American Idol Fox officially announces Nigel Lythgoe returning to 'American Idol' 08/05/2010 Nigel Lythgoe's American Idol return is now official. Read More RELATED NEWS 'American Idol' runner-up Lauren Alaina calls off engagement to high school sweetheart Alex Hopkins'American Idol' winner Scotty McCreery marries Gabi DugalScotty McCreery: I forgot there was a gun in the backpack I took to airport TAGS: American Idol So You Think You Can Dance The X Factor Paula Abdul Harry Connick Jr. Simon Cowell Ellen DeGeneres Kara DioGuardi Randy Jackson Jennifer Lopez Ryan Seacrest Elton John Shania Twain Peter Rice