Nigel Lythgoe: "Paula Stays - Courtney Love Duped by American Idol Imposter"  2/1/07

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American Idol boss Nigel Lythgoe has slammed reports he approached Courtney Love about joining the hit show, insisting she must have been the victim of a prank caller.

The former Hole rocker said on Tuesday (30JAN07) she had been contacted by Lythgoe about becoming a judge on the reality talent competition, possibly as a replacement for Paula Abdul.

She told American publication Us Weekly, "He called. He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird, but brilliant."

Lythgoe denies the conversation took place telling the magazine, "I did not call Courtney Love and am afraid someone may have misrepresented me.

"Courtney Love is a very talented artist, but the judges for American Idol are Paula, Randy (Jackson) and Simon (Cowell). We have no plans to add to or replace any of them."

A source close to Love adds, "It was probably a prank."