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Photo: Contributed - Fox

American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe

Castanet took part in a media conference held by American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe this morning, and the man who does doubled duty judging TV’s So You Think You Can Dance pulled no punches in answering questions.

Dwindling ratings have loomed over the current 11th season of Idol much like the Kelowna fog, but Lythgoe is unfazed by the ratings drop. “I’m still thrilled with these ratings,” he says. “We’re consistently being compared to ourselves, but all the other singing shows are obviously going to dilute the ratings. ”

The ratings issue keeps coming up, as the various media outlets continue to find creative ways to ask the same question.

Lythgoe, still holding his ground (yet a small tinge of annoyance can be detected in his voice), continues: “I get it. There’s going to be viewer fatigue. After 11 years, we shouldn’t be in a position to be defending ourselves here. Whatever bad press we’re getting about the ratings, I mean, my God the rest of the world would kill for these kinds of ratings.”

As much as the judges have added some flair to the show, their hesitation in handing out harsh criticism to the contestants has caused many viewers to question the program’s integrity. Lythgoe is quick to respond.

“Judging is difficult. Randy, Jennifer and Steven have to be honest and articulate, while supporting the artist. Artists are different than record execs – who don’t need to be supportive. In the end, as we get into the final 12, if the judging fails it’s only because they truly believe in the talent.”

How does he feel about judges like Simon Cowell and LA Reid? “If all you want is negativity then…” he trails off, then regroups. 

"If what you want is bloody good talent on that stage without gimmicks, then you watch American Idol, because that’s what you’re going to get.”

Another persisting pressing issue was NBC’s The Voice, which debuted to huge ratings, thanks in part to a post-Super Bowl slot. “It’s a fun format,” Lythgoe says. “But its’ very gimmicky, and they need stronger talent.”

Regarding host Ryan Seacrest, the Idol producer was full of admiration.

“He’s probably the best host in the business…  and the glue that holds (the show) together and moves it along.” He admitted he’d hate to see Ryan go. “I don’t have anything bad to say against Ryan other than that he’s too good-looking and has too much money…I just hope he doesn’t leave to be frank. They should try to sort out a deal.”

Other interesting tidbits that came out of the interview:

On Obama visiting the show:

“My request to have him appear has so far gone unanswered. I don’t think he’ll be making an appearance. ”

On the drama of Hollywood week:

“I’m shocked these kids don’t realize how tough Hollywood week is. We had lots of people dropping like flies from dehydration, and we had a bit of a bug going around. There was lots of sleep deprivation, and a girl even falls off the stage. What I found interesting was the groups who went to bed at 11:30 did well and those who stayed up all night performed poorly."

On the controversial judges' save:

“It’s still up in the air. It may be one save or it may not even happen."

The intensity of the competition heats up tomorrow night, as hopefuls chosen from around the nation vie for a coveted semifinalist spot in the all-new “Hollywood Round, Part 1” episode of American Idol, airs at 8 pm on Fox and CTV.