Nigel Lythgoe’s return to “American Idol” is expected to be officially announced today.

Lythgoe will return as an executive producer only — and not as a judge, as has been rumored, sources say.

Lythgoe left “Idol” two seasons ago to focus on his other Fox show, “So You Think You Can Dance” (on which he’s also a judge).

His “Idol” return has sparked rumors of massive changes to the judges panel in the wake of Ellen DeGeneres’ departure from the show after only one season.