American Idol - Bitten and Bound

Fox Network Execs Fire ‘American Idol’ Producers

American Idol, Celebrities No Responses »

Jun 092013

Executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick have been fired by Fox in the latest ‘American Idol’ shake up.

The network issued this statement, “The passion and dedication that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick brought to American Idol guided the show to become a true cultural phenomenon. While we are saddened they will no longer be executive producers on the show, we are grateful for their tremendous contributions and look forward to continuing to work with them on additional projects.”

Lythgoe tweeted, “Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad!”

He added, “Yes, don’t worry. I’m on #SYTYCD. Fox still loves me. It’s not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 Seasons.”

Rating were at an all time low during the season that ended in mid-May and the 2013 ‘Idol’ Live Summer Tour has scaled back from 40 venues to 30 due to lack of ticket sales in certain markets. According to promoters … the season didn’t generate any major buzz among the Top 12 finishers.

Photos: WENN

Jennifer Lopez Ready to Return to American Idol

American Idol, Celebrities, Jennifer Lopez No Responses »

Jun 042013

Jennifer Lopez is ready to return to ‘American Idol’ and is in the early stages of negotiations, according to her manager Benny Medina.

With Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey out, JLo is in an excellent position to strike a deal that will put her back on the panel — perhaps seated next to Keith Urban.

According to RadarOnline.com, “Benny told FOX that she does indeed want to return. They’re talking. Negotiations are in their infant stages, but they’re underway to get her back to the judges’ table.”

Jennifer would like to stay put in Los Angeles because her 5-year-old twins Max and Emme will start kindergarten in the fall.

During an ‘ET’ interview last month, the singer said that she had a “gut feeling” that going back to ‘Idol’ was in her future.

She said, “That door’s not closed. I know I love the show and I had a great time on it. But the honest truth is I really don’t know what my plans are… I still enjoy the show, I still enjoy seeing those singers take that journey. For me, that’s the real heart of that show.”

Season 12 had the lowest ratings in the history of the franchise, with the May 16 finale down an astounding 40 percent from the previous season.

The lackluster season has had repercussions with the 2013 American Idol Live Summer Tour. Ten of the 40 tour venues have been cancelled because people aren’t buying tickets to see this particular crop of talent.

Speculation is strong that several former ‘American Idol’ alum are being offered judging positions. On the short list are Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert.

Photo Credit: WENN

American Idol Summer Tour Cancels 10 Venues

American Idol, Celebrities No Responses »

Jun 022013

Due to waning interest in all things associated with ‘American Idol,’ tour promoter AEG Live has scaled back one-fourth of the previously scheduled summer concerts.

For the past eleven seasons the top ten ‘Idol’ finishers have spent a summer touring the country as part of an ensemble cast.

Season 12′s entourage includes winner Candice Glover, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller, Burnell Taylor, Curtis Finch Jr., Devin Velez, Janelle Arthur, Kree Harrison, Lazaro Arbos, Paul Jolley and Aubrey Cleland.

The 40 venue show has now become 30 gigs that will run from July 19 thru August 31. Affected cities are St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Detroit, Rosemont, IL, Tulsa, Broomfield, CO, Las Vegas, Oakland and Ontario, CA.

AEG Live promoter Jared Paul explained, “You have to match the public’s interest. Whether somebody will part with their hard-earned money is all talent-dependent.”

The ‘Idol’ finale, two weeks ago, saw the biggest deterioration of viewers in the history of the franchise. Three of the four judges have announced they won’t be back.

Photo: Facebook-American Idol

OFFICIAL: Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj Get ‘Idol’ Boot

American Idol, Celebrities, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj No Responses »

May 312013

It didn’t take long for ‘American Idol’ to lower the boom on Season 12 judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Both divas have been booted from the Fox network after the worst ratings in the show’s history.

‘American Idol’ producers and the network released this statement: “Mariah Carey is a true global icon — one of the most accomplished artists on the planet — and we feel extremely fortunate that she was able to bring her wisdom and experience to the ‘American Idol’ contestants this season. We know she will remain an inspiration to ‘Idol’ hopefuls for many seasons to come.”

Minaj hit Twitter shortly afterward to reveal that she is also off the show, “Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn’t trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!”

FremantleMedia producers acknowledged the contributions of the ‘Super Bass’ singer, “She is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to the show.”

Randy Jackson announced his departure a week prior to the May 16 finale. That leaves only Keith Urban still blowing in the wind. Reports indicate that the Season 13 judging panel will be comprised of former ‘Idol’ talent. Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert are rumored to be negotiating contract offers.

Photos: Facebook-American Idol

American Idol Alum Tapped to Become the Judges

Adam Lambert, American Idol, Celebrities, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson No Responses »

May 252013

FOX and ‘American Idol’ are reportedly courting several former contestants to become season 13 judges — the latest attempt to turn the ratings tide that has been plummeting for the past several cycles of the show.

There are strong indications that Jennifer Hudson is negotiating a deal that will land the Oscar and Grammy-winning entertainer a place on the judges panel. Other successful past participants who are rumored to be on the short list include Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert.

Kelly Clarkson, who won the first season of ‘Idol’ in 2002, was also in the rumored mix until her rep stated emphatically, “Kelly will not be a judge on ‘Idol.’” She is slated to get married later this year to Blake Shelton’s manager, Brandon Blackstock.

Fox Alternative Entertainment President Mike Darnell talked about finding the perfect singing show judge, “If you’ve never done it before, we don’t know what we’re getting. You might be great, you might be terrible. It’s a skill… Everybody thinks they can do it but not everybody can.”

Shortly after sharing that tidbit Darnell fired himself. His statement read: “Mike Darnell votes himself out of Fox Broadcasting Company. The results are in. I’m extremely grateful that Fox has offered me a new long term contract but I’ve decided it’s time for a change. I’ve been in ‘reality’ since before it was even called that, and it has truly been an amazing ride.”

Assuming you are a former fan of the show … would a season of ‘American Idol’ alum as judges lure you back in?

Photo: WENN, Twitter-Kelly Clarkson

Older Entries