American Idol might be getting slammed by blogs about its declining ratings, but Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe is pleased, no, “thrilled” with the ratings.
“After 11 years, I’m thrilled with these ratings,” Lythgoe said during a recent conference call. “Whatever bad press we’re getting about these ratings — my God, the rest of the world would love these ratings, for God’s sake.”
Lythgoe squashed any rumors that Idol would be scrambling to make changes this season to boost ratings. “Whatever is happening now, we’ve survived for 11 years, why on earth would we start looking for other things to put in there?” Lythgoe asked.
The producers also is ready to start slamming the competition.
“And let’s hope all of the other shows like ‘X Factor’ and ‘The Voice’ continue to be successful for 11 years,” he said diplomatically. “I’ll celebrate. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for them. But 11 years is a long time to go.”