NBC.com

Host Michael Flatley

Co-Host Susie Castillo

 

Executive Producer
Nigel Lythgoe

 

Executive Producer
Simon Fuller

Nigel Lythgoe

Executive Producer

NBC's "Superstars of Dance"

Nigel Lythgoe is one of the most respected talents in the world of television. He has a host of major credits, including the UK series "Pop Idol," from which was born "American Idol."

He began his career as a dancer in the British song and dance group "The Young Generation" in 1968. Lythgoe became its choreographer in 1971 and proceeded to choreograph over 500 shows in the UK and Europe, working with such stars as Bing Crosby, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, Cyd Charisse, the Muppets, and the incredible Gene Kelly. In 1989 he became a television producer/director and brought "American Gladiators" to the UK, which soon became a major success for London Weekend Television. Lythgoe became Controller of Entertainment and Comedy for that company in 1996. In 2000, he produced and became a judge on the British version of "Popstars." He was so tough with the contestants that the tabloid press named him "Nasty" Nigel. He was invited to join Simon Fuller's 19 Television as President in 2001 and develop Fuller's concept of "Idol." The show became an instant hit on British television and later around the world. In 2007, a charity spin-off, "Idol Gives Back," raised $76M for charities both here and in Africa and won the Governor's Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Lythgoe went on to co-create and executive produce "So You Think You Can Dance" where he returned in front of the cameras as a resident judge. The show has picked up three Emmys for its choreography.

Lythgoe created "Brit Week" in 2007, a celebration of British talent here in Los Angeles. He is a board member of BAFTA/LA and Chair of the Television Committee. He is also a board member of "L.A's Best," the mayor's after school enrichment program.

Fuller and Lythgoe have just formed a new company together, "Big Red 2 Entertainment," and their first project is the nine-hour series, "Superstars of Dance."

Lythgoe has two boys, Simon and Kristopher, and four grandchildren: Kyan, Tighe, Dominie and George.