'Idol' revamp: Ellen and Kara out, J-Lo and Tyler in?

An entertainment expert from The Hollywood Reporter discusses Ellen DeGeneres leaving American Idol. He says there is talk of the show returning to a three-judge panel instead of four, one which may include Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

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Rumours are the Season 3 judges for 'American Idol' will be Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler.

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Jessica Simpson as a judge...please?! Shouldn't a requirement (to be a judge) be a talented person with an ear for music. Too bad Ellen is leaving. She and Cara made a great team.

Rosemary D, Halifax

'Idol' shake up: Ellen out, Jennifer Lopez in?

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'Idol' revamp: Ellen and Kara out, J-Lo and Tyler in?

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Frazier Moore, AP television writer

Date: Fri. Jul. 30 2010 2:29 PM ET

NEW YORK — Former "Fly Girl" Jennifer Lopez is poised to return to television -- this time as a judge on "American Idol."

The singer-dancer-actor was close to signing a deal to join the hit singing contest, a person familiar with the negotiations said late Thursday. The person, who was not authorized to comment publicly, spoke on condition of anonymity.

U.S. network Fox, where the show is broadcast south of the border, declined comment. Phone and e-mail messages for Lopez's representatives were not immediately returned.

The "American Idol" opening for Lopez comes with comedian-talk show host Ellen DeGeneres' departure from the show.

Degeneres announced Thursday she was leaving after one year as judge.

"A couple months ago, I let Fox and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres said in a statement. The comedian-talk show host said she realized that while she "loved discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings."

In May, Simon Cowell exited after nine seasons to start a new talent show for Fox.

Those under consideration for his spot, according to reports, are a varied group that includes Steven Tyler and Harry Connick Jr.

Lopez' films include "Selena," "The Wedding Planner" and most recently "The Back-Up Plan." She has appeared as a mentor on "American Idol."

She was part of the "Fly Girl" house dancers on the comedy show "In Living Color" in 1990 before becoming a backup dancer for Janet Jackson.

Lopez's first album, "On the 6," came out in 1999, launching a career in pop, Latin, hip-hop and R&B. "Love?" is the latest CD from the Grammy-winner, who has twins with husband Marc Anthony.

Two new judges could help "American Idol" reinvent itself for its January return, when it will try to stem a ratings slide and bring in younger viewers. The show's audience has been gradually aging, and advertisers prefer to pitch to young adults.

Judge Kara DioGuardi, who was added to the panel two years ago, is not under contract for next year and Fox has not announced whether she'll return. Original judge Randy Jackson is the fourth panel member.

With audition episodes featuring the judges set to begin filming in September, the pressure is on to announce the panel. On Monday, Fox will have a chance to do that when it presents its 2010-11 programs to a meeting of the Television Critics Association.

When DeGeneres joined the show as a replacement for Paula Abdul, proclaiming herself a fan of "American Idol" and a pop aficionado, observers noted she didn't bring music industry expertise to her role. Some complained she proved more of a cheerleader than an incisive critic in the mold of Cowell.

She had a reported five-year contract.

"American Idol" is broadcast in Canada on CTV.

Comments are now closed for this story

Melissa Raye - Vancouver
said

Ohh Good Grief ... There are so many 'talent shows' out there now. Too bad there weren't as many talented performers!!!! So Ellen is leaving and Simon is gone - the world of television and indeed the world in general will carry on regardless. All the nasty comments must be the work of the young trolls who know how to do nothing better! They oughta stick to facebook and twitter.

Carl
said

Cara Dioguardi will be sorely missed if her contract is not renewed. She is remarkably talented and eminently qualified as a judge for this show. Harry Connick Jr. is a smart and engaging fellow who might do well as a judge. But the other prospects mentioned in this article are duds.

Chuck
said

The new judges panel will be similar to the original: J LO is a nut case much like Paula, and Tyler is kind of off the wall but in a different way than Simon. Could be good.

Dwight-Moose Jaw.
said

Jessica Simpson as a judge? She can't act, so maybe she would be good at this! As far as Ellen goes, why on earth would whomever hire her as a judge, when she knows next to nothing about how good, or how bad ones voice is. I think that Idol is on it's way out, no matter who gets hired as the judges. I am getting real sick and tired of hearing Randy saying: "LIKE LOOK DOG" The only reason I watched it at all this past few seasons was to see Simon. He might sound mean in some of the comments he makes, but when it gets right down to it, he is brilliant. He has produced many, many "SUPER STARS." The show ha had a real good run, but maybe it's time it was put to bed.I sure hope that we will be able to get the "X-FACTOR" when it starts next year at least we will have Simon back again.

Joaniebabe
said

I love Ellen, she does not have a mean bone in her body. I am sad to see her go. And yes I watch A.I.

john messom
said

It is nice to hear that Ellen Degeneres is not going to be on American Idol anymore so then maybe I will watch it again as long.

gee
said

The problem is not the judges, it's the lack of really talented and exciting singers last year. It was so boring, even with Simon there.

Syl
said

I never watch American Idol but it is just good to hear that Degeneres is gone. Hope she is out of TV for good. Can't stand to watch anything she is in.

Chris in Ottawa
said

I agree with s. in Ottawa. Ellen is a great person and I appreciate her honesty about leaving American Idol. I'll miss her kindness and positive spirit. I sill really like American Idol and hope they find a good replacement for Simon.

S. in Ottawa
said

I would just like to say to Duane in Ottawa. Ellen is an amazing person. She has changed so many peoples lives in so many ways. You probably don't even know who she is. The talent she finds and the people she touches with her Generosity is like no other. So get your facts straight before you come down on someone who yes has a thing she does dances over the table.. shes a lot more fun the you are I bet. :P

CraigW
said

The only thing worse than going from a has been superstar to a judge on a reality show has to be getting kicked off of being a judged in a reality show.

CYL
said

Ellen gone.... thank you. Anyone else might make me watch again.

Norminontario
said

who cares.....BORING

island girl
said

The reasons Ellen gave for leaving is interesting and maybe the start of a new trend. Maybe other people will get tired of hearing (or spouting off) lengthy insulting tirades to people. No, it's not part of the show and no, it's not necessary. Talent shows have been going on for decades and I think the 'judges' on this show are really too rude. (And yes, I have suffered through watching it when company has wanted to see it. They have not been invited back!)

JAY
said

Well to be honest 'American Idol' is BORING. How many of the winner are now stars? They should cancel it. It just takes up good TV time. Ellen is the BEST -- you tell it as it is , not like the rest.

thetruth1028
said

Ellen was not a good judge but Ellen's departure may also have something to do with the fact Nigel Lythgoe is coming back as producer and he would like to see a completely new panel. And who can blame him? Hard to believe she can just walk away from that huge contract. But J-Lo as a replacement? She is notorious for being one of the worst big name singers (according to a survey of producers). Shania would be good...

Rosemary D, Halifax
said

Jessica Simpson as a judge...please?! Shouldn't a requirement (to be a judge) be a talented person with an ear for music. Too bad Ellen is leaving. She and Cara made a great team.

dwayne-ottawa
said

Good, she's no good at judging. But then again she really has no musical talent either. Now that i think of it what is she really good at? Oh, dancing over a table.