Jessica Simpson Approached by American Idol? And More on Nigel Lythgoe’s Return

By On 07/27/2010 · 34 Comments · In American Idol, Ken Warwick, Nigel Lythgoe, Simon Fuller

The latest Idol rumor comes from Courtney Hazlett of MSNBC, whose gossip isn’t always reliable, so I would keep this item firmly in the RUMOR column. She reports that Jessica Simpson has been approached by Idol for a judges slot, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Simpson would not be taking Simon Cowell’s place, but be part of a “general overhaul” of the judges panel.

This news comes on the heels of a Hollywood Reporter report that Nigel Lythgoe is close to signing a deal that would bring him back to an ailing American Idol.

The Wrap spoke to Idol executive producer Ken Warwick who insists that he’ll remain as Executive Producer of Idol.

“A press release will be made as soon as Nigel signs with CKX,” Ken told The Wrap, “He will return as CKX’s representative on the show. I will remain the exec producer of ‘American Idol.’ He will most certainly not be taking over the ‘reins’ of the production.”

The Wrap points out that “During Lythgoe’s first stint with “Idol,” he worked for CKX subsidiary 19 Television. Warwick works for the other production company behind the show– Fremantlemedia. CKX hasn’t had a rep on the Idol set since Lythgoe’s departure.”

A new report from the New York Times backs up The Wrap’s report and adds,  “Nigel’s return, which is expected to be finalized later this week–is tied to the long-simmering tensions between FremantleMedia, which handles the television production, and 19 Entertainment, which administrates the singing careers of the “Idol” stars.”

Nigel and Simon Fuller are part of 19 Entertainment, a unit of CKX.

The other executive producers, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick, work for Fremantle and will remain in their positions.

One person involved in the Idol production, compared Nigel’s return to a “family reunion, a “very dysfunctional” one, the person said lightheartedly.” Ha!

So, when Nigel left, the tension between those who wanted good TV, and those who wanted contestants who would produce hit songs post shows evaporated.  Now, Nigel will be back to advocate for CKx.  Very interesting….

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  • seriously

    I don’t think Jessica would make a good judge.

  • Powter48

    Ditto.

  • MaryS-NJ

    I do hope you’re right MJ, and this is “rumor” without basis in fact. As much as I applaud a “general overhaul” of the judging panel (please get rid of the odious Kara and I’d even let go of the nice but useless Ellen), I can’t see how Jessica Simpson would add much…

    If they’re doing a judging overhaul, I think Shania would be great on the panel as a replacement for the female judge’s spot (assuming she wants it).

  • girlygirl

    seriously? no. just no.

  • windmills

    This is just Papa Joe Simpson spreading rumors to make Jessica Simpson still seem relevant. The key phrase in this article is:

    a source close to Simpson told TODAYshow.com.

    which make it clear the source is her dadager.

    Also the article says this:

    according to a source who’s quoted in the new issue of Life & Style magazine.

    That’s just a junk rag.

    I’m pretty sure Joe Simpson tried this rumor last year too when they were looking for a replacement for Paula Abdul.

    I really really don’t think it’s likely 19 would want to deal with Jessica Simpson anyway. I don’t think AI’s approached her.

  • http://www.madzionist.com negativo

    This is beginning to sound more like wild desperation and panic than a tweak to the format of a long running, successful show. With every update I become more disgusted.

  • SybilTrelawney

    Jessica Simpson? If they’re looking for a ditz who can’t really sing, go for the gold, and bring back Pauler!

  • chessguy99

    So, when Nigel left, the tension between those who wanted good TV, and those who wanted contestants who would produce hit songs post shows evaporated. Now, Nigel will be back to advocate for CKx. Very interesting….

    I found this statement explained much of what I didn’t like about the last two seasons.

  • seriously

    I found this statement explained much of what I didn’t like about the last two seasons.

    I agree. I want more focus on singing. S7 even had to sing more songs for the top 3 and maybe top 4. After Nigel left we got less music.

  • J9BT

    I hate to say this, but Jessica Simpson’s resume is better than Ellen’s for being an IDOL judge. That’s not saying much though! :-)

  • larc

    I hate to say this, but Jessica Simpson’s resume is better than Ellen’s for being an IDOL judge. That’s not saying much though!

    You’re right about that because Ellen’s qualifications are zip! She proved it this past season. But Jessica Simpson would be at least as big a mistake as Ellen.

  • iluvai

    I’ve erased myself twice! For crying out loud!

    Anyway, I think Sharon Osbourne would be an awesome judge on
    American Idol… She has an eye for talent, she is gorgeous,
    she is sweet and compassionate and very intelligent…. just like Paula. And she has Simon’s accent.

    I’m dead serious! lol~

  • iluvai

    I love Ellen, but she brought NOTHING to AI as a judge. She’s awesome at having AI peeps on her show though.

  • J9BT

    Anyway, I think Sharon Osbourne would be an awesome judge on
    American Idol… She has an eye for talent, she is gorgeous,
    she is sweet and compassionate and very intelligent…. just like Paula. And she has Simon’s accent.

    I’m dead serious! lol~

    I like Sharon Osbourne, but after the positive feedback she’s given to the craptastic singers on AGT, I’m not so sure she can really judge singing talent.

  • jacquesthedog

    Jessica Simpson-Hmm. How about Ozzie? Now that would be worth watching. LOL. At this point I think anything is possible.

  • springboard

    I have thought for a while that different parts of TPTB may not always want the same outcome, and I am not surprised that there are tensions between those who want good TV and those who want post idol success.
    But then, if Freemantle is on the side of good TV, their production team has been seriously failing last season!

