TMZ: Randy Jackson is leaving judges panel; Lou Ferrigno talks up Clay Aiken
Randy Jackson appears to be off the judges' panel. CREDIT: AP
TMZ says Randy Jackson is off the judges panel but will stay on as a “mentor.”
Given that Jackson helped get his client Mariah Carey on the panel and that he is the last remaining original judge left, the producers feel he should remain at least another season in some capacity. Though I can’t quite see him doing a particularly good job mentoring with the very effective Jimmy Iovine, I guess it’s a relatively harmless spot for him to be in.
TMZ says the Nicki Minaj deal is close but still not quite done. I can’t imagine how complicated that contract must be!
And yes, “Idol” is going for four judges. Boo that. And TMZ says Diddy and Kanye West are not happening but a country artist is in the running.
Please, please, please, give us a judges panel soon. This speculation is so so tired.
- My wife Helen and I attended the Dragon*Con media party last night to briefly meet Lou Ferrigno. Ferrigno looks incredibly good at age 60. She grew up watching “Incredible Hulk” and recalls crying during the first episode as a young girl. She also praised him for his work on “Celebrity Apprentice.” Many of the celebrities under-estimated him and didn’t treat him particularly well. The only person he still stays in touch with on the show is Clay Aiken. Aiken, he said, should have won.
My wife looks awfully happy with Ferrigno, eh?
And here’s Taylor Hicks performing at the Republican National Convention last night. He reprised “Taking it to the Street,” which was a key performance that helped him win season five:
Jessica Sanchez will be joining the Democratic convention next week.
- Phillip Phillips, who will be in Atlanta tonight for a free concert at Centennial Olympic Park (6:30 p.m.), told WPLJ-FM in New York that his album won’t be ready until early next year. Winners in the past, for better or worse, have gotten their albums out no later than November to catch the Christmas crowd.
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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79 comments Add your comment
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
9:05 am
Though I can’t quite see him doing a particularly good job mentoring with the very effective Jimmy Iovine, I guess it’s a relatively harmless spot for him to be in.
Nothing else needs to be said! On Point!!!!!
Morning.
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
9:10 am
Congrats to Helen for meeting one of her childhood heroes! And yes, she looks very happy.
I hope Randy becoming a mentor does not mean Jimmy is leaving. That, imo, would be a major loss for Idol.
Saw Taylor at the convention last night. Hubby just smiled and said he’s a lot of fun to watch, isn’t he? Sometimes watching him reminds me of how people got caught up in the whole Soul Patrol thing. His enthusiasm is infectious.
And speaking of the convention let me just say in a totally non-political statement, Clint Eastwood makes really good movies. He should just stick with that.
bulldogbubba
August 31st, 2012
9:12 am
Taylor sounding good but what about that “rat-pack” look. I don’t know.I guess the democrats are using Jessica Sanchez for her talent and diverse heritage. I am sure the Obama cAmp will try to take credit for her being on A.I.
Alex
August 31st, 2012
9:15 am
3 comments:
(1) Mariah Carey…..Nikki Minaj…..get ready for American “Hip Hop” Idol.
(2) Deirdre, you may not need to worry about another WGWG winning the competition. The whole demographics of the show may be changing.
(3) I love Clint Eastwood movies.
DanJ
August 31st, 2012
9:26 am
If Nicki is indeed signed to be a judge I wonder if Mariah is second guessing herself for signing on with Idol and not X-Factor? Speaking of X-Factor there’s a couple of contestants on the UK version that are excellent this year. They’re on youtube already.
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
9:33 am
Alex, I’ve never been particularly worried about WGWGs.
Dan, I viewed that video that you posted yesterday of the girl singer. Meh! Sorry! She has a very pretty tone, nice voice and maybe with a lot of work she can be a great singer but I really wasn’t as impressed as you were.
Harriett
August 31st, 2012
9:47 am
I don’t think this is good news about Minaj and Mariah and the conflict the producers “love.” This says “all about the judges” to me. They revel in the thought of a cat fight as some sort of numbers boost? This is sounding more and more like XF, which I can barely stand because of the judges.
