During a press conference at the TV Critics Association press tour to promote So You Think You Can Dance, judge Nigel Lythgoe commented on a situation involving his other job, exec producer of American Idol.

Expressing his disappointment over Steven Tyler’s departure, he clarified that, during an interview with Ryan Seacrest on his radio show, Lythgoe was quoted as saying that Jennifer Lopez said there was a “99 per cent chance” she’d be leaving the show.

Pointing out that he thought that was an unusual way to express an intention to leave (“You’re either leaving, or not”) Lythgoe says he remains hopeful that there may be a way to bring her back for another season.

“I’m hoping that one per cent means she’s not leaving,” he said.