  • http://www.twilightslo.com Mateja

    I agree that Jessica Simpson actually has better qualifications for Idol judge position than Ellen.

    Sharon Osbourne was also a judge on X Factor UK (Seasons 1-4).

  • NOLA

    IMO, this show took a nose dive when Nigel left. I’d love to see him back. Heard tonight on one of the Hollywood shows that the rumor is if Nigel comes back, he may get rid of all the judges and start fresh with a new bunch. Timberlake’s name was thrown in there.

    I just don’t think this show will stand a chance once Simon’s show begins. Too many people have already lost interest.

  • Eriko

    and very intelligent…. just like Paula

    Sigh…

  • Grammie Kari

    Maybe they may want Jessica as a Guest Judge for the auditions? I have suggested that Ellen resign as a judge and take on the role of organizing Idol Give Back. I think Chris Iaask would be a good choice.

  • TwigLA

    I think we’ll have abundant rumors and PR people throwing their clients name out there up until the first show.

    I wonder if we’ll get guest judges for auditions this year, like they did last? I actually liked that. Or at least I liked Neil Patrick Harris and Shania Twain.

  • Pixie Baker

    girlygirl:
    07/27/2010 at 10:23 pm
    seriously? no. just no.

    Okay, Girlygirl, I was going to write the exact same thing!
    I will say that I really enjoyed Ellen on the show….more times than not she reflected what I was thinking. I think she represents the opinion of the average AI watchers, watching in a less invested way.

  • Shorty

    jacquesthedog:
    07/28/2010 at 1:05 am

    Jessica Simpson-Hmm. How about Ozzie? Now that would be worth watching. LOL. At this point I think anything is possible.

    I’ll see your Ozzie, and raise you Keith Richards.

  • Marie Ruffin

    the most interesting person to fill a judge’s seat is Joan Rivers….yes, Joan Rivers. Talk about comic relief and being “for real”.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    Jessicca? Um,no…

  • movin2thabeet

    Jessica Simpson? NO NO NO!!!

    I just saw a Rolling Stone article again bringing up Elton John and Justin Timberlake as possibilities for Simon’s replacement. Now both those guys would be terrific. The possibility that truly made me shudder was…Nigel himself. NOOOOOO!!! He’s already angering me enough on SYTYCD. I suppose if you’re looking for an Englishman who could be even more unlikeable than Simon, he’s your guy. But at least Simon had a kind of tough lovable aspect to him, which was part of his charm. Nigel? Not so much. The man’s tendency toward bias, arrogance and manipulation is not a winning combination, in my book.

  • Incipit

    So every week a few more names are tossed on the speculation pile – let that story run for a few days – then put out a “Never Mind. we didn’t mean it” story. Let that one run for a few days. Stir and repeat. Each one seems to have about a seven day run…except for the ones picked up in magazines, which are always behind the time because of print considerations. (ie Rolling Stone)

    If they are down to Jessica Simpson now to fuel this pretend news cycle, I shudder to think what comes next…although the story gets more and more trivial when that sort of bait is put forth with a straight face, for people to actually discuss.

    Seriously? Do you ever feel as if you are being stirred with a stick, in a big PR Pot?

  • jumpstart

    Jessica Simpson has been approached by Idol for a judges slot, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

    Ugh. I’ll take Kara over her any day and that’s saying a lot.

  • jumpstart

    Do you ever feel as if you are being stirred with a stick, in a big PR Pot?

    I feel so used.

  • Incipit

    Jumpstart, that made me *chuckle* – and we have a ways to go yet before the announcement of the new judge….lots more probabilities that really aren’t. Me? I’m waiting for Rex, the Wonder Dog. He has qualifications, he howls on key. ;)

  • bananafish

    And maybe her sister Ashlee could judge the lip-synched group numbers.

  • SharB

    they’re trying to build up the speculation in hopes of reviving the “dead” show. AI has run its course and they’re still trying to milk the cash cow. Uh, no. For Jessica “hell to the no”.

  • deshae78

    The possibility that truly made me shudder was…Nigel himself. NOOOOOO!!! He’s already angering me enough on SYTYCD. I suppose if you’re looking for an Englishman who could be even more unlikeable than Simon, he’s your guy. But at least Simon had a kind of tough lovable aspect to him, which was part of his charm. Nigel? Not so much. The man’s tendency toward bias, arrogance and manipulation is not a winning combination, in my book.

    Exactly. Simon is the guy you love to hate. As for Nigel….I just hate him. His arrogance is charmless & without a hint of being funny. He gets worse & worse. so hell no.

  • http://www.lindafoltz.com linda2u

    Here’s what I’d like to see:

    1. Have Ryan become a Judge on Idol. He knows music, has been in the industry for years, and is good with the contestants.

    2. Have Ellen take over as hostess – she’s great at it and it really plays to her strengths.

    3. Would love to see a seasoned veteran as a judge – My vote would go to Bette Midler. Not only has she had a thriving musical career, she’s interesting and fun, but also kind.

    4. DO NOT HIRE Jessica Simpson! I think she would be one of the WORST possible judges!

    5. Hire Harry Connick, Jr. to take over in Simon’s spot.

    6. Take Kara out of the judging position – and make her a full-time mentor in the studio with the contestants. That’s her strength – working with songs – and I think she’d be great in that role.

    That would leave four judges still – Randy (unless you opt to let him go – which would be ok), Harry Connick, Ryan, and Bette!