DanJ
August 31st, 2012
9:55 am
No problem Deirdre! That’s the great thing about music it’s subjective. I would buy the song she sung today if it were available. While she (Ella Henderson) doesn’t have the vocal range of Melanie Amaro or Jessica Sanchez she left me in awe. Maybe because the song was haunting.
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
9:56 am
I don’t care who they get, who conflicts, I dread the idea of 4 judges. Idol has sold out to the competition if they go that route, competition that has not yet proven itself.
Hulk! Great picture, Lou is a great guy and he’s right, Clay should have won.
As for Randy: I’m happy he won’t be judging. Phase him out.
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
10:01 am
Exactly Dan, it’s subjective. Why anyone would care whether I liked a singer or not and how that would have any difference as to how he/she feels about that singer is beyond me. It’s like politics…not everyone is going to agree.
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
10:03 am
Come on now, every last one of you will miss hearing “Dawg” everytime he opens his mouth.
I crack myself up sometimes.
Harriett
August 31st, 2012
10:17 am
I will miss Randy on the panel, just like I missed Paula when she left.
DanJ
August 31st, 2012
10:19 am
@JTelsa, I agree about Idol and 4 judges. I don’t get it! I understand XF and The Voice with 4 because of the mentoring but Idol did well with 3 and failed badly when they tried 4 a few years back. They’re only judges after all. My main concern is that Idol will lose Jimmie Iovine and replace him with Randy. That would be horrible!
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
10:23 am
Harriett – I sense your sarcasam (lol).
Sal
August 31st, 2012
10:24 am
Saw Taylor do an interview and it was a bit awkward when they asked if he was going to vote for Romney. I’d think they’d want entertainers at the convention who do support the party. Don’t get me wrong–I like him–he’s definitely entertaining, but having him there was kind of a wtf moment for me!
Glad to hear Lou’s comments about Clay. He’s not the only contestant who felt Clay should have won. Penn, Dee, Lisa, Debbie, Adam, Paul, Aubrey and nearly all of the others have said the same thing. According to Adam C. when they had the final boardroom, everyone on both teams said Clay won. And the all assumed he had won–until the finale.
I know–water over the dam–time to move on. But, it had to be said.
DanJ
August 31st, 2012
10:31 am
@ Deirdre: Why anyone would care whether I liked a singer or not and how that would have any difference as to how he/she feels about that singer is beyond me.
Deirdre , I think at least speaking for myself that I want to hear opinions of others. Sometimes the ears can become skewed especially in the case of Ella where her background story stayed in the back of your mind while she was singing. Personally the opinions of others don’t change mind but they do make me review my own biased opinion. I wasn’t a fan of Philip Phillips at the start but he did grow on me. Home is a great song and I think he will do well in the future.
As for Ella Henderson the song grabbed my attention. A perfect song for Kelly or Adele. I don’t know if she will be a world star but she can write especially for a 16 year old girl.
Bonnie
August 31st, 2012
10:31 am
hi,
Phillip is doing the concert today, Aug.31, not tomorrow,
Harriett
August 31st, 2012
10:40 am
No, PItchy–I am serious. I did miss Paula tremendously and I actually like Randy.
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
10:43 am
Lou looks like he could still bench press Mrs. RoHo without even trying.
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
10:55 am
While I think the four judges were bad… I think it was more who they had as the four judges, rather than the fact that they had four judges. Simon & Randy were okay. Ellen rarely had anything of worth to share. Kara had things worth listening to… but usually couldn’t keep her comments short enough to keep from appearing from rambling.
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
10:59 am
But I still wish Idol keeps it to three.
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
11:05 am
Ok, Harriett. Wasn’t sure which way you were going with that sentiment so I took the sarcasm route. Glad I was wrong.
blkshepherd
August 31st, 2012
11:15 am
Whats puzzling me is, What on Earth did Idol do in order to deserve Nikk?
I will tune in just to see how many people that are More Talented than her she vote down. There is where I am going to Laugh out Loud and so Oh really Nikki? You know darn well that constestant sings circles around you and are more talented.
