The first time Lythgoe got an opportunity to perform as a dancer was in the 1970s. He got a chance to perform for Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly. He worked as a choreographer under Ben Veeren for many years. Later, he was promoted to the position of Head of Entertainment. Nigel worked as a producer for shows such as Gladiators and Blind Date, which were huge successes.
He became a judge for the show called Popstars. He was approached to direct and be an executive producer for Survivor. He also produced a show that was named Pop Idol. It became a global franchise, and it also includes the famous show called American Idol. He turned a producer for the show American Idol in 2002.
He was also seen as a judge in the show So You Think You Can Dance that was aired on Fox Television Network. He opened a company called Big Red 2 Entertainment in the year 2009 in partnership with his friend Fuller.
