Yesterday, we told you that "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is leaving the singing competition to focus on his other show, "So You Think You Can Dance." I only wonder why he didn't do it sooner. I've never been a fan of "AI," but I can't get enough of the summer dance show, which is airing its season-four finale tonight and tomorrow on Fox. Here are nine reasons why the dancers put the singers to shame.
No theme nights — A bad theme can ruin an entire episode. "SYTYCD" fans can rest assured that if (God forbid) "Music of the Night" pops up in a routine, it'll be the only Andrew Lloyd Webber song they hear all night.
Wider range of music — The dance show makes its share of musical missteps (using "AI" contestants' tracks in the name of cross promotion, allowing a certain choreographer to indulge in her baffling Celine Dion obsession, thinking that kids might better appreciate a foxtrot or jive if the Brian Setzer Orchestra is involved), but it also acknowledges artists too small for mainstream radio. Millions of people have heard tracks by Hot Chip, Junior Boys and Mirah thanks to routines on the show. On a related note, don't get me started on the way "Idol" turns a blind eye to hip-hop.
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Longtime "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, the man who has been pulling the strings during the show's live broadcasts, has confirmed that he's leaving the program to focus on spreading the "So You Think You Can Dance" gospel around the world. He also said he is working on an unspecified new venture with fellow "Idol" producer and co-creator Simon Fuller. Then again, his departure comes after the show's uneven eighth season and amid suggestions that the highest-rated show on TV might be losing steam.