Nigel Lythgoe, one of the men responsible for American Idol, has left his post as executive producer of the show.

Celebrity gossip site TMZ has learned that Lythgoe has recently taken himself off the series. No replacement has been named.

According to sources, Lythgoe said privately he is "not passionate about it anymore." Reportedly, he wants to dedicate more time to his gig as a juge on So You Think You Can Dance.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.