IATAS to fete Nigel Lythgoe

The Worldwide Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is placed to provide British producer Nigel Lythgoe having a 2011 founders award. Lythgoe, professional producer of "The American Idol ShowInch and e.p. and co-creator of "Which Means You Think You Are Able To Dance," will get the kudo in the 39th annual Worldwide Emmys gala in Gotham on November. 21. Lythgoe started his showbiz career like a ballerina and choreographer, beginning in the corps p ballet for that national tour of "The Merry Widow" and moving onto choreograph the BBC's "Youthful Generation" company, among many more. Like a television choreographer, he worked with with entertainers varying from Ben Vereen and Shirley Bassey towards the Muppets. Like a producer, Lythgoe's credits include "Gladiators" and "Blind Date," along with the U.K. version of "Survivor" Lythgoe became a member of Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment group, where he created "Pop Idol" -- the reveal that would spawn "The American Idol Show.Inch Most lately, he released "CMT's Next Celebrity," and it is associated with non profit organizations including Dizzy Ft, which supplies scholarship grants to youthful ballroom dancers and activly works to provide dance education in underprivileged towns. "This can be a true recognition," Lythgoe stated. "The field of television has become progressively more global, and i'm grateful the Worldwide Academy is realizing the growing need for carrying out arts and dance on tv around the world.Inch Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com