Fox Names New "American Idol" Executive Producer
Jun 10, 2013
by Liz Raftery


Swedish TV producer Per Blankens will replace Nigel Lythgoe as executive producer of "American Idol" next season, Idol producer FremantleMedia announced Monday.

Blankens has acted as showrunner on Sweden's version of the reality singing competition for five seasons. "He is extremely passionate about Idol and I'm very excited about his ideas and vision for keeping Idol creatively vibrant," Trish Kinane, an "Idol" executive producer for Fremantle, said in a statement.

"He brings the talent and energy needed to keep American Idol strong."





Lythgoe on Monday also issued a statement addressing his departure from the show.

"Over the years, I believe we have changed the face of American television forever and eventually created a true global phenomenon," the statement reads in part. "It has been inspiring to find and launch the careers of artists ranging from Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Phillip Phillips and many more, spanning all musical styles and genres. I am truly saddened to be leaving a great team of friends and colleagues."

Added Lythgoe: "If the executives that are now in charge of American Idol believe that the ratings will improve with my departure, I have no complaints. It has been a great ride and I've loved every moment of it."





Auditions for "American Idol's" 13th season, which premieres in January, begin next month.

In addition to "Idol", Blankens also oversaw production on the Swedish versions of "Master Chef" and "The Biggest Loser".

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fox-Names-New-American-Idol-Executive-Producer-Per-Blankens-1066506.aspx

man - if they turn it into an all Swedish Chef version of the singing show, then I'm in!

man - if they turn it into an all Swedish Chef version of the singing show, then I'm in!

Me too!! :lol:

Honestly though, it's time to end it. American Idol was the "ish" back in the day, but it's lost all its luster. It's time to go. I don't know how successful this revival will be.
Watching The Voice right now, and I love how that show is so fresh, and truly about the music and the artist/contestant!
American Idol in its later seasons was all about the judge's drama. Not worth it, in my opinion. I didn't watch last season at all. I didn't even know who won for two days, which...I was a religious Idol viewer for years, so that was out of the ordinary for me. I wasn't driven to watch this past last season whereas in the past, I couldn't wait for Idol to start. It was my must-see TV. I hope they can capture that again, but I think Idol needs to bow out. To me, The Voice is where it's at!!