UPDATE: Kelly Clarkson’s reps have also confirmed to EW (as THR confirmed) that Kelly Clarkson will not be a judge next season, while Deadline claims sources tell them that Jennifer Hudson is negotiating while Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken are still in the mix (Vulture, The Wrap and E News are also reporting that all 4 alums are in the mix)
I tend to agree with those of you who believe Idol brass may be floating these rumors to either see how fans respond, or to divert attention from negative year end/sweeps end ratings news that was released yesterday. Kelly’s reps take her out of the mix, while a source claims Adam has not been contacted yet. Neither Jennifer or Clay or their reps have responded. Even if the rumors are not true, they may be happy to have their names floating around in the press.
UPDATE: EOnline is sticking to their original story that Kelly Clarkson is close to signing a deal. Also, they report that Jennifer Hudson has ALREADY signed a deal. EOnline
Multiple sources confirm exclusively to E! News that the Oscar-winning singer has signed a deal to sit at the judges’ table this fall for season 13. The other two spots are also intended for former Idol contestants: Kelly Clarkson and either Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken.
We’re told that Clarkson is also close to signing on. No word yet on whether Lambert or Aiken will fill the final spot, but producers are expected to keep the panel to three members.
It’s only been a week since the Idol finale and deals are being signed already? Sorry, but I don’t believe it.
The Hollywood Reporter has “insiders” who insist that American Idol brass are looking at Jlo and Wil.i.am as members of the Season 13 judges panel, instead of the all-alum panel Vulture and E Online suggest are iminent. THR also insists that Kelly Clarkson will NOT be joining the panel next season, despite recent reports that say she will.
Now The Wrap and Vulture appear to be talking to the same “sources”. The website reports that Jennifer Hudson is currently negotiating a deal with Idol to join the panel:
Hudson, who appeared on last week’s finale results show, is interested in joining the show. “She got the offer and her reps are currently negotiating with [the show’s production company] Fremantle,” the insider said of the process that could take as long as six months to complete.
Six months to complete? Oy. One source tells Vulture that Jhud’s deal is essentially “done””
“The show’s producers feel they’ve lost their core audience,” the insider said. “And they want to bring back former contestants in order to tell their core audience, ‘We love you.’ They know they’ve made some major mistakes over the past few seasons and they want to make it right with their fans.”
Vulture cautions that buzz “even from people familiar with the situation does not always lead to deals…” In other words “Excuse us while we ass talk for hits.”
