The endless ‘Idol’ judge speculation: the candidates
Adam Lambert is a possible candidate for the judges' panel. CREDIT: AP
You have to wonder how much contentious back and forth must be happening among Fox and “Idol” producers right now over the judges. Money, strategy, panel mix, ego, “The Voice.” All the factors are in play.
I don’t recall a frenzy quite like this one before, even before Jennfier Lopez and Steven Tyler two years ago. The pressure is on after “Idol” lost a quarter of its audience last year. I can’t see the ratings ever climbing back up again to season 10 levels, but there might be a minor bump this year if they get interesting judges and comparable talent to season 11, which was actually a relatively strong year on that front. The problem remains for “Idol”: too many copycats have diluted the base of potential viewers.
So far, “Idol” has signed just one judge so far: Mariah Carey.
Let me rank the likelihood of others, based on all the smoke and mirrors:
- Nicki Minaj. US magazine insists this is a done deal. It probably isn’t. She is a hot commodity and would certainly draw younger viewers. Would older viewers balk? Possibly. She seems very opinionated so she could be potentially fascinating on the dais.
- Nick Jonas. This is another blatant play at younger viewers. But the Jonas Brothers are already passe. (Heck, one is already doing a reality show on E!). And his brother Joe did not impress as a guest judge.
- Brad Paisley. I really like Brad. I’ve seen him concert, on CMA Award shows, in videos. The man has a whimsical, likable, down-to-earth persona. I bet he’ll make a great judge.
- Pharrell Williams. He has the industry chops but not the name recognition.
- Keith Urban. It appears “Idol” is gunning for a country artist. Keith is huge and has crossover appeal thanks to Nicole Kidman. Would he make a good judge? No idea.
- Adam Lambert. I think many “Idol” fans would enjoy seeing him up there, a first “Idol” alum to land on the panel. I’m sure he’d be willing to do it at the right price. He has the personality, the edge and the empathy to be a good judge in my mind.
- Enrique Iglesias. He wouldn’t necessarily draw that many younger viewers but the man is still “current,” more or less. He isn’t much of a singer but he is eye candy. I also have no idea if he’d be a good judge or not. Probably not.
- Randy Jackson. Given the rampant speculation, I doubt he’s going to stay on the judges’ panel. He will likely play some sort of mentor role instead, possibly paired with Jimmy Iovine.
- Kanye West. Here’s a new one that just popped up yesterday. He is also a relevant A lister in the hip-hop community with mainstream cred. But he’d probably be seriously expensive and could “Idol” afford him?
- Sean “Diddy” Combs. He is well known, even outside hip-hop circles but is also probably way too pricey for “Idol” to get.
Here’s Kelly Clarkson’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.”
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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64 comments Add your comment
Deirdre
August 22nd, 2012
9:13 am
Have to say this for Idol. They are keeping the attention aimed in their direction.
DanJ
August 22nd, 2012
9:23 am
Of the names listed I’d pick Brad Paisley or Keith Urban and Pharrell Williams. I would also keep the judges at 3. There’s no reason since the Idol judges don’t serve as coaches/mentors to go to 4 judges like on The Voice or X-Factor.
JTesla
August 22nd, 2012
9:37 am
Who will we get? Probably someone who isn’t on the list.
jools
August 22nd, 2012
9:46 am
From this list I’d like to see Adam Lambert and Brad Paisley join Mariah on the panel.
Absolutely horrified at the possibility of Minaj and JoBro. Minaj and Mariah feels like a car crash waiting to happen and JoBro is a child.
G
August 22nd, 2012
9:47 am
Kanye West as a judge? I can see him now………….the next WGWG that wins Idol will have his ceremony interrupted by Kanye saying……….”You don’t deserve this win! The [non wgwg] deserves the win over you. Not again?!” Now that I think of it, Kanye wouldn’t be too bad of an idea. At this point, Idol seems to be a bit desperate. Nicki was the “jump of desperation” IMO.
