It’s been reported that the entire Idol judges’ panel might be replaced – but I think the only person who’s in serious danger is Kara DioGuardi!
How’s this for a major upset? The Hollywood Reporter claims that American Idol producers are attempting to replace Ellen DeGeneres, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi with a slew of new music experts. But guess what, BFFs? There’s no virtually no chance of this shakeup actually happening!
Why? The whole process would just be too darned expensive. It would cost WAY too much to break Randy and Ellen’s contracts, which carry them further throughout the series. Kara is the only judge in real danger – her advice is usually pretty weak and America hasn’t ever really warmed up to her. In other words, she’s completely replaceable.
As for the rumors that Elton John and Justin Timberlake are being considered to replace former star judge Simon Cowell, I think both are fabulous choices! But to be perfectly honest, we’ve already had a cranky, big-mouthed Brit on the series, and JT would bring a refreshing – and YOUNG – point of view. This is a kid who’s made it big at a young age – he IS American Idol’s key demographic, and each and every Idol aspires to have a career like his.
If Idol DOES feel like hiring two huge names, why not kill Kara’s contract and bring in Madonna, instead? The Material Mom knows the industry inside out, has a career nearly as old as she is and has taken minimal raw talent and made herself into an icon. She embodies the American dream, after all – and isn’t that what American Idol is all about?
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JimmmyTheKnife
Posted at 4:04 PM on July 30, 2010
They need to bring in folks that are not only experienced but have the ability to be honest, offer constructive criticism and teach, in a sense. Elton brings mature experience, for sure. Does he have the ability to do the rest?
If the show is relegated to having judges who are merely seen as ‘cool’ (aka: Ellen), and do not have ‘the rest’ (see above), people with brains will quit watching in frustration, I believe. Though I am not an Ellen-fan, I respect her for making the decision to move-on.
Although I, personally, agreed with Simon on most all of his comments (but not necessarily his tact), Randy, it seems to me, has the best balance of the requirements of those who have been on the show. The person who comes to mind, who could do great justice, for the show, would be somebody like David Letterman show’s band leader, Paul Shaffer. But he, personally, is probably under contract with ‘another network.’
Jimmmmy