Nigel Lythgoe Wants to Know Why Viewers Hate Reality Television Judges

The man behind "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol" has spoken out about the public hatred of reality TV judges. Nigel Lythgoe, a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance," doesn't understand why viewers of talent shows get so angry when their favorite contestant gets voted out of a competition. He said, "No matter how much you bitch and complain about the horrible judges - the horrible judges who picked the contestants in the first place, and had to love them to pick them... stop saying you hate them! Why do you hate them so much?" It's true that the judges always pick the finalists for each show, but does that really make it okay for them to be so rude to them during the live shows?

Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Cowell are best known for their acid tongues when critiquing a performance. Cowell in particular made some scathing, and hurtful comments as a judge on "American Idol." With lines such as, " I don't mean to be rude, but you look like The Incredible Hulk's wife," and, "Shave off your beard and wear a dress. You would be a great female impersonator," it's easy to see why people could take offense.

The problem with remarks like Cowell's is that they are just outright insults. It's one thing to tell someone that their talent is limited, but quite another to insult their appearance. Reality TV shows are for people with dreams, and while giving them false hope is a bad idea, damaging their self-esteem is deplorable. Viewers don't take kindly to hearing trash talk about the contestants they love, and usually respond by venting their frustration.

Another reason people get so annoyed at reality TV judges is that they often bicker among themselves. Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell fought constantly, and Nigel Lythgoe himself had an on-screen spat with Sisqo on "So You Think You Can Dance." It is irritating to watch every day people getting an amazing opportunity, only for it to be overshadowed by an argument between the experts. Most of the time, those arguments stem from one of them having said something rude.

If Nigel Lythgoe is looking for a reason why viewers hate reality TV judges, they need only look to themselves to find the answer. All it would take is a little bit of politeness, respect for the contestants and respect for each other. Perhaps the shows wouldn't be as entertaining without the petty sniping, but it would certainly keep the rage of the fans to a minimum.