Nigel Lythgoe Is Still Thrilled With 'American Idol' Ratings
TV

Commenting on rival show 'The Voice', the 'Idol' executive producer says the NBC reality series has a 'fun format', but needs 'stronger talent.'

AceShowbiz - Nigel Lythgoe is still pleased with "American Idol" performance although it has gradually decreased in ratings since the 11th season was premiered this January. Speaking to reporters at a conference call, the executive producer of the FOX reality series declared, "After 11 years I am thrilled with these ratings. We're constantly compared against ourselves and against our own ratings."

Noticing "there is going to be viewer fatigue" and "some kind of deterioration in the ratings" with the arrivals of "The Voice" and "The X Factor (US)", Lythgoe argued, "It is the same as too many sci-fi dramas or too many hospital dramas. But after 11 years, I don't think we should be defending ourselves." He went on claiming, "We have survived for 11 years and whatever bad press we are getting about these ratings - God! the rest of the world would love these ratings."

Since "Idol" ratings have been compared to the success of "The Voice" season 2, the creator of "So You Think You Can Dance" responded by saying, "Let's hope all the other shows like 'X Factor' and 'The Voice' continue to be successful for 11 years. I will keep my fingers crossed for them."

Lythgoe went on commenting on the NBC sophomore series. "I think it's a fun format. It's very gimmicky, which is interesting at this moment and time. I particularly like the relationship between Blake [Shelton] and Adam [Levine]," he pointed out the good things before adding, "Other than that, I think they need stronger talent."

As for what factors that differ "Idol" from other singing talent shows, the 62-year-old former dancer boasted, "When If what you want is real good talent without gimmicks, without fireworks going off and without flashing lights, and just bloody good talent on the stage, then watch 'American Idol' because that is what you are going to get."

When the conversation changed the topic to address Ryan Seacrest's future as "Idol" host, Lythgoe insisted, "There can always be an Idol without anybody." Still, he admitted that he wanted the E! channel host to stay as saying, "I hate to think of him leaving American Idol."

"I think he is the glue that sticks it all together and moves it along," he went on praising the boyfriend of Julianne Hough. "I don't have anything bad to say about Ryan, apart from he's too good-looking and he's got too much money. I just hope he doesn't leave, to be frank with you. I think they should try and sort out a deal."

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