Ryan and Nigel Lythgoe talk about opening oysters
The testosterone count was a little lower today and Ryan sounded skeptical about Ellen’s comment about being surrounded by men, saying that one of the men is a dancer and a little light on his loafers. Has Ryan been taking dancing lessons? Once Nigel got his microphone working, Ryan asked him if he was officially the producer of American Idol. Nigel confirmed that he’s one of the executive producers, asking Ryan if he thought he’d be there if he wasn’t … just popped in to say hi?
Ryan asked Nigel about a question he’s often asked: whether the country’s been tapped for talent. Nigel agreed with Ryan that it’s not true, adding that more people join the pool of available talent each year. Nigel pointed out that there are a lot of people auditioning this year and although that doesn’t necessarily relate to the amount of talent, he hopes that by opening a few more oysters they’ll find a few more pearls. Ellen admired Nigel’s description, though Ryan joked that he’s coming out with the one-liners how he’s had a little fame with SYTYCD … generously adding that Nigel’s very masculine in comparison to Shankman! Nigel reminded Ryan that he was talking about the man who proposed to him on live TV.
The conversation turned to judges, with Ellen asking if Ryan will just do the show alone. Ryan asked Nigel for the official word on judges: he’s not at liberty to even talk about who they’re negotiating with while negotiations are ongoing but the decision will probably have to be made within the next three weeks. He added that the decisions are made but they still have to reach agreement with the stars.
Nigel was pleased to be back, and it seems Ryan was pleased to see him from Ellen’s description of the bear hug he gave Nigel.
