Super stars blamed for American Idol's downfall?

joan

May 12, 2015 12:01 PM

Former American Idol executive producer, Nigle Lythgoe says both stars are to be blamed for the show being kicked out of FOX after its 15 season.

Did Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj's brawl as judges cause the end of American Idol?

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According to the former American Idol executive producer, Nigle Lythgoe, both super stars are to be blamed for the show being kicked out of FOX after its 15 season.

The 65-year-old, who was one of the pioneers of the show when it started in 2002, says hiring the divas was a 'major failing' for the show.

''Mariah and Nicki was just crazy, and then it really started becoming about the judges and took away from the contestants altogether,'' Nigel told Billboard.

Nigel added: ''I think that was a major failing on the part of casting to have those two together. On their own, either one may have been successful.''

Nigel stepped down as executive producer in 2008 for seasons eight and nine, but then returned in late 2010 for seasons 10, 11, and 12.

Fox announced the cancellation of the show on Monday, May 11 after it was revealed that show will go off the air after its 15th and final season next spring.

Current cast, Ryan Seacrest as host and Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. as judges, will return for a season-long celebration of the show's history.

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joan