The TV Zone

You know who Nigel Lythgoe is - the sprightly, smart, passionate judge on "SYTYCD" - and for many years the sprightly, smart, passionate off-screen boss at "American Idol." Well, he's leaving "Idol" because he's apparently feeling like millions of other fans towards the hit.

That would be: Bored.

Per TMZ, which broke this and also cited the boredom factor, he'll now devote his full attention to "SYTYCD," which just hours ago got a fifth season renewal by Fox. If this is true - and it is true because "Idol" will give a statement shortly - then this departure marks the second biggie to leave "Idol" in as many years. Bruce Gowers - longtime director - also took off last year, and both of these exits beg the question: Are they leaving now so they don't have to ride a tiring franchise to the ground?

Lythgoe - or Lythie, as I fondly call the lad - was an important part of "Idol's" success; of course, he is not as important as Simon or even quite as central off-off-screen as Simon Fuller, whom I fondly refer to as "Dr. Evil" - but darned important. He was also a very good spokesman for the show over the years, fielding press inquiries and deftly dispatching them as well. (Believe me, there are about a thousand in-season controversies at "Idol," and Lythgoe has put out about that number of fires.)

(Photo of Lythie, above, left, courtesy Kelsey McNeal, Fox)