Category: American Idol News

Jennifer Lopez seems close to a deal with American Idol

Katie Bernard
Sep 3 |19:09
Jennifer Lopez on June 14, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBS) Jennifer Lopez seems close to being a go for “American Idol”

The 41-year-old singer-actress is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a deal to appear a judge on the show’s next season.

Pictures: Who Will Judge “Idol”?
Pictures: Jennifer Lopez

According to TMZ.com, the Lopez deal could be finalized and “inked as early as next week.”

The Hollywood Reporter wrote in July that Lopez would fill one of the open seats left by Ellen DeGeneres, who decided to leave her judging position after just one season, and Simon Cowell.

The website also reported that producers of the show considered the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer to be one of the best mentors to ever appear on the program, and Lopez is said to be a huge “American Idol” fan. Degeneres was reportedly criticized for her lack of music-critiquing skills.

Adding a big name entertainer such as Jennifer Lopez is believed to be an effort to revitalize the show, which has been garnering fledgling ratings in the last few seasons.

However, a report in People magazine from Aug. 12 stated that Fox had taken back their offer to Lopez because “her demands got out of hand” and the network “had just had enough.”

 

American Idol’ adds L.A. audition on Sept. 22 2010

Katie Bernard
Sep 3 |14:43

 

LOS ANGELES — “American Idol” is expanding the talent search for its next season with an audition in Los Angeles later this month. The hit Fox TV singing contest had announced tryouts in six cities, wrapping in San Francisco in August.

 An “American Idol” producer said Thursday the Los Angeles audition is a response to the impressive turnout at those tryouts. 

The Sept. 22 audition in Los Angeles also gives “American Idol” breathing room as it fills openings left by the departure of judges Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are the reported frontrunners. The show returns in January.

 

‘American Idol’ Responds After ‘X Factor’ Scandal

Katie Bernard
Aug 27 |15:57

American Idol and auto tune X Factor

Simon CowellPhil Mccarten/Reuters Simon Cowell, the former “American Idol” judge and “X Factor” creator.

No sooner has Simon Cowell departed from “American Idol” than the reality series has started distancing itself from that acid-tongued former judge, as his British series “The X Factor” finds itself embroiled in scandal.

Producers of Fox’s “American Idol” said in a statement reported by The Associated Press that they do not use pitch-correcting technology to tweak the singing voices of their show’s contestants.

The statement was not merely a fait accompli for “Idol” viewers who have become accustomed to performers who can be occasionally out of tune (or “pitchy,” to borrow Randy Jackson’s coinage): it was a preemptive measure at a time when “The X Factor” is being assailed for misrepresenting the abilities of its contenders.

Producers of “The X Factor,” which Mr. Cowell created and plans to bring to American television next year, have acknowledged that they used the pitch-correcting program Auto-Tune to correct the voices of some singers on the show, though they said it was to compensate for the different microphones used during their performances.

In their statement the “American Idol” producers wrote, “We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the ‘American Idol’ competition.”

 

Report: Steven Tyler confirmed for ‘American Idol

Katie Bernard
Aug 18 |17:46

Steven Tyler is American Idol next judge…

Today 6:20 AM PDT by

Steven Tyler
Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

Steven Tyler is signed, sealed, and Idol‘d.

While Fox officially says “no comment,” a very-inside music source confirms the flamboyant Aerosmith singer finalized negotiations late last week and is officially signed on to be a judge on the 10th season of American Idol. Whew, now we have somebody else to wear wackier makeup than Paula Abdul ever did, too fab!

And as far as that other glitzy gal rumored to be seated at the judge’s table…

Idol-wise, Jennifer Lopez‘s diva demands haven’t totally put her out of the running for the gig. But supposedly asking for pay north of $20 million—plus her own hair, makeup, styling team and “dressing room compound”—isn’t in tune with what Fox had in mind. Especially since they are still in talks with other big celeb names.

Tyler probably would have gotten away with anything since he hasn’t been causing that much of a fuss, but mostly what he’s asked for, so far, is that he looks real friggin’ good when he hits the boob-tube this fall.

Like top-notch wardrobe and makeup team on deck at all times (but, trust, he’s not being J.Lo about it, at all). And that’s a good thing—like we said, ever since Paula took off, Idol desperately needs someone who brings the crazy fashion and makeup.

As for just bringing the crazy?

That’s going to have to be filled by whoever the next judge will be. Any suggestions out there folks? Its crunch time over at Fox so now is the time to be vocal.

And we’re not being sarcastic when we say they should give Jessica Simpson another thought. It would be like Chicken of the Sea meets, like, music. Totally awesomeness.

 

Does ‘American Idol’ need an extreme makeover?

Katie Bernard
Aug 17 |15:02

Does ‘American Idol’ need an extreme makeover?

Published: Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 8:00 AM

FoxWhich of these ‘American Idol‘ regulars will be back for Season 10? So far, we know for certain that Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres won’t be back, and there’s a strong possibility Kara DioGuardi won’t be back. Will too many changes hurt the show?

If you take the chocolate frosting and the creamy filling out of a Hostess Cup Cake, do you still have a Hostess Cup Cake?

Not even close.

If you take Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi out of “American Idol,” do you still have “American Idol?” Read More…