Post-American Idol finale judges panel speculation begins in earnest with this report from Vulture. Sources claim producers are looking to populate the panel with American Idol alum–possibly every seat.
There’s a very real chance the next American Idol will be judged by a panel of former American Idols. As Fox and the production companies behind the struggling (yet still high-rated) singing show ponder changes for the 2014 edition, two people with knowledge of the situation tell Vulture that serious consideration is being given to the idea of filling one, and very possibly all, of the slots on the show’s judging panel with former Idol contestants. These sources say Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson have already been approached about the idea, and that the names of Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken are also under discussion.
Rumors have swirled that FOX plans to ditch the current panel entirely, with veteran judge, Randy Jackson, also tendering his resignation.
I fully expect at least one seat to be filled by an alum. The thing Idol has that all of the up and comers like The Voice and X Factor USA don’t is a rich history of successful alums. It’s actually a good idea, I think. But I would hope that producers mix it up a little. A panel full of alums would be overkill.
Via Vulture
UPDATE: E Online is confirming the report with sources:
Sources confirm to us that Idol wants to bring back former winners and contestants as judges for season 13. No deals are final, but we hear that original Idol Kelly Clarkson and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson are on board for next year.
Sources confirm to us that Idol wants to bring back former winners and contestants as judges for season 13. No deals are final, but we hear that original Idol Kelly Clarkson and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson are on board for next year.
Fox is also chasing runner-ups Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert to fill the final slot…
One Idol insider tells us that while nothing is final yet, it’s “95 percent there.” The alum panel will be Fox’s attempt to reignite ratings by bringing back Idol faces that the fans care about. “It’s Idol stars guiding the next generation” adds one Fox source.
Via EOnline
ETA: Honestly an all alum panel? As an idea, it’s a gimmick with no substance. Cast a record industry type, a current singer and an alum. That would be a solid panel. Also, I wish the producers would consider Melinda Doolittle. Her Idology commentary reveals her to be an articulate and knowledgeable critic.
And would Kelly Clarkson take a seat on the panel? She’s said over and over again that she loves mentoring but would not feel comfortable judging. I remember when she did Duets last summer, she complained that it took up too much of her time. Idol would be way more of a time suck than Duets.
In any case, the judges panel is the least of the many problems Idol has right now. Their attention needs to be focused on casting the show right in the first place, making more songs available to the contestants with better arrangements that allow their talent to shine. Focus on making sure WE FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE KIDS! That’s been the key to the success of Idol! Even The Voice can’t get that part right.
