Jennifer Lopez And Steven Tyler Take Their Seats At The American Idol Judges' Table

Courtesy: FOX/Nigel Lythgoe's Twitter

Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and judge of FOX's So You Think You Can Dance, is back in charge of American Idol ... and already, he's making the show's new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler feel right at home.

Here's a first look at the new panel of judges on AI in their official seats ... with Randy Jackson being the only remaining original judge. I'm sure it's going to be extra intimidating for those contestants ... now that such superstars are sitting at the table.

Along with this photo taken at the New Jersey auditions, Nigel Lythoe tweets:

"It's great to be back on American Idol. The judges were great."

Lythgoe came to the US from the UK back in 2002 to produce American Idol. In 2008, he left to join SYTYCD.

The new AI season will begin airing in January. We can't wait to see JLo dish out that tough love!