The internet is ablaze with American Idol news lately. In case you haven't noticed, I'll go ahead and recap the major headlines (in order of appearance):

Nigel Lythgoe may return as American Idol executive producer!

Elton John, Justin Timberlake, or Usher could take judge seats!

Jessica Simpson could be a new judge, too!

Ellen DeGeneres is leaving!

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler could be new judges!

Kara DioGuardi is Fired!

New judge panel to include JLo, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson!

and now we come full-circle:

Nigel Lythgoe is officially the executive producer of American Idol!

Etc., etc., ad nauseum. Is anyone else completely sick of American Idol yet? The new season hasn't even aired yet, and I'm already ready for its end.

Lythgoe, currently a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, is resuming his former EP post and slashing judges in the hopes of boosting the show's ratings (which, in his opinion, are suffering due to a lack of "chemistry" between the judges.)
 
Rumor of his new job title began circulating on Tuesday. Now that he's officially official, I wonder how he'll choose to celebrate.  Maybe by replacing Ryan Seacrest next? (Recent polls indicate that some of you wouldn't mind.) But don't count on it. Seacrest, along with Idol veteran Randy Jackson, seem to be sticking around for the long haul. Or, short haul, depending on where the show goes from here.

All I really know is this: I miss Simon. And his Baby Gap t-shirts. Please come back, Simon. I can't think of anything that would boost ratings more than your smug mug.

(Image Courtesy of WENN)