American Idol Nigel Lythgoe: 'American Idol' exit is sad, but it was time to move on 08/07/2008 Nigel Lythgoe said his decision to step down as American Idol's executive producer was a necessary one, but that apparently didn't make the break-up any easier. Read More RELATED NEWS Adam Lambert releasing new EP in SeptemberAdam Lambert "still friends" with Sam Smith after accidental postAdam Lambert and boyfriend Javi Costa Polo go Instagram official TAGS: American Idol So You Think You Can Dance Ryan Seacrest