A couple of little bits and bites from this afternoon’s FOX Upfront presentation. The important news was revealed this morning during a conference call with FOX executives. If you haven’t checked it out yet, click this link to read about what’s in store for American Idol, X Factor and Glee.
There were no American Idol judges in New York City today. Of course, the big American Idol finale is this week. But they could have appeared by video. But at this point, there is so much negativity surrounding Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and the soon-to-be-departed Randy Jackson, keeping them in California is a better idea.
Ryan Seacrest, the only Idol cast member confirmed to come back, represented the show at the afternoon presentation. Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and Mario Lopez were there to represent X Factor. In the portion of the presentation devoted to unscripted shows, THIS HAPPENED, according to The Los Angeles Times:
After Cowell rambled about what could be expected from a format-tweaked “The X Factor” in its upcoming season — “Hopefully, we’ll find someone fantastic, and we’re going to meet a lot of horrible people along the way” — things got a little awkward.
“Where’s Randy?” Cowell quipped, referring to longtime “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, who recently announced he would not return to the singing competition series. Cowell, never one to shy from mocking his former employer, generated mild, awkward laughter from his peers onstage and the crowd.
“Ask Kevin,” shot back “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, who was standing next to Cowell.
Eep!
Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, were all in attendance, representing Glee. And their mood was a little more upbeat, considering their show been renewed for two more seasons. The cast attended the Fox Fan Front event, which allowed fans to meet and greet the stars from behind a velvet rope. Ha. X Factor alums, Fifth Harmony performed and newly signed contestant, Beatrice Miller was spotted in photos with the Glee gang. Check out a photo gallery at the bottom of the page!
And as a side note: Mike O’Malley who plays awesome dad, Burt Hummel, on Glee is starring in a new NBC sitcom called Welcome to the Family. OH NOES. Does this mean no more awesome Burt and Kurt scenes on Glee? Fear not, Mike assures E News that he’ll always be available to come back to a role he loves:
“I’ve already spoken to Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk and Burt is a very, very big part of my life, playing that character I love doing it…I think we shoot some in July, so I’m definitely coming back next season!”
Cat Dealey was also at the presentation, representing So You Think You Can Dance, which is premiering tomorrow night! Check out the photo gallery below: