Is a big revamping of American Idol in the works? Former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is finalizing a deal to return for the upcoming 10th season of the show, reports Deadline. He’s expected to serve alongside Ken Warwick (who has been running Idol for the past 2 years), creator Simon Fuller and Cecile Frot-Coutaz. Lythgoe, a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, helped launch Idol in England. In April, Lythgoe told E! News the show had become too much about the judges and not enough about the talent, prompting buzz that all the judges might be given the boot after Simon Cowell‘s departure. But Ellen DeGeneres has a multiyear contract, so she’s not going anywhere. And Randy Jackson has a year left on his contract. Kara DioGuardi hasn’t yet re-upped for 2011. Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak and Bret Michaels are said to be up for the job, and now The Hollywood Reporter says Justin Timberlake and Elton John are high on Fuller’s wish list to take Cowell’s empty seat. – Ann Oldenburg