Reports have surfaced claiming that all four American Idol judges and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe will be replaced before next season due to poor ratings.

‘American Idol’ Tried to Replace Mariah Carey With Jennifer Lopez Mid-Season?

“All four are gone,” a source said about current judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. “They feel they’ve lost their core audience and they want it back.”

The insider also added that the increasing salaries for stars working on the show will not be considered: ”No more big checks for divas.”

Lythgoe will also be replaced, with major changes coming to the format of the show. Auditions will still take place, but tribute nights during the live shows will be eliminated.

Reports have surfaced claiming that American Idol executives planned to replace Mariah Carey with former judge Jennifer Lopez mid-season after their ratings took a major drop.

Crystal Bowersox Playing Patsy Cline on Broadway

Insiders claim that Carey threatened legal action after she caught wind of the speculation, which secured her spot until the end of the season. The sources also said Lopez is in negotiations to appear on the season finale in May.

Carey’s rep has denied rumors of her being dropped from the show, as has Fox, whose spokesperson said in a statement: ”This is just another ridiculous Idol rumor, likely started by talks of Jennifer performing on the finale.”

[image: WENN]

Former American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox has been slated to play the role of Patsy Cline in the Broadway musical Always…Patsy Cline.

Crystal Bowersox “Ridin’ With The Radio” On American Idol (VIDEO)

The production is being mounted as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Cline’s death.

Bowersox, who came in second during American Idol‘s ninth season, will sing 27 Cline songs in the show, which focuses on her the famous singer’s close friend Louise Seger.

Previews for the show are expected to begin in July with the show opening in August.

[image: WENN]

American Idol winner Kris Allen was injured in a head-on car accident on New Year’s Day with his wife, Katy Allen, and his dog, Zorro, which left him with a broken arm. But the singer counted his blessings, and took the time to announce that his wife is expecting their first child.

Kris Allen Debuts “The Vision Of Love” On American Idol (VIDEO)

“Thank you @ford for equipping me with a car that kept my whole family @katyallen @ZorroPup and the little one we have on the way safe,” he tweeted. “Yes I got in a really bad wreck tonight and yes I’m having a lil baby. #gonnabeadaddy”

Allen will underwent surgery yesterday, but still plans to open his “Out Alive” tour on Jan. 8. ”Don’t worry everyone I may have broken my wrist but the #OutAliveTour is still on,” he Tweeted.

Congrats to the happy couple! Get well soon!

[image: Yahoo!]

Who would’ve ever thought we’d see this group together?!

The first photo of the new American Idol judges was released yesterday. The panel now includes Mariah Carey, 42, Keith Urban, 44, Nicki Minaj, 29, and Randy Jackson, 56.

Mariah Carey Officially Joining ‘American Idol’

The foursome was photographed at the judges table in midtown NYC with their host, Ryan Seacrest, 37. ”After some musical chairs, here’s how the new American Idol judges will be seated,” Seacrest wrote underneath the photo on Facebook.

“With the exciting addition of Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj, alongside Randy Jackson, American Idol‘s star power has never been so great,” executive producer Simon Fuller said in a statement.

So what do you think of the new judges? Do they have what it takes to bring in the ratings like the last panel?

[image: UsMagazine]

American Idol 2010 winner Lee DeWyze married actress and model Jonna Walsh Saturday afternoon in Camarillo, Calif., his rep confirmed.

“We are so excited to have been able to share this moment with our closest family and friends,” DeWyze told reporters. “It was a beautiful and personal ceremony that exceeded all of our expectations. It was an emotional day that we will never forget!”

American Idol Winner Lee DeWyze Engaged To Jonna Walsh

“Beautiful wedding, beautiful girl, just beautiful,” he tweeted after the ceremony. “We’re married.”

The couple, who met in 2010, became engaged last July during a trip to Disney World.

Congratulations to the beautiful newlyweds!

[image: UsMagazine]

Pop singer Mariah Carey confirmed Monday that she will be replacing Jennifer Lopez as a judge on the hit reality show American Idol.

The announcement was made at the Television Critics Association summer tour in Beverly Hills during comments by Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly.

“We do, in fact, have one judge whose deal closed very, very recently,” Reilly told reporters. “It’s an artist that many contestants have tried to emulate, have tried to have sung the songs, have tried to hit the notes and because it really was concluded only hours ago, our judge couldn’t be with us.”

He then put a phone call on speaker phone, where Carey’s voice could be heard.

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Renew Wedding Vows in Paris

“I am so excited to be joining Idol,” she said. “First of all, I wanted to be there today and I wish I could’ve been there to tell you, but I think you know this all kind of just happened real quickly, so I can’t wait to get started in a couple months.”

Carey is the first judge to be confirmed for the next season of the show. Lopez announced her decision to leave earlier this month, along with the Steven Tyler. Randy Jackson, who has been with the show since it’s creation, is said to be on the fence about returning.

Do you think Carey will be a solid replacement?

[image: WENN]

Jennifer Lopez finally confirmed she’s leaving American Idol on KIIS-FM with Ryan Seacrest this morning.