Even though numbers for Idol have been decreasing (especially among younger viewers), they still enjoy the luxury of ten of millions of viewers. I don’t know. Maybe they’re trying to capture a lost audience with the addition of r&b/hip hop judges. If so, they’re going to have to change more than judges. JMO
There was a comment made about a panel of “Black” judges yesterday morning. In short, just because you’re Black/African American doesn’t automatically make you r&b or hip hop induced. #Randy Jackson
Rodney Ho
August 22nd, 2012
10:01 am
Rickster on the other blog entry said his mom just died.
Pitchy
August 22nd, 2012
10:03 am
Oh no!!!! My condolences to Rickster and his family!
Pitchy
August 22nd, 2012
10:12 am
I would rather not have NMinaj and Mariah both as female judges. Nikki gets under my skin with all of her outlandishness. I’m good with Mariah.
Woodpappy
August 22nd, 2012
10:44 am
Sorry to hear that about Rickster’s Mom. Prayers to him and his family.
Sundrop Kid
August 22nd, 2012
10:44 am
If Adam Lambert or NMinaz get it I will no longer be a viewer after many years. Have already stopped watching one of my previous favorites, AGT, due to Howard Stern. Best be careful on these picks. They can’t afford any more viewer losses.
Grasshopper
August 22nd, 2012
10:56 am
Miss Piggy would make a perfect judge for Idol.
JTesla
August 22nd, 2012
11:18 am
I’d rather have Statler and Waldorf.
DanJ
August 22nd, 2012
11:19 am
Rickster, my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I’m truly sorry for your loss!
Deirdre
August 22nd, 2012
11:30 am
This is so pretty that I had to post it. Adam Lambert singing a Bob Marley song:
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/adam-lambert-covers-bob-marleys-is-this-love-video.htm
Pitchy
August 22nd, 2012
12:07 pm
I see you guys have been chattering away.
How’s everyone doing?
Deirdre
August 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
Good to hear from you again, Pitchy!
The blog is pretty slow in the off months but it should pick up a lot once The Voice and X-Factor start.
JTesla
August 22nd, 2012
12:36 pm
“it should pick up a lot once The Voice and X-Factor start.”
As we continue to discuss Idol.
Pitchy
August 22nd, 2012
1:26 pm
Good to hear you guys as well.
FYI – dropped my daughter off to school this past Friday. Emotions all over the place once I get home from work. Need to reorganize my mind now that I’m an empty nester.
Deirdre
August 22nd, 2012
1:32 pm
Empty-nesting can be fun, Pitchy. Hang in there, it takes awhile to get used to it but you will both appreciate each other so much more.
Deirdre
August 22nd, 2012
1:33 pm
JT: As we continue to discuss Idol.
Of course! What did you think I meant?
Pitchy
August 22nd, 2012
1:46 pm
You are right, Deirdre…in time, in time.
Kat
August 22nd, 2012
1:52 pm
It makes sense to have an up-and-coming artist (Adam), a musical legend (Mariah), and a producer-type person who knows how to identify stars (LA Reid-type). Obviously, someone like LA Reid, not the guy himself – I head he has a gig.
Harriett
August 22nd, 2012
2:29 pm
Hey, gang! Been up to the eyeballs in work today.
So sorry to hear of Rickster’s mother’s passing. The loss of a parent is among life’s saddest and most profound passages. Thinking of you, my friend.
I think Adam would be perfect. He is sassy and sweet and knowledgeable and definitely knows what it takes to succeed on the show. I think he would be a perfect compliment to some of the others mentioned. I am on the Brad Paisley bandwagon now, too, because he’d lend balance.
Sam-A
August 22nd, 2012
2:44 pm
Rickster: Sorry for your loss, and I totally understand, just over 1 year since my Mom passed away, and yes, it can be a blessing, but doesn’t take away the sadness and missing of your Mom the way she was before dreadful illnesses take hold. This is a bad time for you all around, but hopefully good things are on the near horizon!
missnadine
August 22nd, 2012
2:53 pm
I really don’t think it matter that much. There may be a beginning spike, but I am sure it will lose even more viewers. There is just too mcuh competition, IMO.
missnadine
August 22nd, 2012
3:01 pm
eek. horrible spelling on my last post!!
