Reilly told reporters last week that the ratings for the singing competition had "dropped more than anticipated" and declared that the show will undergo "some creative tweaking" in advance of its next season.
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© Fox / Brad Barket
Lythgoe, who serves as American Idol's executive producer, confessed that he was "annoyed" by Reilly's remarks, insisting that he knew the ratings would take a tumble this year.
"I'm shocked that he would say we didn't anticipate that," Lythgoe told TV Line. "There's just a lot more on offer today, and kids don't always watch the television anymore.
"So, when Kevin says we've got to do new things next year, what are the changes? The format is a very simple format. Kids audition for us. Their talent is what brings people in to watch the show.
"Do we change the format? Maybe we should do it under water while basket weaving?"
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Lythgoe went on to say that he is frustrated when network bosses make such comments to the media.
"I get very annoyed with people, especially executives that should know what they're talking about, making statements like that," he said.
Lythgoe recently said that he hopes to see Jennifer Lopez return for another season of American Idol. The singer has served as a judge for two seasons thus far.
Lopez previously said that she is unsure about returning to American Idol for a third season.
Watch American Idol pay tribute to Robin Gibb on their recent season finale below:
