Nigel Lythgoe grew up in New Brighton, a beautiful seaside resort in Merseyside, England. Just across the River Mersey was Liverpool, a city where British talent was taking over the music scene throughout Britain and all over the world – most notably, the Beatles. “Everybody wanted to be part of this pulsating scene,” states Nigel, “the general feeling in this vibrant area of New Brighton was, ‘if the Beatles can become a world force and they come from Liverpool, so can we.’”
And it was here, in New Brighton, where the stage was set for Nigel’s career as a performer. On a pier that extended into the Irish Sea at the mouth of the River Mersey, stood a small theatre that held weekend talent shows. At the young age of 11, Nigel would perform every weekend and during school holidays. “I remember singing Neil Sedaka songs like Hey, Little Devil and Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.” Nigel was asked to compete at the competition finals at the end of summer, where he came in second to a young girl who sang and tap-danced. This inspired him to learn the art of tap. “I began lessons shortly after,” states Nigel, “and the following year I sang and tap danced but was beaten by the same girl who now sang, tapped and did a ventriloquist act as well!” Nigel’s persistence to be the best led him to become a great tap dancer and slowly took up other forms of dance such as jazz, ballroom and classical. By 16, he was a full time dance student. “I chose dancing as a career because I was good at it. Besides, anyone who becomes involved with dance needs to ‘love’ it as I do.” states Nigel. In 1968, Nigel began his career in the popular British song and dance group The Young Generation. A few years later, he became their choreographer, having choreographed over 500 shows in the UK and Europe and working with stars like Bing Crosby, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen and even the talented Gene Kelly. “Choreography developed very easily for me, because I like telling people what to do!” states Nigel. Nigel’s success didn’t stop on the dance floor. He made his way through the television industry and by 1996, Nigel became the Controller of Entertainment and Comedy at London Weekend Television. In 2000, he was the producer and judge of the British version of Popstars. Nigel joined Simon Fuller’s 19 Television as President in 2001, and helped develop Fuller’s concept of Idol. The show became an instant hit on British television and later around the world. Nigel went on to co-create and executive produce So You Think You Can Dance where he returned in front of the cameras as a judge. Nigel teamed up with Simon Fuller to form Big Red 2 Entertainment where their first project is the new series, Superstars of Dance. Professionally, Nigel agrees he has a reasonably easy life. “I work hard and have been relatively successful. There have been failures along the way, some I’ve understood and others I haven’t. I am constantly inspired by ordinary people who overcome the most difficult of life’s challenges to the people who give up their lives in order to help others live theirs. I believe the human race is an inspiration in itself – none more so than when it’s challenged by overwhelming odds. We somehow manage to prevail. One of the most important qualities that people need, not just in business but in life, is a good sense of humor. We must be able to laugh at ourselves. It lightens the heavy burden we all carry to be successful.” |
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Photos Courtesy Nigel Lythgoe |
