So You Think You Can Dance Judge - Nigel Lythgoe

Nigel Lythgoe, currently the President of 19 Television, joined 19 Television as Chief Executive in 2001 from London Weekend Television, where he was controller of entertainment and comedy. Lythgoe is one of the U.K.'s most respected TV talents and has a host of major credits, including the U.K. series "Pop Idol," "Gladiators" and six Royal Variety Shows. He co-created and executive-produces the Emmy winning series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. His other executive-producer credits include all seven seasons of AMERICAN IDOL as well as "Next Great American Band," "American Juniors," "All American Girl" and the specials "An American Idol Christmas" and "World Idol." AMERICAN IDOL has been nominated for 30 Emmy Awards and in 2007 received the prestigious Governors Award, the Television Academy's highest honor, for IDOL GIVES BACK. Lythgoe became a household name in the U.K. as "Nasty Nigel," the judge on "Popstars."

Lythgoe lives in Los Angeles.


How So You Think You Can Dance differs from other dance shows on television?

"I think So You Think You Can Dance offers a real insight into the world of dance, into the creativity of a routine. You're seeing world-class choreographers put together a routine there and then in front of the camera with dances that are just out to win a competition. Get a quarter of a million dollars. I mean - when I was a dancer, a quarter of a million dollars was the end of a rainbow. You never saw that. Now, there's the opportunity to get your hands on a quarter of a million dollars, at the same time doing something you love with a passion; that you've got every sort of fiber of their body that wants to dance."

How difficult it is for dancers to appear on So You Think You Can Dance?

"I think it's very tough to come here and get onto the show. So many people don't realize what we're looking for in dance. We don't just need technique; we need charisma, we need all of those things that sort of falls under the label of "the X factor". No one really knows what it is. It's something that some people have and other people don't. Now, add to that a dance technique and well and it's tough."