Simon Cowell is exiting American Idol but rumors in Hollywood now circulate about the possibility of the entire panel of judges getting dumped as well. Just as a shakedown happened a few years ago, a new one could very well occur now that there have been reports that Nigel Lythgoe might actually come back to the “Idol” fold as executive producer, after a two-year break.

Claiming that Fox is nearing a deal with Lythgoe, reports of a reboot of the show comes in the heels of Cowell exiting the picture. There are also unconfirmed reports that the show’s producers are also trying to woo people as disparate as Justin Timberlake and Elton John to possibly take on judging chores on the show.

Meanwhile, Lythgoe —who helped launched the “Idol” phenomenon in the UK with its original version called “Pop Idol”— led the show’s U.S. version for six years. Lythgoe is now famous for producing and sitting as judge in the reality talent series, “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Lythgoe reportedly left “Idol” two years ago as part of a show makeover. But despite freshening up the series, ratings continued to slip. And amid rumors that producer Simon Fuller and Fox have been considering not just having Cowell out but replacing the panel altogether, along comes back Lythgoe, who has been vocal about his criticism of the show.

“I would replace the entire judging panel. I don’t think it really works replacing one person,” Lythgoe was quoted before. And while it seems nobody’s fate is sealed in “Idol” just yet, what of Lythgoe? Could he really do double duties as executive producer of two reality shows?