Idol producers have announced that Swedish Idol executive producer Per Blankens will replace Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick as American Idol‘s executive producer, starting with the upcoming season 13.
FremantleMedia, one of three producing partners behind American Idol (along with Fox and 19 Entertainment), announced that Swede Per Blankens would be taking the helm for season 14, which premieres in January 2014. Blankens is an award-winning television producer who has most recently served as executive producer for Sweden’s very successful Idol, which has seen great rating success, particularly among younger viewers, which is the demographic Fox is most concerned about for American Idol.
Season 12 finished with a record low-rated finale, down more than 40 percent compared to season 11’s crowning of Phillip Phillips over Jessica Sanchez. American Idol has lost over 10 million viewers over the last two years, particularly among the younger demographic. Time will tell if Blankens is able to do what Lythgoe and Warwick could not.
News of Blankens’ hiring comes on the heels of the official confirmation of Lythgoe’s and Warwick’s departure from Fox and the companies behind Idol, thanking them for their work, and saying they look forward to working with them on other projects.
Rumors had been circulating for several weeks, along with news that long-time judge Randy Jackson and season 12 judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj were leaving, that Fox was looking to replace Lythgoe as well, but nothing was confirmed until Lythgoe himself tweeted about it, saying, “just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad!”
He went on to confirm that he would remain on his other Fox series and passion project, So You Think You Can Dance, where he serves as both executive producer and judge, and said, “FOX still loves me. It’s not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 Seasons.”
Blankens has stated: “The Idol franchise is a worldwide phenomenon and I’m honored to be a part of the most popular of the franchises, American Idol. I can’t wait to get started as auditions for the new season are just a few weeks away.”
With what is expected to be a completely new judge’s panel next season, and both executive producers out, it looks like host Ryan Seacrest will be the only family face at Idol next season.