A Dixie Chick
August 22nd, 2012
3:48 pm
Pharrell who???????
JTesla
August 22nd, 2012
4:11 pm
Williams, it’s right up there in the article.
Deirdre
August 22nd, 2012
4:19 pm
LOL!
Seth T
August 22nd, 2012
6:05 pm
Everyone probably already seen or posted this, but anyway ..
http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/nicki-minaj-joins-mariah-carey-as-new-american-idol-judge-2012208
Pharrell is Mod-Pop, Hip-Hop/Rap oriented – so there’s little doubt that a Nickie-Mariah-Pharrell combination would slant the show in that direction. While they may try to get a mix of genre’s into the live voting shows, we would see many more top 24 acts in the Hip-Hop, ModPop wheelhouse.
Not sure Nick Jonas would be much buffering for other acts, especially for Country/Folk oriented contestants. You choose and put-through what you like, although they have to try for some balance on the show to keep the producers and exec’s happy. A Kayne West addition to Nickie (if true) and Mariah?? Very unlikely, but not impossible. If so, the old Idol is indeed -history. A completely new reality show will be installed.
Judges only need fame or insider connections that have a business interest in keeping or pushing the new Judge’s fame and recognition. Neither Simon or Randy were really singers. Ellen was not. Kara was no vocal diva. But there were connections that got them on the show.
Eric
August 22nd, 2012
11:29 pm
I don’t see Elton John or Aretha Franklin listed… nor do I see Quincy Jones listed. Those 3 are music legends… and know the music recording industry. I’m sure that Elton, Aretha, and Quincy would know talent when they see it and hear it.
I’m okay with Mariah as a judge. Not really feeling it with Nikki Minaj, Adam Lambert, and Nick Jonas… and not sure about Kanye West either. Kanye is no stranger when it comes to controversey. I’m somewhat okay with Brad Paisley. As for former Idol judge Kara DioGuardi… I doubt that Idol would even want her back.
There’s even been speculation about Fox possibly considering ending Idol… and some even suggesting Fox needing to end Idol after season 12.
Kris
August 22nd, 2012
11:58 pm
NO, NO, NO Adam Lambert.
Deirdre
August 23rd, 2012
7:07 am
Morning!
Nick Jonas has revealed that he is still in talks with Idol. He says he wouldn’t be afraid of negatively criticizing the contestants but a deal has not been finalized yet.
Hubby and I were planning on heading to the west coast to visit the little guy but I came down with a nasty cold last night. Dang!
kreedham
August 23rd, 2012
7:15 am
I know you’ve got to follow what’s popular but really RHo Idol is done and RHOA is an embarassament. Pick a couple of other shows to follow!
DanJ
August 23rd, 2012
9:44 am
Nick Jonas and Nicki Minaj? That would be an interesting pair. Kinda like Dale Murphy and Madonna!
Harriett
August 23rd, 2012
9:45 am
What a terrible turn of events, Deirdre! So sorry you won’t be seeing Lucas now.
Good morning. Classes begin around here today, so I will take whatever little window is open to peek in and see what everyone is saying.
I think it is interesting how Idol has all these people holding on for a decision. Seems like they have not ruled anyone out yet.
Deirdre
August 23rd, 2012
10:59 am
There has been drama over Nicki Minaj joining the judges’ table on “American Idol” because of her difficult relationship with Creative Artists Agency, sources tell Page Six.
CAA represents various finalists of “American Idol” as well as the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest. The high-powered talent agency also used to rep pint-size rapper Minaj — until she fired them about nine months ago, sources say.
“If she hadn’t fired them last year, this deal would have been a lot easier,” said one insider.
Deirdre
August 23rd, 2012
11:04 am
Also from mj, the Season 11 contestants have taped an It Can Wait public service announcement:
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-11-top-10-it-can-wait-promo.htm
Deirdre
August 23rd, 2012
11:07 am
And one more from mj:
Keith Urban has finally addressed the rumors about being asked to judge American Idol. Speaking on an Australian radio show, Keith confirmed he has been asked, “They did reach out to us. But they have been reaching out to a lot of people, so I think they are just figuring out which way they are going to go too.” If he was offered the job, would he take it? Keith had this to say, “All I can say right now is that I’m trying to make an album and it’s strange how these opportunities all come in one big fell swoop. But my priority right now is to just make a record and that really has to lead the charge for me.”
G
August 23rd, 2012
11:43 am
Looks like no Keith Urban. Also seems as though Idol wants to add more credibility to their judging panel, whether Idol faithfuls like them or not. Writing on the wall is saying that Idol is trying [in a slick way] to alter this wgwg thing. A wgwg can’t win if the panel manages to keep them from entering into the top ten. A panel of judges that will include Mariah, Nicki, and Pharell would keep a traditional wgwg out of the top ten. IF a wgwg makes it through a revamped judging panel, he will be more Robin Thicke than Dave Mathews.
SN: Kenneth Babyface Evans would be a decent choice, because of his experience, knowledge and success in the the business for scouting talent. Only negative is that he hasn’t had a hit in a while, but neither has Randy Jackson.
JTesla
August 23rd, 2012
11:46 am
G, I don’t think the proposed panel will have better luck than the last panel at keeping out a WGWG. The producers on the other hand, well they could work their magic to keep a WGWG out regarless of what faces they put before us as judges.
G
August 23rd, 2012
11:49 am
BTW. Robin Thicke plays guitar, piano, and the saxophone. He’s worked with both Pharrell and Lil Wayne. So, he’s a wgwg with a few other positives going his way. fyi
Deirdre
August 23rd, 2012
12:00 pm
How can the panel keep the wgwgs out of the top 10? They’d have to eliminate all of them before the top 24 when the public starts voting. Changing the judges won’t make any difference unless they change the rules as well
Sam-A
August 23rd, 2012
12:04 pm
Isn’t the “Babyface” dude’s last name Edmunds????
Sam-A
August 23rd, 2012
12:05 pm
I have to say after all the crappola, I really HOPE a white man playing a guitar does win next season!
G
August 23rd, 2012
12:25 pm
@JT & Deirddre. Yeah, that’s kind of what I was getting at……….the producers. But wouldn’t you want to have competent judges to help support what the judges want?
@Sam-A. Yep, his last name is Edmunds. My secretary is out to lunch. lol!! Well, if the white man playing the guitar sounds just as good as Dave Mathews or Robin Thicke, then I’ll be happy for them too.
G
August 23rd, 2012
12:27 pm
CORRECTION: But wouldn’t you want to have cometent judges to help support what the “producers” want?
Expect more errors. This is a busy week, so work with me people.
G
August 23rd, 2012
12:27 pm
I give up. See y’all next week.
JTesla
August 23rd, 2012
12:36 pm
I agree G, let’s have some competent and entertaining judges. Competent is not always entertaining, and entertaining is not always competent. I’m looking at Steven Tyler for that last part.
Seth T
August 23rd, 2012
1:01 pm
I think that when we say we want more “criticism” from the Judges, what we really mean is that we want them to “dis” the ones we personally don’t like, and praise the ones we do.
When you happen to watch the Disney channel, with all the costumes, skits and playful craziness going on, you see where Demi, Britney, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, etc.; get some of their ideas for crazy wild arrangements for an adult version of a song/skit/video. Some of the stuff on Nick and Disney have some young teen oriented shows that are very, very adult already.
Mariah is going to lobby for Lenny Kravitz — see the link.
http://tv.yahoo.com/news/mariah-carey-lobbies-lenny-kravitz-american-idol-judge-175258942.html