We’ve heard plenty of back-and-forth rumors about whether Jennifer Lopez was going to join the judges’ panel on American Idol. People Magazine reported in August that Lopez was way too demanding in contract talks and was no longer in consideration for the job. Then TMZ ran a story yesterday that “shadowy forces” were trying to “sabotage” Lopez’s chances on AI, as if she didn’t do a good enough job of that on her own. That story was conveniently leaked right before it was reported that Lopez signed with American Idol for $12 million, making her the first known judge for the upcoming season – if this story is accurate.
TMZ has confirmed … Jennifer Lopez has signed a 1-year deal with “American Idol” for “a little more than $12 million” — this according to sources connected with the show.
It’s somewhat surprising that the deal is only for one year … given the nature of the “A.I.” franchise.
Nonetheless, it is a done deal and Jennifer Lopez is expected to be at the judges’ table for auditions next week.
[From TMZ]
I was hoping they’d pick Mariah Carey, as she’s an entitled diva I can get behind, but I guess Jennifer Lopez will do. Carey’s (probable) pregnancy may have led her to drop out of consideration anyway. Lopez is not entirely unlikable, and her laughable attempts at a career comeback have kind of humanized her for me. Still, $12 million is a hell of a lot of money for one year. Paula Abdul was reportedly asking around $15 million a year before she was canned prior to the last season, similar to what Ryan Seacrest earns but significantly less than the alleged $100 million they tried to offer Simon to stay. Many people will disagree with me, but I think they should have kept Paula.
So who will be the other two judges be? We know Kara is out. Rumor has it that they’re reverting to a three judge format with Randy Jackson staying on, and we’ve heard Steven Tyler’s name floated around. We’ve also heard that guest mentor Shania Twain was producers’ “Plan B” if Lopez didn’t work out. I hope they still consider Shania as she would be a welcome addition. Tyler is just too out of control, although that never stopped Paula from slurring her way through a show. I doubt that they’ll have two women to one man, though. It just seems like too much of a boys network, given some of the things that Paula has said.
Jennifer is shown on 9/10/10 and 9/12/10. Credit: WENN.com
American Idol sucks the big one. It will now suck even more than before. This is the worst decision ever. Even Brett Michaels would be a better judge than J-Lo.
Faithful viewer, no longer.
Worst. Decision. Ever. I’m out on Idol.
So it turns out even the producers of Idol get that it isn’t about the talent of the kids- it’s about the judges? What a crock of garbage. What part of Ellen looking like an idiot last season do they not understand? They need actual, talented musicians to judge the contestants, not a bunch of washed up ego’s. *sigh* Well, it was fun while it lasted.
I don’t think there are many J-Lo fans left. Good luck with that AI.
What a colossal waste of money on basically a no-name, 3 tier celeb.
Why didn’t they give Paula that kind of money? She was great on Idol.
Shame on American Idol, after so many years and part of the judging that built up the show they refused to raise Paula abdul’s salary and give this person who’s talent is only dressing up in the latest fashion 12 million. I will not watch the show.
I am stunned that Jennifer would even consider having to lower her self, to do a weekly talent contest show, on TV.
Seriously.
I really thought these were just rumors about her joining the show.
that seals the deal ! won’t watch this show EVER AGAIN. what a stupid stupid move on AI’s part. the end is near
I for one will watch. I like her and she will be a breath of fresh air on the show. No matter what people say, they will tune in if the talent is good unlike what it was last season that I barely watched.
Some critic wrote for this show to work, they need a jerk who can put the smack down on contestants. Celebrities to some degree want to be liked so they won’t tell some 16 year old, “that was horrible and they should quit singing and get a job at McDonalds.” They need someone who’s career after AI isn’t dependent on America still liking them so will continue to buy their music, attend their concerts and buy tickets to their movies. So I don’t think JLo is all that great a choice. But I can deal with it if the 3rd judge is an outstanding choice. What this show needs for a 3rd judge is a person who knows the music business and how to spot and grow talent. Not an irrelevant rock star like Steven Tyle who while talented is better at picking up groupies than picking out the next musical superstar.
Never seen AI, but I miss Paula. Since she had to leave, the Fug Girls hardly discuss her and her clothes anymore. Such a shame.
Don’t watch Idol as it is, but I would rather hear JL talk than sing.
Hoo boy. Big Mistake.
Deal breaker for me. Hope the big wigs at AI know something we don’t, for their sake.
12 million dollars for “anyone” is outrageous!!! Says a lot for priorities. I’m flabberghasted….seriously.
A done deal for her and a done deal for me…I’m out of AI. Wish I could get a measly $1M check just for saying that!
Thank you AI now I can spend that time reading a good book. JLo for the show’s demise. She has all the charisma of a stale mascara brush, plus she can’t ad lib anything. It will be interesting to see how fast the ratings collapse maybe faster than what remains of JLo’s career.
IM OUT!!! JLo is the worst person they could of picked. She is untalented, she has no imagination, her movies suck, she is trying to act and dress likes shes in her 20’s instead of being married 4 times with 2 kids. TERRIBLE AI TERRIBLE. 12 million I wouldnt of paid her 12 cents.
I haven’t watched in years, but certainly won’t start again now. Loopy as she is, at least Mariah can sing. Shania would have been a very good choice. JLo is a manufactured, auto-tuned diva, who is probably only doing this for the $$ and yet another chance to try to sell her own music.
Without Simon, the judges don’t really matter anymore, and if they’re only down to one original (Randy) people are going to give up on it. Paula wasn’t worth much as a judge, but she was at least a little bit fun to watch.