Nigel Lythgoe: I'd Take Paula Back on 'American Idol'

Courtesy of INFDaily.com

But could it happen?

Nigel Lythgoe is returning as American Idol's Executive Producer and he knows exactly who he wants to see sitting at the judging table: Paula Abdul. OK, so there's a slim chance this will ever happen, but we can dream, right?

READ: Jennifer Lopez is New American Idol Judge

Nigel Lythgoe totally realizes the power and popularity of Paula Abdul on American Idol. He just told the Daily Variety, "I still love Paula... She's signed to CBS, probably exclusively, but I'd recommend we have her in a heartbeat." We do, too! But we think Paula is totally done with Idol, especially now that Simon Cowell is gone. But we're still holding out hope that she'll join him on the American version of the X Factor.

So, if we can't have Paula Abdul as an American Idol judge, who does Nigel want to see sitting at the judges' table? Well, it sounds like he's being quite careful not to say anything negative about anyone, which we think is a very good move on his part. He says about Jennifer Lopez, "They can knock her film career, but [audiences] know she's a good actress. And as J.Lo, she has had some great pop records. If she joins, I'm happy." We agree!

And what does he think of Steven Tyler joining the team? Nigel says, "He has come through that whole rock 'n' roll circus... Why wouldn't you want a legend there? You never know what he's going to say. That, as a TV producer, you're interested in." Can't argue with that.

READ: Ellen Degeneres Announces Exit From American Idol

Le sigh, though. When the heck are we going to find out who these judges are? We know it's a huge decision and can seriously make or break the show. Will we find out by tomorrow, the end of the week? We sure hope so!

Come on Nigel, make some decisions!