American Idol's returning executive producer Nigel Lythgoe stopped short of saying that the judges have been chosen for the show’s next season, Breaking Celebrity News has learned, but did indicate a decision will likely come down the pike in about three weeks.

The reality TV mogul told Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show Thursday that he was calling from San Francisco, where more than 10,000 hopefuls had auditioned for a coveted spot on the show.

AUDIO: Listen to Ryan's Interview with Nigel Lythgoe

"You just hope opening up more oysters, you can uncover more pearls," he said.

As Breaking Celebrity News previously reported, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are rumored to be joining incumbent judge Randy Jackson on a three-person panel. The fate of judge Kara DioGuardi, a two-year American Idol veteran, remains up in the air.

When asked about the panel, Lythgoe said, "I can tell you Ryan, absolutely nothing -- while negotiations are going on," adding he thinks the decision will be made "within the next three weeks."