It's taken a long time, but executive producer Nigel Lythgoe finally signed on for another season of "American Idol" this week, according to E! News.

The veteran producer, currently busy on FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance," had been in negotiations for months.

Now, Lythgoe has a tiny task: Finalize a judging panel for the hit talent show, which only has Mariah Carey under contract for the upcoming 12th season. Who will join Carey? Your guess is as good as FOX's!

Lythgoe, one of the original "Idol" producers, departed briefly in 2008, before returning for the show's 10th season.