Fox has confirmed executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick have been axed from American Idol.

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"The passion and dedication that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick brought to American Idol guided the show to become a true cultural phenomenon. While we are saddened they will no longer be executive producers on the show, we are grateful for their tremendous contributions and look forward to continuing to work with them on additional projects," Fox said in a media statement.

The network released the media statement after Lythgoe announced he had been fired from the reality singing competition prior to its upcoming thirteenth season.

"Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired," Lythgoe tweeted Saturday, adding that he's still with So You Think You Can Dance as a producer and judge.

"Yes, don't worry I'm on #SYTYCD. FOX still loves me. It's not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 Seasons."

Reports of Lythgoe and Warwick's departures began circulating earlier this month but Fox had declined comment at the time. The producers' exits will reportedly be part of a bigger shakeup, which will also include a new judging panel.

Lythgoe and Warwick launched American Idol together during its inaugural season. Lythgoe left the show in 2008 but returned in 2010.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

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