If people call what Nikki does Talent then I question what their definition of talent is.
Britney Spears is by far NO vocal talent but after viewing her early videos, her dancing was Spot On, her vocals not so much but she did used to dance her tail off back in 1999-2000.
Nikki I have not seen One performance that she wowed me or even remotely held my interest.
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
11:24 am
blkshephard – have you heard Nikki sing in her regular voice? She has a very nice voice.
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
11:33 am
I don’t mind her singing voice, what I would object to, if I were to object, is her speaking voice. With or without the fake accents it is not easy on the ears.
Musicleader
August 31st, 2012
11:36 am
AI – OMG – what are they thinking? A panel of Super Deluxe Divas whose egos will rule the show and overshadow the contests. The AI production team is CRAZY to do this. Unless they also change other elements of the otherwise tired format, this may be the last yr IMO. They have strayed so far from what made the show great! (Even this yr got sick of it being the JLo show – too much focus on her career and not the contestants. UGH.)
Your wife is adorable!!! Glad she met Lou who does look fantastic – what an icon!. (Like others, I agree with him that Clay should have won Celeb Apprentice. What a sham.)
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
11:45 am
I’m taking a wait and see attitude. As long as AI remains entertaining for me, I’ll put up with whatever bee they have in their collective bonnet this time.
Miss J
August 31st, 2012
11:56 am
:LOL:
Idol is trying to recapture the magic it had during the first couple of seasons.
Simon really made Idol a big time show and when he left – Idol was never the same……
RIP American Idol…..
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
11:56 am
Sorry Deirdre, that is the wrong answer. The correct answer is: “OMG I will never ever ever watch AI again!!!!! It has jumped the shark and it will be canceled one week after it begins. It’s not like they’ve produced any real artists since Carrie Underwood anyway. Get a life losers!”
bknsty14
August 31st, 2012
11:57 am
I wonder if Easy E was still alive if they would have considered him as a judge. His lyrics were no less raunchy than Nikki Minaj’s. I am no prude in any way, but is this really the person American Idol wants on their judging panel. I you tubed some of her videos. Ugh!!! She’s awful. Not too thrilled and still hoping those talks fall through.
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
11:58 am
I’m defnitely planning on watching AI on a “tape-delay” basis – so I can FF through the judges comments and just watch the contestants singing.
Dum-Bass
August 31st, 2012
12:00 pm
Four judges will only mean that it will take forever for all of them to say something after a performance. We need LESS judges talking, and garnering airtime, not MORE! Heard through Country Vibe that Keith Urban was already listed for the show at $3M, but that sounds too low. Would rather have seen Brad Paisley. He has more personality and is more comical. BTW, had already assumed Jessica Sanchez was a “flaming, freakin, liberal”, so not surprised there one bit. Fits her well.
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
12:00 pm
Sorry JT…I don’t know what I was thinking!
DanJ
August 31st, 2012
12:15 pm
Isn’t Keith Urban under contract to Australia’s version of The Voice? I know he was a judge this past year on the show along with Seal. If he’s under contract with them I doubt he could do Idol. I still think Brad Paisley would be a better judge as well.
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
12:24 pm
According to a post on FoxNews.com, the AI producers want to keep Jackson on in some capacity because, “they feel … he’s the glue that helps keep the show together.”
Sorry guys, but that would be Ryan.
Sam-A
August 31st, 2012
12:29 pm
DUM: you need to move that B one space to the left of the dash
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
12:38 pm
I agree that Ryan is more glue than Randy. However, the real glue that keeps the show together is the viewers.
resno2
August 31st, 2012
12:45 pm
Who cares what the panel is… with Nicki Manaj anywhere near the judges table this show is over.
DanJ
August 31st, 2012
12:57 pm
Randy is probably better served as a mentor and honestly may do well with it. Mariah was a great pick-up. The problem with going to four judges is that it will be seen as an act of desperation, to be more like The Voice and XFactor. More is not always better! You also take away time from Mariah and the other judges whoever they may be.
