Nigel out of the driver's seat

TMZ.com is reporting producer Nigel Lythgoe is no longer associated with American Idol. The reason? Boredom, apparently:

We're told Lythgoe felt it was time for someone else to step in. Sources say he's said privately he is "not passionate about it anymore." "A.I.'s" ratings slipped last season, and the show was getting a little boring.

TMZ goes on to say he is focusing on a joint venture with Idol creator/manager Simon Fuller and wants to focus on his other hit show, So You Think You Can Dance. Although Nigel has also been a punching bag for when things have gone wrong with the show (and he often brought it upon himself), this does not bode very well for the show itself. It's not like Simon Cowell is leaving, but noteworthy nonetheless.

No word on a possible replacement, or whether TMZ is even telling the truth.

ETA: looks like this is 100% true. Per a statement made by Nigel himself:

"Due to the huge success of 'So You Think You Can Dance,' my summer will be taken up by travels to South Africa, Australia and Canada to work on local versions of the show. I will step back from my day-to-day producing work on 'American Idol' and will be devoting my time to a new venture with Simon Fuller. I have very much enjoyed my personal and professional relationship with Simon. He is without doubt, a man of vision, and I look forward to partnering with him on new and exciting challenges in all forms of entertainment."

This is definitely a blow to the Idol franchise. It is still a little baffling that he would ditch the most-watched show on all television to promote SYTYCD of all things, but if it's his decision, it's his decision.