After months of speculation, the triple threat told Seacrest: ”I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do, that I put … on hold because I love Idol so much.”

Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony Reunite On Stage (PHOTO)

“I could do Idol for the rest of my life,” she said, “but that would be giving up a bunch of other things. We had an amazing run.”

“I have my movies and my music and my this and my that,” Lopez, 40, said. “It all kind of worked together for a while, but then it gets more complicated. As the kids are getting a little bigger, it started feeling like it was a lot. Something has to give. And that’s, I think, where I am right now.”

Lopez’s announcement comes one day after fellow judge Steven Tyler announced his departure from the show. There’s also speculation that Randy Jackson, who has been with the show since it began, will be leaving.

I started watching Idol again because of Lopez. She gave the show a new twist. Let the new judge rumors begin!

[image: WENN]

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler just announced his decision to leave American Idol after two glorious seasons as a judge on the FOX’s talent show to be able to fully concentrate on his music.

Steven Tyler’s Aerosmith Debut “Legendary Child” On American Idol Finale (VIDEO)

The true love of Steven’s life was and always will be the band Aerosmith, while Idol was simply a mistress. And he claims to be leaving before the mistress can “boil his rabbit,” which is a reference to the movie “Fatal Attraction.”

Steven Tyler announced he was quitting American Idol in the following statement:

Carrie Underwood & Steven Tyler “Undo It/Walk This Way” At ACM Awards (VIDEO)

“After some long … hard … thoughts … I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress American Idol before she boils my rabbit. I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back – but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”

“I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I’m back – but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass – the ultimate in auditory takeover.”

“On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars. IDOL was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it … Now it’s time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD.”

Idol creator Simon Fuller wished his former judge the best for his future endeavors in a statement:

“If you had told me 10 years ago he would be a judge onAmerican Idol, I would have thought it impossible. … I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America’s greatest-ever rock band. American Idol will miss him!”

We will miss Steven Tyler’s delirious comments!

[image: wenn.com]

From Idol to Gleek! American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez, who lost the title to Phillip Phillips, is reportedly very close to landing a guest role on the fourth season of FOX’s hit show “Glee.”

Jessica Sanchez Sings “Change Nothing” On American Idol Finale (VIDEO)

The 16 year-old is in negotiations to join the McKinley High School stars halfway into the season for a multi-episode arc. If everything goes smoothly, Jessica will start shooting this fall, as soon as she has completes the American Idol Summer Tour.

There are no details about Jessica’s role, but this is an exciting new challenge for the singer. I, for one, cannot wait for Jessica to battle with the leading diva, Rachel Berry played by Lea Michele.

[image: Nikki Nelson / wenn.com]

American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson is set to join fellow Idol Katharine McPhee for a multi-episode arc in the second season of NBC’s hit musical drama “Smash.”

Jennifer Hudson Sings “I Will Always Love You” Tribute To Whitney Houston (VIDEO)

The 30 year-old actress/singer, who won a Golden Globe and Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls” back in 2006, will play Veronica Moore, a Tony-winning Broadway star.

Ebony: Jennifer Hudson Is NOT a Size Zero, Y’all!

“We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to Smash,” Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, says in a statement. “This series is a showcase for some of the best musical talent in the business and that’s a fitting description for Jennifer Hudson. Her character will represent someone who reached their Broadway dream but also paid a price for it.”

Steven Spielberg, executive producer of Smash who worked with Jennifer on “Dreamgirls,” is also very pleased with the new addition to the cast, which includes stars like Katharine, Debra Messing, Jack Davenport and Megan Hilty.

Steven Spielberg adds, “First Dreamgirls, now Smash. I have no doubt Jennifer will continue to deliver even more inspiration to the audience responsible for giving us a second season on NBC. It’s wonderful to be reunited with her at DreamWorks Television and NBC.”

“Smash” season 2 will premiere in early 2013.

[image: PNP/ wenn.com]

After a few setbacks, Idol Phillip Phillips finally went under the knife to remove several enlarged kidney stones in a successful six-and-a-half hour surgery on Thursday morning (June 7).

Idol Phillip Phillips Madly In Love With Girlfriend Hannah Blackwell

The 21 year-old singer is currently recovering and is expected to be 100% for the kick off the Idol tour in next month. The American Idol season 11 winner struggled with pain throughout the whole competition, but delayed the surgery so he could continue competing.

Phillip confessed he thought about dropping out, but his doctors, family and girlfriend Hannah Blackwell’s incredible support gave him the courage and strength he needed to beat fellow contestant Jessica Sanchez for the Idol crown.

Phillip Phillips Performs “Home” On American Idol Finale (VIDEO)

“[America's] just seen a glimpse of what Phillip can do,” his father told PEOPLE. “We can’t wait to get him well and 100 percent and really see how he can perform.”

We wish Phillip a fast and full recovery. Can’t wait to see what surprises he has in store for us next. The American Idol Live Tour kicks off in Detroit on July 6.

[image: Fox]