'American Idol' Producer Blames Ratings Decline on 'The Voice' and 'X Factor'

(NewsCore) - "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe blamed "The X Factor" and "The Voice" for the ratings decline in the early weeks of the show's eleventh season.

While "Idol" still lands among the top 10 most watched primetime shows, the total audience has declined as a sea of reality contests have flooded the market.

"With 'The X Factor' sitting there, it feels like two 'Idol' seasons on FOX," Lythgoe told reporters Tuesday in a press briefing, adding that NBC's "The Voice" felt too "gimmicky ... and in need of stronger talent."

He maintained he was still "thrilled with these ratings" after 11 years of churning out stars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

"Of course there's going to be some kind of deterioration," he admitted, adding, "I don't think we should be defending ourselves."

Auditions for the show wrapped up last week and fans will now see contestants at Hollywood Week, vying for a spot on the live TV performances.

"It's extremely dramatic," the British TV exec said about Hollywood Week, detailing how contestants fainted and fell from the stage due to extreme fatigue and dehydration.

He also noted that the popularity of Adele's sophomore album "21" had a huge influence on the song choices and musical genres favored by contestants, assuring viewers there will be some "bloody good talent" up on the stage.

Though rumors have recently circulated that "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest might be looking to move on from his post -- Lythgoe expressed hope that Seacrest will stay at the helm.

"I would hate to think of him leaving 'American Idol,' [he's the] glue that holds it all together," the producer said about the multi-talented TV and radio personality.

But after founding judge Simon Cowell departed the show in 2010, Lythgoe conceded "there always can be an 'Idol' without anybody."

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