American Idol gets new exec producer

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) has drafted in the former MD of Shine Group’s Friday TV to become the new exec producer of American Idol following Nigel Lythgoe’s resignation from the show.

Per Blankens

Per Blankens, who was showrunner of the Swedish version of the singing competition format for five seasons from 2007-11, will replace Lythgoe on American Idol next season in 2014.

Blankens joins two months after leaving Shine’s Friday TV, having been MD there for the past year. He arrived from Meter Television, where he was head of programmes, overseeing production on the Swedish versions of Master Chef and The Biggest Loser.

Trish Kinane, FMNA president of entertainment and the company’s American Idol exec producer, said of Blankens: “He is extremely passionate about Idol and I’m very excited about his ideas and vision for keeping Idol creatively vibrant. He brings the talent and energy needed to keep American Idol strong.”

The news follows Lythgoe’s official resignation from the show on Monday. Blankens will work alongside News Corp veteran David Hill on the 19 Entertainment coproduced show.

American Idol’s 13th season premiers on Fox in January 2014.