American Idol Producers Divided Over Judges Panel. Jennifer Lopez or Jennifer Hudson?

According to The Wrap, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Will.i.am are strong contenders amidst  indecision and disagreement amongst the new American Idol executive produces over who should sit at the judges panel.

  • Former judge Jennifer Lopez is in negotiations to return to the Fox singing competition, but the producers don’t want to pay the high salary she commanded when she sat on the panel in season 10 and 11. She was reportedly paid around 15 million.
  • If producers come to an agreement with Jlo, then Jennifer Hudson is probably out. The season 3 alum had struck a deal with producers to join the panel at about 4-5.5 million, but her contract was never finalized.
  • The all-alum panel fell apart when the producers could not get Kelly Clarkson.
  • Producers are still leaning towards a 3 person panel. One female and two males is their preference.
  • The panel will likely consist of Jennifer Lopez (IF they come to a salary agreement) or Jennifer Hudson. Keith Urban is set to return for a second year. And Will.i.Am, who is currently in negotiations..
The disagreement is between Idol creator, Simon Fuller  and his new producers Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager, former Swedish “Idol” producer Per Blankens for FremantleMedia and Fox’s David Hill.
Blankens wants to hire the biggest possible celebrities to fill the panel. FOX is more interested in a balanced panel, rather than spending for Divas (I’m TEAM FOX on this disagreement).
About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!