"I spent an entire season wooing her and if she was ever going to do it, she would have," Nigel tells PopWrap. The timing was perfect for her and I was rather shocked she didn't pick up and join us at any point. I mean, Katie Holmes was there, Jennifer Lopez was there. I know we don't have "Idol" money and so does Paula, but at the end of the day I do plenty of things for no money because I want to support dance. And as an dancer/performer/choreographer, I would have thought she'd like to support us."But that wasn't the only news Nigel was breaking today -- not only did he reveal his pick to replace Simon Cowell -- Elton John! -- but it sounds like Mary Murphy's hot tamale train has seen its last passenger!
PopWrap: You recently Tweeted about major changes coming to "SYTYCD," what can you tell us?
Nigel Lythgoe: Shocking, shocking, shocking format changes. I can't say anything just yet, not until all my ducks are in a row, but it's going to be huge. I will tweet when we're going to release the news.
PW: Many people feel that you are referring to Mary Murphy leaving since she missed a lot of auditions, are you?
Nigel: I wasn't talking about that, but she did miss a bunch. You know, I'd like to see Mary choreographing this season. But her absence gave me the opportunity to use more people as judges, to move around more.
PW: Will these rotating judges carry through to the live shows?
Nigel: I hope so. I know Adam [Shankman] wants to stick around, but this last season with me, Adam and Mary was a little predictable. I sort of felt like I knew what everyone would say before they said it. But I am not moving!
For more of PopWrap's interview with Nigel Lythoe, click here.
