‘American Idol’ 2013: Nygel Lythgoe, Former Executive Producer, Confirms Firing, ‘They Just Feel Idol Needs New Leadership’

Former "American Idol" executive producer Nygel Lythgoe confirmed his firing from the Fox reality singing competition on his official Twitter page Saturday.

Lythgoe posted the following two tweets to clarify his relationship with the Fox network, including his still-active role on "So You Think You Can Dance."

"just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad! Monday we choose our top 20. I'll smile again."

"Yes, don't worry I'm on #SYTYCD. FOX still loves me. It's not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 Seasons."

MStars previously reported on the initial word of Lythgoe's firing from The Wrap:

"The shakeups for next year's Season 13 of "American Idol" continue as The Wrap reported Tuesday that the show is firing longtime executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick.

An inside source revealed the information to The Wrap, though Fox declined to comment on the story.

Lythoge and Warwick have been with "American Idol" since its first season in 2002 and also worked together on the British series "Pop Idol" prior to that. Lythgoe left "American Idol" in 2008 but came back in 2010."

Ratings for "American Idol" declined drastically in Season 12, which drew just 18 million viewers in its season premiere. That was the lowest total since Season 1, which aired in the summer. The show now airs in the January-May period.

The Season 12 finale attracted only 14.3 million viewers, a 33 percent decrease from Season 11. It was also the first "Idol" finale to draw less than 20 million viewers.