The biggest problem is that Ryan will have to rush the judges for their comments and also how much more of the song will have to be cut to fit in 10-12 more critiques. That’s what a 4th judge will add. Maybe they cut the time the mentors are working with the contestants. That would take time away from Randy, Jimmy or both. 4 judges still doesn’t make sense to me!
blkshepherd
August 31st, 2012
1:43 pm
Ok Pitchy yourself along with a co worker of mine said she has a nice voice. I asked same co worker if it was good enough to Judge Other singers or contestants..she would not give me an answer and walked away. So I am going to take you all words. :-/ Stay Tuned.
Harriett
August 31st, 2012
1:43 pm
Well, I am hanging my hat on what my grandson said is speaking of Minaj: “Who knows? She may be ok–as in Howard Stern ok.” I just don’t relish the thought of a diva competition as a sideshow.
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
1:50 pm
blkshephard – you don’t need a good voice to judge, you need a good ear!
When Nikki isn’t singing in that screechy annoying rap voice she has, you will be pleasantly surprised. I’m always surprised. She made a niche for herself with her tawdy outfits and hight pitch screech and bugged eyes. What she doesn’t realize is she’s no Lady Gaga!
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
2:33 pm
Sam-A: “you don’t need a good voice to judge, you need a good ear!”
Exactly! Which is why I still think I’d be a GREAT job!!
And for a whole lot less than anyone they’re talking about. Plus – I don’t have a fading career to try and resurrect so I won’t be asking to perform to promote my band or doing commercials to plug my clothing line.
Rickster for AI judge!!
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
2:34 pm
I’m Rickster… and I approved that message.
Dum-Bass
August 31st, 2012
2:53 pm
AND Sam-A, you need to add a couple of S’s to the end of yours, then I guess we would both be happy, huh? Mine was intentional as I have always reveled in self-defecating humor.
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
2:58 pm
You talking to me, Rickster???
Your mother’s love will always rests in your heart, my condolences.
Anna
August 31st, 2012
3:19 pm
Lou is right. Clay should have won.
And Clay should be a judge on American Idol.
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
3:27 pm
Everyone knows Clay should have won!
Sam-A
August 31st, 2012
3:29 pm
I bet you do a lot of defecating!
Sorry, Rickster, can’t take credit for that gem – think it was Pitchy. Liked it too.
And Pitchy, what’d you think about the season finale of “PLL’s” – pretty good huh?
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
3:32 pm
Guess I’m already looking forward to the weekend, huh Pitchy?
Yes, I meant you.
Nice De Niro impression, by the way.
Jill
August 31st, 2012
3:36 pm
Finally I am free 2-3 nights per week now. No more Idol for me. I do not think America will embrace the new judges. Could be the last season! For sure. I do love that Phillip Phillups. Glad he was the last one to win the last AI for me! Out.
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
3:36 pm
Sam-A, who doesn’t do a lot of defecating?
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
3:38 pm
Jill: “free”? What free to watch something else? How is that freedom?
Pitchy
August 31st, 2012
3:57 pm
Sam-A – I haven’t watched since my daughter left for college. I’ve taped for her and we’re going to watch all episodes this Labor Day Weekend (lol).
Sam-A
August 31st, 2012
4:06 pm
Boy, you two are in for a wild ride! Especially this weeks season ender! Can’t wait to read your thoughts next Tuesday!!!!! JT: Picturing “orally”.
Good long weekend, all. I’m hoping to get outta here shortly. Safe one as well.
Deirdre, I am also missing Mercedes’ movie reviews today – guess I’ll break down and see “Dark Knight” or maybe “ParaNorman” – it looks adorable.
Harriett
August 31st, 2012
4:18 pm
Well, I am off to celebrate my Aunt Rose’s 92nd birthday tomorrow in Charlotte. Hope all of you have a great Labor Day weekend. I know I am looking forward to mine!
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
4:39 pm
Have a great weekend Harriett, and everyone else too. I’ll be here manning my post… because I have no life. I’ll take a few breaks to defecate.
