Former Idol Producer Says He'd "Replace Entire Judging Panel" And Bring Back Paula Abdul!

American Idol's ratings have been falling since Paula Abdul left the show, and adding Ellen Degeneres to the panel -- which was intended to boost viewership -- has only made things worse!

One Idol producer says it's not enough to replace just one person. At this point, the only thing that can save the show would be to get rid of Simon, Randy, Kara AND Ellen...and bring back Paula!

"I would replace the entire judging panel," former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told Zap2it. "I don't think it really works replacing one person. They don't have a great deal of chemistry at the moment. Ryan and Simon have fallen out. It's uncomfortable to watch. Ellen hasn't worked out as well as we would have hoped."

His dream panel?

"Elton John, Usher and Paula Abdul."

Paula's denied rumors of a return to Idol in the past, but perhaps if they really do eliminate her former frenemies, she'd reconsider?

She certainly was in a great mood yesterday when she was out shopping in Beverly Hills! Maybe Nigel's really on to something...