We couldn’t get through a Friday afternoon without more American Idol judges’ rumors, could we? The latest goss comes from The Hollywood reporter.
It looks like Idol brass really wants to sign on R&B/Hip Hop artist, Nicki Minaj for the panel, but her mega sponsorship deal with Pepsi is causing a roadblock. As most of you know, Coke is a major American Idol sponsor.
If FOX and Freemantle had their way, the panel would consist of previously announced judge Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, a country star (the leading candidate is Keith Urban, says an insider) and a Latin artist (Enrique Iglesias is reportedly the #1 choice).
But it’s not all smooth sailing inside Idol. There’s been some inside indecision and squabbling that has Mike Darnell (FOX cheif) and Cecile Frot-Coutaz (Freemantle) shutting Core Media boss, Marc Graboff, out of the decision making process. CORE media is the newly christened (formerly CKx) owners of American Idol.
And what of our poor beleaguered Randy Jackson? He may step pinto a mentoring role–perhaps taking Jimmy Iovine’s place (NOOOOOOOO). At any rate, the DAWG will be sticking around to at least hold Mariah Carey’s hand as she embarks on her new gig.
HOORAY KEITH URBAN. Please make this happen. Nicki Minaj comes off as pretty weird, and I have to wonder if the producers are hoping for some sparks with Mimi. If Nicki, Mariah, Keith and Enrique are the configuration they’re looking at, it could be pretty strange. I mean that in a good way.
I think Idol WILL go with 4 judges, like the other shows. There will be plenty of time for judges chatter–like the other shows, Idol will also stay at a bloated 2 hours on Wednesday nights.
When Idol was at the apex of its popularity in season 5, performance episodes were 1 hour and results 30 minutes. Fox used the time slot after Idol to launch new shows. House, 24, Glee and more can thank Idol for sending them off on successful runs.