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
5:00 pm
Lawless is also quite good, Sam.
Good trip Harriett!
bknsty14
August 31st, 2012
5:03 pm
http://music.yahoo.com/photos/pop-stars-who-aged-well-1346438386-slideshow/debbie-gibson-photo-1346438214.html
This was my pick for the panel. Would have been SOOOOOO much better than Nikki Minaj.
G
August 31st, 2012
5:23 pm
I’m late in keeping up…..vacation time for me.
If Idol didn’t get Nicki, it probably would’ve been Diddy, Drake, Lil Wayne, Lil Kim, Lil John……….get my drift? The template is set. Next up, some county artist.
JTesla
August 31st, 2012
5:30 pm
Interesting link bknsty14, but they went out of their way to pick the ugliest “before” picture of her.
bknsty14
August 31st, 2012
5:40 pm
Yeah, not very flattering. But in 1986 I sure thought it was.
Rickster
August 31st, 2012
6:04 pm
Have a good weekend, everyone. “See” you all Tuesday.
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
9:19 pm
Uh Oh:
“There will be several positive announcements to follow shortly,” Fuller told EW in a statement. “American Idol is moving up a gear and with the help and commitment from Fox, who are more intimately involved and supportive this season than ever before, we are looking forward to a dynamic new season ahead.”
Fox has been more intimately involved????? They’ve taken over?????
Deirdre
August 31st, 2012
9:21 pm
Also Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban are close to a deal. If they decide to go with a 4th judge, they will try to hire Enrique Iglesius BUT, according to rumors, Adam Lambert has NOT been eliminated as a possible judge
Seth T
September 1st, 2012
2:05 am
Enrique would be a much better addition than Kanye West or Diddy – but lately he’s still more into the synth-Pop than using his voice to create memorable songs. When Nickie was singing live on a skit on a show a while back that I seen, she was just screeching and sounded pretty bad.
At least Mariah can actually sing, and Keith Urban has built a music career on some fairly good songs, and not on some of the “explicit” lyrics that Nickie used in some of her videos. If I even repeated them here, the post would have to be removed.
While I don’t care for John Rich, I would say that Joe Jonas, Gloria Estafan and Nelly are doing a pretty good job on “The Next” on CW network. The talent brought in to compete are all good, but not stark amatuers. Since the audience votes on-the-spot, each episode in self-contained for the winner of that paticular City/area competition. Then they will eventually go to a finals in L.A.
There was some very lousy talent brought on to “Duets” and the show fell apart in spite of Kelly and John Legend. None of the contestants had any real “star appeal” at all and some were worse than what you see in a Karaoke Club on Friday night.
I think that is a clear example that the Judges alone, sitting in a chair and blabbing comments, can only hold interest in a show for so long, then ratings start to fall — if the talent is poor.
Idol’s chances for ratings improvement are as closely related to finding and fairly advancing real talent through the system, as it is in getting more celebrity puppets in the chairs. They are not likely going to be using the “Chair Turn-Around” and Battleround gimmicks of other competitors to create excitement, so they have to quit playing games with the talent and let the real talent step-up and compete.
Last season they threw a half-dozen C level contestants into what should be an A level competition. And I don’t mean just singing ability, but also “star quality” appeal. So you had to suffer through all the fill and set-to-fails, with all the Judges meaningless commentary, until it became an actual competition.
Deirdre
September 1st, 2012
8:07 am
Morning!
I know that it’s Saturday and a holiday weekend but that statement by Simon Fuller has me worried. What does he mean when he says AI is “moving up a gear”? If they are going the X-Factor/The Voice route, they will really be trying my patience!
ItsMyOwnOpinion
September 1st, 2012
8:29 am
Clay Aiken also should have won American Idol. He’s ever the good natured runner up.
I don’t think we’ll see Idol return after this season.
G
September 1st, 2012
9:18 am
“Moving up a gear” is an admission of the current format being stale or falling behind. Even if Idol oldheaads are fine with minimal orno changes, it’s evident the Idol brass wants to shake things up…..in a major way. I welcome the change. If its more hip like XF or The Voice, that can only be a good thing.
