Is "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is still trying to recruit Elton John as a judge for the Fox program? That’s the question posed by Deadline.com.

 The report says Lythgoe responded to a question about hiring Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez as judges by saying, "I must say, I really do love Elton John. He’s a huge favorite of mine." He added that Elton John’s busy schedule is "always the problem." Lythgoe also added whether or not John clears off time on his schedule "depends on whether [he] wants to give back," the story says.

But there isn’t a deal in the works because of John’s touring schedule and his asking price, the story says.