Following the firing of longtime American Idol executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, Fox has already announced their replacement. Trish Kinane, the show’s executive producer for FremantleMedia North America, announced Per Blankens will executive produce Idol starting with Season 13.
Blankens was at the forefront of the Swedish version of the singing competition show from 2007-2011, and he was previously head of programming at Meter Television, which saw the overseas versions of American Idol, Master Chef and The Biggest Loser.
In a statement, Kinane said “Per is a creative and experienced executive who has been the show runner on the blockbuster Swedish Idol for more than 5 seasons,” adding, “He is extremely passionate about Idol and I’m very excited about his ideas and vision for keeping Idol creatively vibrant. He brings the talent and energy needed to keep American Idol strong,” EW reports.
Over the weekend, Lythgoe confirmed his departure from the show after 12 seasons following much speculation.
“[J]ust had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad!” he tweeted. Lythgoe will continue on at Fox, as he is still the executive producer for So You Think You Can Dance.
Lythoe says in an official statement to TheCelebrityCafe.com about his departure, "It has been a tremendous honor to launch and build American Idol over the course of a decade and to see it recognized with 51 nominations and 6 EMMY Awards including the Academy's highest honor, the Governors Award."
He continued, "...Over the years, I believe we have changed the face of American television forever and eventually created a true global phenomenon.
"If the executives that are now in charge of American Idol believe that the ratings will improve with my departure, I have no complaints."