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Media
Per Blankens announced as Nigel Lythgoe’s American Idol replacement
By Andy Malt | Published on Wednesday 12 June 2013
Following the departure of Nigel Lythgoe earlier this week, Per Blankens has been announced as the new Executive Producer of ‘American Idol’. Blankens previously held the same role on the Swedish version of the show.
In a statement, FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane said: “Per is a creative and experienced executive who has been the showrunner on the blockbuster ‘Swedish Idol’ for more than five seasons. He is extremely passionate about ‘Idol’ and I’m very excited about his ideas and vision for keeping ‘Idol’ creatively vibrant”.
As previously reported, Lythgoe recently announced that he had been “fired” from the telly talent franchise after returning from a holiday in the Bahamas where he was subjected to “rain every day”. Still, he seems in good spirits about everything now. In a new statement, he talked up the awards the show has won during his twelve year tenure, and the money it has raised for charity.
He added: “I am truly saddened to be leaving a great team of friends and colleagues. However, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to maintain this incredible platform for America’s young talent. This will only happen with the success of the programme. If the executives that are now in charge of ‘American Idol’ believe that the ratings will improve with my departure, I have no complaints”.
As well as continuing as Executive Producer on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, Lythgoe will also work on a new show being developed by his production company, Nigel Lythgoe Productions, and Shine America, which was announced last year.
