MSN TV Blog - Reality TV

Who Should Judge 'American Idol' Next Season?

We add to the speculation about who'll be sitting beside Randy Jackson next season

By Sona Charaipotra Jul 12, 2012 5:17PM
Photo courtesy FOX
It's official. Steven Tyler announced today that he's skipping season 12 of "American Idol" in favor of actually making music. "I've decided it's time for me to let of of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit," Tyler said in a statement from FOX today. "I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I'm back -- but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band." 

Bing: More on "American Idol" | Steven Tyler | Jennifer Lopez

No doubt Tyler and his bandmates will grace the "Idol" stage next season when they promote the release of their new disc, "Music From Another Dimension," out November 6th. 

In the meantime, comments from fellow judge Jennifer Lopez on the "Today" show this morning have brought speculation about her imminent departure to a rapid boil as well. "Little by little, I'm moving closer to a final decision," she told Matt Lauer. "It's a heartbreaking decision....I love all the guys on the show, I love all the family that's there, but I am thinking it's time for me to go and do other things I love to do."
 
 
With both Tyler and Lopez bailing, that lives veteran judge Randy Jackson solo at the "Idol" judges table once more. Which might be a good thing for FOX, since season 11 saw the biggest ratings decline in the show's decade-long history. But all the drama? Hmmm....this sounds familiar. So who might fill those empty seats? Talk thus far as ranged from plausible -- like former "Idol" champ Adam Lambert -- to ridiculous, like Charlie Sheen. Although perhaps an infusion of crazy is just what the show needs. Herewith, some options:

Katy Perry: The pop tartlet is spunky and honest, and, most importantly, bold with her fashion choices. She'd add a dose of young blood that came with a hearty helping of pop cred, as compared to, say, former "Idol" mentor Miley Cyrus.

Mariah Carey: If "Idol" does want to bring some crazy to the show, they can't go wrong with bringing on Carey, who's had a strong musical career -- and a stronger history of making the tabloids for her nutty antics, especially on live TV. Plus, she's a 40-something mom of twins. Swap her out for J.Lo, who'll notice? 

Kelly Clarkson: Producers have been bandying Adam Lambert's name about, but former "Idol" champ Clarkson, who won the first season in 2002 and holds the record for the best-selling single by an "Idol" contestant, has the chops, the "AI" pedigree, and some history in the music biz behind her. She could judge -- and mentor -- the upcoming kids like nobody else.

Who would you like to see at the judges' table this fall?

"American Idol" returns to FOX with new episodes this winter.
Tags: American Idol
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176Comments
PatrickJ85
Jul 16, 2012 4:06PM
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Nobody. In my opinion the show is old news.
filer
Jul 16, 2012 8:30AM
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i have read that randy is thinking of having a back room position..if that is true it will mean 3 new judges needed...the outgoing panel have been a very good blend and it will be hard to match them...i found it was getting boring prior to them getting together but after watching a few programmes i was hooked......
Chatty_gal
Jul 14, 2012 9:31PM
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I think Harry Connick, Jr. would be great.  He helped the kids a lot when he was a mentor and he's very entertaining.
Lingwa1
Jul 13, 2012 4:28PM
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Even better .... nobody gives a rats **** what charlie has to say, kinda like me. Nobody cares what charlie thinks, kinda like me. I know as much about juding talent as charlie does. I am available and for a whole lot le$$$. Where do I sign?
cjeann
Jul 13, 2012 4:25PM
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American Idol is a contest where individuals show the world their musical talent, therefore it would only make sense to have judges on the panel with a history in the music industry that can actually sing.  I personally think that Steven Tyler was a perfect choice for a judge because he has years of experience and the talent.  Why not replace him and JLo with individuals themselves who can sing like Gene Simmons, Steven Perry (Journey), Pat Benatar or even Melissa Ethtridge.  Some old time talent would definetly be a welcoming site to the panel.  I am quite sure that there are alot of musicians both old and new out there with some amazing talent that would be perfect for the job.  The Idol producers just need to take the time to try and locate them, talk with them and see if they are willing to do it.....there is no need to get the first person who is put on their lists, because like I said there is alot of amazing talent out there to choose from.  Lets just see if the "Idol" producers will find them.
Lingwa1
Jul 13, 2012 4:21PM
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If Charlie is available, so am I. Why shoiuld he have all the fun?

D_dguy
Jul 13, 2012 4:13PM
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Here's four (4) names to choose from to fill two (2) chairs:

Cher
Stevie Nicks
Lionel Richie
Garth Brooks

E Pluribus Infinitum
Jul 13, 2012 4:08PM
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Carrot Top

Fiddy Cent

Susan Boyle

 

 

ovrtedj
Jul 13, 2012 4:06PM
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Who even cares anymore???
E Pluribus Infinitum
Jul 13, 2012 4:05PM
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Can we all pitch in and pay for Steven Tyler to have everything above his shoulder reupholstered?

His face, his skin and his hair are hineous and need to be severly, drastically and immediately altered!

Alit
Jul 13, 2012 3:47PM
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AI has become like the much loved, but very ill family pet.  It is time to put it down, but no one has the heart to make that painful decision.  Put it out of its misery and hold onto the better memories.  Anything from here on out will just be tearful reminders.
basskikr
Jul 13, 2012 3:44PM
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how bout Sir Charles Barkley?
Friday8400
Jul 13, 2012 3:42PM
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I'd love to see the show with Larry the Cable Guy as a judge.

 

backwoods
Jul 13, 2012 3:42PM
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I am casting my vote for Adam Lambert.  I enjoyed watching him on the show and when he mentored on the show he really seemed to do a good job and gave good and articulate critiques.  The contestants liked him and later some sent messages of thanks for his encouragement.  He has been in music and theater since childhood.  He was a runner-up himself on the show and knows what the contestants are going through.  I think he would be an excellent choice.
Terrell1951
Jul 13, 2012 3:35PM
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In your little voting box on MSN Home page, you need to add one choice to all the things you ask people to vote on.....WHO F****** CARES!!!!!!

 

SGR1942
Jul 13, 2012 3:34PM
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I don't care who they get for a judge as I don't watch the show....

 

knip3
Jul 13, 2012 3:31PM
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jon bon jovi / gloria estefan / randy jackson = another hit show!
JBALD0928
Jul 13, 2012 3:14PM
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Be done with the show.  After the Auditions it is ho-hum, predictable, and boring.   It was great while it lasted, but way over due to move on...
emoore
Jul 13, 2012 3:13PM
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Ordinary people like you and I should be judges.  We are the ones who buy most music. What about pople who are out of work those of us who support the music industries.  We listen to music everyday.  We have different kinds and different styles of music in our homes.  I find it so wrong to give a person a job just because they are famous. I think most of the judges on Idol have more of their own collection then any other. Ok, that's alright, but most of us ordinary people have a variety of different sorts of music. We know sounds and we make judgment calls when we buy music.  We are the one who make the music industry rich.  We need jobs and are capable of making right choices also.
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