Now that 19 Entertainment will be distributing music through Universal Music Group, instead of Sony Music, who will be Idol’s new Clive Davis?
The Los Angeles Time reports it’s music producer Jimmy Iovine:
Iovine, who has worked with artists including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Dr. Dre and Eminem over his lengthy career, will have a part on “American Idol” next season. It is unlikely that Iovine will be a judge on the show, but he will be a mentor of sorts.
The addition of Iovine comes on the heels of a new record deal between “American Idol” and Universal Music Group. Iovine is chairman of UMG’s Interscope Geffen A&M label. Previously, Sony Music had been the label partner of “American Idol.”
For “American Idol, ” adding Iovine to the mix may help lessen the blow of losing lead judge Simon Cowell, whose music background gave him credibility. Whether Iovine will emerge as someone with the same on-air presence as Cowell remains to be seen, but no one can argue with his success in knowing what sells.
Clive Davis used to pick music for the Idols at the latter stages of the competition, and drop by to hand out platinum plaques. Early on, he had a heavy hand in the production of post-Idol music until a big shake-up in 2007 put Jive Record’s Barry Weiss in charge of the Sony music labels.
So, Jimmy Iovine as the new Clive Davis? What do you think?
LAT sources say Nigel Lythgoe has closed his deal to return to Idol as executive producer, and deals for Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, who have been tapped for the judges’ panel will be finalized in a few days.