Let’s be clear about Nicki’s profession. She is a rapper not a singer. I don’t like her style of rap but she’s a indeed a certified rapper. This leads me to believe the format of the show may be hanging to allow rappers.
I see good things ahead for Idol. From “Disney to reality”.
Deirdre
September 1st, 2012
9:57 am
I don’t see XF as hip at all. It’s a VERY old-fashioned style show featuring some modern music. In truth, if you go back and look at the song lists for last season’s XF it is actually MORE old-fashioned than Idol was this year.
DanJ
September 1st, 2012
10:23 am
Deirdre, I agree that idol needs to stay with what brought them to the dance for the most part but it does seem like they’re trying to be more like the other shows by their actions and who they’re talking to as judges. They have their own niche and if they move to far to the other side they may well lose viewers. I think most of us would be okay with Brad, Keith, Enrique, Carrie etc. It seems like Nicki is who most have issues with. Probably for good reasons.
As far as which shows are more hip I think you can base it on certain critria. Age groups who view and the judges on the show. Both XF and The Voice allowed hip-hop and rappers which helps draw in the younger viewers. Because of that I think most would consider XF & The Voice more current and attractive for the younger viewer. Personally I like Idol the way the format is set up. It’s what separates them from the other shows.
Most shows need change especially older shows. Idol should take a page out of the Cheers book. They replaced Coach with Woody, Shelly with Kirstie and didn’t miss a beat but they didn’t completely overhaul the show at once which is what Idol seems to be doing. Idol needs a facelift not an entire bodylift. Simon F. and Nigel seem desperate and that’s never a good sign.
G
September 2nd, 2012
10:01 pm
Idol is not what I think of as hip. I agree with DanJ on the format of XF & Voice allowing rappers make it hip.
JTesla
September 3rd, 2012
12:51 am
Happy Labor Day folks, for your listening pleasure something that is not related to Idol’s Voice Factor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WJiCUdLBxuI
Deirdre
September 3rd, 2012
8:10 am
Never ever said Idol is hip. Only said XF isn’t…and one little 16 year old rapper doesn’t change that.
DanJ
September 3rd, 2012
9:37 am
Deirdre, I do disagree with you on this one. X-Factor was more than just Astro. It had Chris Rene, Drew and even the groups like Stereo Hoggz that appealed to the younger vewers. In fact this was one of my favorites on XFactor. Stereo Hoggz singing: Try a little tenderness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMyhTcbLBJQ
Deirdre
September 3rd, 2012
9:49 am
I did like that performance but it doesn’t exactly prove your point. Try a Little Tenderness is an ancient song…my parents danced to it.
I’ll give you Chris Rene however. A talented young man who had a great deal of difficulty handling some of the assignments given to him by his mentor.
What I mean is that, while XF may have had more modern contestants, it still treated the singing assignments and the production values in a very old-fashioned way almost completely negating, imo, the style of singers like Chris and Astro. Drew turned every song into an Enya style which isn’t exactly new either.
DanJ
September 3rd, 2012
10:28 am
Deirdre, I agree Simon kept Drew under wraps. As for my posting the Stereo Hoggz version of Try a little tenderness it was because it was an old song that was made current. Actually Paula did a good job with the groups. I would agree most of these shows uses old songs and it does get boring however a contestant can put a different spin on them. Joshua Ledet and Jimmy did this with the song: To Love Somebody.
I think both The Voice and X-Factor push the envelope more than Idol. Personally Idol should keep their niche instead of trying to be like the other two shows. The other show HAVE TO push the envelope Idol doesn’t. Based on the judges being considered for Idol and the change from 3 to 4 judges tells me Idol is losing it’s idenity and is trying to keep up with the other shows on their level instead of staying ahead of them.
G
September 3rd, 2012
11:11 am
@DanJ I totally understand where you’re coming from.
Rodney Ho
September 3rd, 2012
11:40 am
New Idol blog entry up! Happy Labor Day! Check out my photos with Phil Phillips.