce via Facebook/Twitter/Myspace)

Cancel Myspace account. Apparently no one uses it anymore.
 
Assuming Lythgoe does return to American Idol, should he plan on wiping the judge slate clean? Opine away:


(Image courtesy of WENN)