There have been a number of big names from the entertainment field tossed around as potential new judges on “American Idol,” to replace Simon Cowell. Nigel Lythgoe’s return to ‘American Idol’ as an executive producer is said to have precipitated the sweep of judges, with Ellen DeGeneres dropping out first. It seems likely Kara DioGuardi is also gone too, while Randy Jackson’s future seems uncertain. Elton John, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Chris Isaak, Harry Connick Jr. were allegedly among celebrity music industry folks under consideration. Of late Jennifer Lopez and possibly Steven Tyler have been the rumored front runners. It seems pretty certain though unofficial that J.Lo will be an ‘American Idol’ judge, but word is the job only became hers after several big-name celebrities passed on the opportunity. According to Rob Shuter at Popeater, producers first asked Elton John and Barry Manilow, who have mentored contestants in prior seasons, but both declined preferring to focus on performing. I think Elton would have been an awesome judge but I can certainly see why he might not really be interested. An interesting side note is that after Elton and Barry turned them down Jessica Simpson was considered along with J.Lo, as Idol producers started looking at celebrities whose careers were basically stuck in neutral. Jessica supposedly was made a firm offer to be a judge, but her dad-manager Joe Simpson lived up to his reputation, gumming up the works. Idol execs reportedly found it impossible to negotiate a deal with papa Joe, and moved on. I have said before I think Jessica would have been a poor choice anyway. I am not so sure whether it’s a smart move for Steven Tyler to take the judging gig if it has been offered, but it might be interesting to see what he brings to the table.Papa Joe killed Judging Opportunity for Jessica Simpson on American Idol?
There have been a number of big names from the entertainment field tossed around as potential new judges on “American Idol,” to replace Simon Cowell. Nigel Lythgoe’s return to ‘American Idol’ as an executive producer is said to have precipitated the sweep of judges, with Ellen DeGeneres dropping out first. It seems likely Kara DioGuardi is also gone too, while Randy Jackson’s future seems uncertain. Elton John, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Chris Isaak, Harry Connick Jr. were allegedly among celebrity music industry folks under consideration. Of late Jennifer Lopez and possibly Steven Tyler have been the rumored front runners. It seems pretty certain though unofficial that J.Lo will be an ‘American Idol’ judge, but word is the job only became hers after several big-name celebrities passed on the opportunity. According to Rob Shuter at Popeater, producers first asked Elton John and Barry Manilow, who have mentored contestants in prior seasons, but both declined preferring to focus on performing. I think Elton would have been an awesome judge but I can certainly see why he might not really be interested. An interesting side note is that after Elton and Barry turned them down Jessica Simpson was considered along with J.Lo, as Idol producers started looking at celebrities whose careers were basically stuck in neutral. Jessica supposedly was made a firm offer to be a judge, but her dad-manager Joe Simpson lived up to his reputation, gumming up the works. Idol execs reportedly found it impossible to negotiate a deal with papa Joe, and moved on. I have said before I think Jessica would have been a poor choice anyway. I am not so sure whether it’s a smart move for Steven Tyler to take the judging gig if it has been offered, but it might be interesting to see what he brings to the table.