Surprise: American Idol Eyes Justin Timberlake as Potential Judge, Rehires Nigel Lythgoe

Back in April, American Idol co-creator Nigel Lythgoe declared that the only way to really revive Fox's mega-franchise would be to wipe out the entire judging panel and start over. The problem was that, at the time, Lythgoe had forfeited his executive producer title to focus on his other competition show, So You Think You Can Dance...until yesterday, when Lythgoe inked a new contract with Fox.

The network is bringing Lythgoe back in time to help the franchise survive its first season without top judge Simon Cowell. Lythgoe has been vocal about removing all four judges and returning to the original three-panelist format. Earlier this year, the British judge/executive producer revealed that his ideal judge team would be Elton John, Usher and Paula Abdul.

In addition to Elton John, various Idol rumors have placed Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr. as possible replacements. The Hollywood Reporter claims that the newest artist to be thrown into the metaphorical judging ring is Justin Timberlake.

As far as the three remaining judges on the show: Kara DioGuardi's one-year-at-a-time deal has not been re-inked yet, Ellen DeGeneres has a multiyear deal at the network and Randy Jackson has another year on his contract.

· Nigel Lythgoe near deal to return to American Idol [THR]