'American Idol' loses top producer Nigel Lythgoe

Nigel Lythgoe -- who came (back) to "American Idol" after Simon Cowell left to produce what then seemed an impregnable franchise -- on Saturday confirmed that he had been fired. Via Twitter:  

By "top 20," he is referring to "So You Think You Can Dance," which he continues to produce.

Lythgoe leaves a show that is no longer impregnable, but very much the opposite. Three judges have left -- also fired, doubtless, or taking their leave before the sheriff -- while Fox and Fremantle have also hired a new overseer of the show, David Hill. It's now one of those all-bets-are-off moments for the show, when anything can happen, and anything likely will. [See: Per Blankens named Idol" producer.]

 Meanwhile, Nigel sent out a longer statement early Monday afternoon. Here it is, in part: