American Idol Season 12

[Fanty_Management]

NEWS/American Idol Shakeup: Fox Considering Adam Lambert as Judge
by Marc Malkin, Melanie Bromley and Kristin Dos Santos

What the next season of American Idol will look like is anybody's guess right now.

The latest name to be floated around at Fox as a possible new judge is—get ready for it—Idol alum Adam Lambert!

"They have been talking about Adam for over a month," a source exclusively tells E! News. "He personifies the show, and will be a popular choice right from the start. He knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of the judges' comments, he has a human touch, and they know they can't go wrong if they bring him on. He would be able to bring a unique perspective to the show. People love him."

As E! News first told you, Jennifer Lopez has no plans to return for a third time at the judges' table.

As for Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler...

A source tells us that they are not necessarily going to be back either.

"Randy is great, but he's part of the old Idol," the source said. "They want to keep the soul of the show but have a new look, and for that reason he may well not be part of the new line up."

A Tyler source confirms the Aerosmith frontman isn't sure of his future. "All up in the air," the source said. "We shall see."

Fox will, multiple sources confirm, try to change Lopez's mind. "I don't know if they can afford Jennifer, but they have let it be known that she has a guaranteed spot if she wants it," one of the sources said. "She appeals to everyone so the big bosses are in favor of keeping her on."

Producer Nigel Lythgoe says he'd love to be there for season 12, but "as of this moment in time, we are still in negotiations as we are with everybody. Everything is up in the air."

Lythgoe, whose new reality series Opening Act premieres tonight on E!, also said, "There will be changes for sure, but nothing that stops it from what it is, which is an out and out talent show."

A rep for Fox declined to comment for this story.

Critics have complained that Lopez, Tyler and Jackson haven't been as harsh as past judging panels. "People are saying they're too sweet and too nice, but once you've put somebody that you love in the top 10 and they're coming every week and being good, it's hard to critique," Lythgoe said. "It's not like dancing, where you can say point your toes, spread your legs. It's more like, 'When you hit that top note, just smile.'"

[Fanty_Management]

Mariah Carey in the mix for ‘ American Idol’—source



NEW YORK—”American Idol” may be getting a worldwide idol as a judge — Mariah Carey.

A person familiar with the show’s negotiations say Carey is being pursued to join the judging panel of the Fox talent competition. The source requested anonymity because of the private nature of negotiations, which were termed as serious. Carey has also been courted by other talent competitions, and her name has been thrown out in the past for “Idol” and other shows.

There are two openings: Both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler announced last week that they were leaving as judges after two seasons. Randy Jackson, who is a manager, producer and friend of Carey’s, is the only judge left. There are reports that Jackson’s role may shift as well.

If Carey were to join, she’d bring considerable expertise on hitmaking: The Grammy-winner is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with numerous No. 1 hits. She’s currently working on a new album, her first since her twins were born last year.

It would also give the show a heavy dose of superstardom, which is key considering the star power on shows like “X Factor,” which added Britney Spears and Demi Lovato as judges and will begin its second season in the fall.

“American Idol” has been TV’s most popular program for nearly a decade, but has had a marked downturn in its audience. Once a ratings juggernaut, its last finale drew its lowest ratings in its 11-season history.

[Fanty_Management]

Aretha Franklin wants to be the next 'American Idol' judge

Soul great may replace Tyler, Lopez



LOS ANGELES - "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin said on Saturday that she is interested in joining "American Idol" as a judge, just days after Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler declared they have ended their judging roles on the Fox show.

The departure of Lopez and Tyler creates a major void in the three-judge panel on "Idol," which remains the most-watched television show contest in the United States but has seen its ratings slump in recent years.

In response to an email question asking Franklin whether she is interested in joining "Idol" as a judge or a mentor, the singer responded, "Yes I am interested as a judge!"

Franklin, 70, is the legendary singer of 1960s hits such as "Respect," "Chain of Fools" and "Baby I Love You." She has won 18 Grammys during her career, and in 1987 she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Representatives from Fox and FreemantleMedia, the production company behind "Idol," could not be reached for comment late on Saturday.

Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith who joined "Idol" two seasons ago along with pop singer Lopez, announced on Thursday that he would not return for the fall season. A day later, Lopez told "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest in a radio interview that she would be following Tyler out the door.

That leaves on the judging panel only Randy Jackson, who has been with the program since its inception in 2002 when he was on the panel with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. They have since moved on to the American version of "The X Factor," another singing contest.

It remains unclear if Jackson will stay on with "Idol."

The May season finale of "Idol" drew 21.2 million viewers, well off its highs of more than 30 million in the show's heyday.

[Fanty_Management]

Update:


The Chicago auditions – Ryan Seacrest was recently in the Windy City in order to take part in some brand-new tryouts, and there is some big news courtesy of a few past contestants.

According to a report from Mjsbigblog, a pair of familiar faces from season 11 in Johnny Keyser and Richie Law each auditioned in the city, and they ended up advancing to the next round.

Considering that Richie didn’t exactly have the best edit in the world last season, we’re actually a little surprised to see him go through with this again. With that being said, we still don’t think he will end up making the top 24.

However, Johnny seems like a pretty strong candidate — he was popular last year, and getting that sort of dismissal could inspire him to get better and actually make it all the way this time around. Considering that he is a pretty good-looking guy, you have to think he’d qualify for the tour right there.


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Gosh sana makapasok sila sa top 24!

[Jonny]

According to Nick Cannon, there is no way the show can afford Mariah.

[Fanty_Management]

According to Nick Cannon, there is no way the show can afford Mariah.

“I don’t know if they can afford Mariah Carey. That’s a lot of money. If they gave JLo $20 million, they might have to double that,” ~ Nick Cannon

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$40 million talaga????

Kakaloka!

[King_David]

Wala naman kasing kabuhay-buhay magcomment as judge sina J.Lo at Steven Tyler kaya okay lang na umalis sila

Nakakamiss yung mga seasons na judge pa si Simon Cowell kahit medyo echosero sya...

Hindi ko makalimutan yung comment nyang kaboses ni Fantasia si Donald Duck na nakalunok ng helium!



Di ko lang maalala kung anong kinanta nya nun... parang Latino week ata...

[3pqlang]

marami talagang nagsasabi na wag na muna daw ituloy ang season na ito dahil mejo hindi pa stable ang mga judges, sabi naman ng producers nakapag post na sila ng mga auditions so tuloy ito.... kahit daw anong mangyari...
marami ding debates kung sino ba ang mas credible na judges, celebrities or those from the music industry?
pero for me dapat lang nila ituloy ito no to ADAM LABMERT!!!
for me talaga, ito talaga ang mga dream judges ko for this season. ibalik sa 4 judges..
kahit sino sa kanila sure akong magiging plangak ang season na ito..

MARIAH CAREY

TOMMY MOTTOLA

JENNIFER HUDSON

USHER

KARA DIOGUARDI

RYAN TEDDER

[Fanty_Management]

Will Mariah Carey or Aretha Franklin join Idol?



Now that Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have officially bailed on American Idol, speculation is rife over which stars should replace the former judges.

While everyone from Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj to former Idol contestant Adam Lambert are rumoured to be in talks to join the TV talent show, another big name continues to be touted as a potential replacement: Mariah Carey.

Late last week, shortly after Tyler and Lopez announced their exits, a source told Us Weekly that Carey is among the names being pursued to join Randy Jackson on the Idol panel.

"They are in serious talks with Mariah and it's very close to being a done deal," said the insider, adding that should she sign up, Jackson would likely transition to a mentoring role rather than a judge on the Fox show.

"She's in play," another insider told People.com.


"They are in serious talks."

An anonymous source also confirmed to the Associated Press that Carey's name has been touted as a potential new judge.

But if Idol bosses want to snag the 42-year-old Butterfly songbird, they'll need very deep pockets and some serious smackaroos, according to Carey's hubby, Nick Cannon.

"Everybody wants to talk to her," the America's Got Talent host told TMZ. "I don't know if they can afford Mariah Carey. That's a lot of money," he said.

Exactly how much money are we talking here?

"I mean they gave J.Lo $20 million, they might have to double that!" he quipped.

Asked if she was in negotiations for the show, Cannon replied: "I don't know! I'm not her manager, I'm her husband. I mean, you never know. It's one of those things where she's got an album coming out, so it's promotion."

But with Idol producers reportedly looking to downsize the show significantly for season 12, cutting budgets, staff and salaries, coughing up for Carey's hefty price tag might be a bit of a stretch.

E! News correspondent Jason Kennedy agrees.

"They're low-balling all the judges right now," he told US TV show Today. "They're not giving them the lucrative contracts. The show has struggled a little bit in the ratings, (but) it's still No. 1... but can they afford someone like a Mariah Carey?"

Meanwhile, step aside J.Lo, and make room for the Queen of Soul.

According to the latest buzz, Aretha Franklin might just step in and save the day on the show.

TMZ claims that the 70-year-old music idol emailed CNN over the weekend and volunteered her judging services to join Idol.

Asked about a future role in the singing competition, she replied: "Yes, I am interested as a judge".

One of the legendary singer's pals chimed to the New York Daily News: "She would love that gig. It pays millions of dollars and she could stay put [in one place] for a few months to do it."

Franklin also mentioned American Idol in an interview with the Las Vegas Sun last week.

"I still haven't been on American Idol or The Voice. I'd love to be a mentor.

"It seems that each time I come to the West Coast, they're just going on vacation, so we can never get to do anything together. I come West at a certain time of year, and when I like to come is when they're going. That's happened at least two or three times now," said the singer.

The snag? Franklin has a phobia of flying, which would make traveling state to state during the show's audition stages a tad problematic.

Fox, and its producers, Freemantle Media, have yet to respond to Franklin's offer.

Lopez announced her departure from the show at the end of last week, telling Idol host Ryan Seacrest in a radio interview that her decision came at the end of "a really long thought process".

Lopez said, "It's been a long process ... I've really been torn. Something has to give.

"The time has come for me to get back to the other things that I do. We had an amazing run."

Aerosmith frontman Tyler announced his departure on Friday.

"I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I'm back," he said in a statement.

"I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit," Tyler added, in a reference to the movie, Fatal Attraction.

"I got two fists in the air, and I'm kicking the door open with my band."

[Fanty_Management]

James Durbin helps out season 12 – If there is one thing especially cool about what the show is doing this year to help promote the season 12 auditions, it’s that they are having a former contestant stop by many of the auditions to give encouragement and join in the fun. Following some recent appearances by the likes of Haley Reinhart and Scotty McCreery, James Durbin has now done the same thing for the auditions in New Orleans.

Will he end up making it on to TV here? It’s hard to say, but at least Durbin played a valuable role in helping to keep Ryan Seacrest company as he oversaw the event.

Charlie Sheen still wants to be judge – Is this talk about Charlie Sheen potentially being a judge on this show moving forward completely ridiculous? Yes, but there is still something about his enthusiasm that makes us almost want to root for it against our own better judgment.
Sheen himself called into Ryan

Seacrest’s radio show this week, and said that if the stars aligned in the right way, he may actually want to give this judging gig a shot:

“It kind of came out of nowhere and I responded with a quote just to sort of check the temperature of it or test the waters, haven’t heard anything back. I guess it got some people curious … It seems so out of the blue that it almost made perfect sense. I thought this could be a lot of fun. Seriously…I’m genuinely interested. It’s so different, it could be radical.”

We should ultimately note here that the chances of this actually happening are somewhere between “slim” and none.

http://cartermatt.com/26837/american...charlie-sheen/

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Charlie Sheen??! WTF!!

[Fanty_Management]

Can R&B divas like Mariah and Aretha keep ‘American Idol’ relevant?
Opinion



Season 12 of American Idol is turning out to have some very difficult hurdles to overcome before they even start auditioning hopefuls – sagging ratings and no judge panel. Could recruiting new star power like Mariah Carey or Aretha Franklin be the key to reviving this dying brand?

Though American Idol does exceptionally well in comparison to other competitive reality shows, its legacy has been fading for a few years now. At its peak in 2006, the fifth season of the show had an average viewership of nearly 30 million. This past season saw a 23 percent drop in ratings, despite the artificial boost in viewership that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler brought when they became judges in season 10.

Lopez and Tyler joining Idol bought a temporary influx in viewers out of sheer curiosity, but their judging style was not ratings gold. Both are leaving to focus on their own careers, though certainly another influencing factor may be at work; judging can be a difficult task, and the Idol schedule is extremely grueling.

With those two out, and Randy Jackson also reportedly seeking an exit, Idol producers are frantically searching for celebrity judges to not only fill the seats, but also provide the ratings boost they oh-so-desperately need. Names like Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin have been floated, both of whom could prove to be formidable judges. For one, for the first time in the history of American Idol, they would be two judges who have actually had extremely successful recording careers based upon their (gasp!) singing talent. Sorry Paula and J-Lo, but lets be honest – you both are dancers who lucked out with a few recording hits. But respected singers they are not, and the two doling out singing advice lack the credibility the panel needs.

In the personality category, Mariah and Aretha also have the potential to hit it big. Fact is, judging isn’t only about delivering credible advice and criticism, it’s about delivering it with a punch. As mean as Simon Cowell was, viewers loved to tune in for the horrible insults he would hurl at contestants. Mariah Carey’s known for her quirky, somewhat self-absorbed personality, which could prove to be quite entertaining on-screen. Aretha would fall nicely into a “tell-it-like-it-is” grandmother stereotype, which is really what the show needs – an experienced veteran who can dole out tough but fair advice and criticism.

However, even the addition of these two divas can only take the show so far. It’s not 2005 anymore – Idol faces tough competition from big brands like The X Factor, where Cowell is currently lowering self-esteems. Plus there’s NBC’s The Voice, which has injected the singing competition reality TV show with some much-needed innovation.

Twelve seasons in, the Idol machine has definitely become more predictable – just look at the preeminent White-Guy-With-A-Guitar trope that has ruled the past five seasons, and also the dominance of winners from the South.

Beyond the judges, it’s going to take better contestants, and that means a better carrot to dangle than signing away your life to a management company. Mariah Carey or Aretha Franklin as judges could help, but it’s going to take more than a couple of pop stars to revive American Idol.

[3pqlang]

Pag naging judge tong mga to ewan ko na lang
ArethaFranklin, Charlie Sheen, Adam Lambert

Aretha - her sparks lost, she's outdated, iba na ang generation ngayon
Charlie - Seriously? hindi nga nagclick nung ipinasok nila si Ellen, Charlie pa kaya
Adam Lambert - Please no, if gusto nilang may judge na alumna ng AI. ang dami pang mas deserving sa kanya kahit na mga runner ups...

kaya sila natatalo ng THE VOICE eh,

[King_David]

Pag naging judge tong mga to ewan ko na lang
ArethaFranklin, Charlie Sheen, Adam Lambert

Aretha - her sparks lost, she's outdated, iba na ang generation ngayon
Charlie - Seriously? hindi nga nagclick nung ipinasok nila si Ellen, Charlie pa kaya
Adam Lambert - Please no, if gusto nilang may judge na alumna ng AI. ang dami pang mas deserving sa kanya kahit na mga runner ups...

kaya sila natatalo ng THE VOICE eh,

Runner up din si Adam Lambert

[3pqlang]

Runner up din si Adam Lambert

pero mas marami pang runner ups na deserving maging judge..
at talagang ayaw ko kay adam hahahah

[Fanty_Management]

Aretha Franklin slams Kathy Lee after ‘Today’ host says she’s too old for ‘American Idol’

by Chris Witherspoon



Aretha Franklin is letting it be known that she has what it takes to be a judge on American Idol. Days ago the “Respect” singer sent an email to CNN volunteering to be a judge on the upcoming season of Idol, with one major caveat – she wants Patti LaBelle by her side.

Franklin’s eagerness to host the singing competition has prompted members the media to weigh in on whether she has what it takes to bring ratings back to the show.

Yesterday on NBC’s Today, Kathie Lee Gifford suggested that younger Idol viewers are not familiar with Franklin’s musical legacy. “If they are looking for a younger demographic, there are a lot of kids out there (who) actually don’t know who Aretha Franklin is. It’s sad, but they don’t,” Gifford said.

E! correspondent Jason Kennedy, who was a guest on the show, added that Franklin doesn’t like to fly and probably wouldn’t be able to make it to nationwide auditions.

Gifford’s comments prompted the 70-year-old could singer to send an email to CNN in her defense.

“While I enjoy Kathie Lee and Hoda daily, her assessment is totally wrong! I’ve been to California from Detroit four times this year and Florida. I go wherever I choose to go comfortably on my custom bus.

Further, my audience and fans span the age of 8 to 90! And are multi-ethnic, and I am very well known to young adults, tweens and teens. Their parents play my music and I take care of my business whenever I sign on the dotted line! I’m surprised Kathie Lee did not research my worldwide celebrity audience! She’s usually right on top of things with a great sense of humor, but she’s totally wrong this time. She should research me before she speaks about me. I’m sure she thought she was right; still enjoy Hoda and Kathie Lee! I could enjoy being a judge for a season or two. Let’s kick it up a few notches and have a slammin’, jammin’ season.”

Franklin is proving that she is serious about wanting to be a judge American Idol. Do you think she is too old to connect with viewers?

[Albrige]

Wow bagong bahay!



Kay Jimmy Iovine, may balita?

[Jonny]

I want Katherine Jenkins to be considered as a judge! She's a perfect fit! Someone tweet that to Nigel please!

[3pqlang]

Aretha Franklin slams Kathy Lee after ‘Today’ host says she’s too old for ‘American Idol’

by Chris Witherspoon

http://thegrio.files.wordpress.com/2...klin.jpg?w=650

Aretha Franklin is letting it be known that she has what it takes to be a judge on American Idol. Days ago the “Respect” singer sent an email to CNN volunteering to be a judge on the upcoming season of Idol, with one major caveat – she wants Patti LaBelle by her side.

Franklin’s eagerness to host the singing competition has prompted members the media to weigh in on whether she has what it takes to bring ratings back to the show.

Yesterday on NBC’s Today, Kathie Lee Gifford suggested that younger Idol viewers are not familiar with Franklin’s musical legacy. “If they are looking for a younger demographic, there are a lot of kids out there (who) actually don’t know who Aretha Franklin is. It’s sad, but they don’t,” Gifford said.

E! correspondent Jason Kennedy, who was a guest on the show, added that Franklin doesn’t like to fly and probably wouldn’t be able to make it to nationwide auditions.

Gifford’s comments prompted the 70-year-old could singer to send an email to CNN in her defense.

“While I enjoy Kathie Lee and Hoda daily, her assessment is totally wrong! I’ve been to California from Detroit four times this year and Florida. I go wherever I choose to go comfortably on my custom bus.

Further, my audience and fans span the age of 8 to 90! And are multi-ethnic, and I am very well known to young adults, tweens and teens. Their parents play my music and I take care of my business whenever I sign on the dotted line! I’m surprised Kathie Lee did not research my worldwide celebrity audience! She’s usually right on top of things with a great sense of humor, but she’s totally wrong this time. She should research me before she speaks about me. I’m sure she thought she was right; still enjoy Hoda and Kathie Lee! I could enjoy being a judge for a season or two. Let’s kick it up a few notches and have a slammin’, jammin’ season.”

Franklin is proving that she is serious about wanting to be a judge American Idol. Do you think she is too old to connect with viewers?

see!!! pati si kathy lee alam ang gusto kong ipoint

[3pqlang]

I want Katherine Jenkins to be considered as a judge! She's a perfect fit! Someone tweet that to Nigel please!

pwede din..
total galing singing contest din naman siya...

[icol]

I'm fine with Lambert judging. He's fitting because he was a contestant so it's practical to let someone who've been under the same circumstances as the future Idols. Plus, he had a good run with the show.

Though more than that, sana total revamp na. Tanggalin na si Randy Jackson.