None of the four judges on the singing competition will be asked to return next season, an individual with knowledge of Fox's plans told The Wrap. Longtime producer Nigel Lythgoe is expected to get the boot. And despite reports to the contrary, Fox isn't even considering bringing former judge Jennifer Lopez back as a lifesaver for next season.
Like we said: nuclear.
"All four are gone," the insider told TheWrap. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."
Driven by this belief and the need to attract younger viewers, Fox is set to make major on-air changes to "Idol," the most notable of which will be an entirely new judging panel. New judges pop icon Mariah Carey, rapper Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban won't be back. Even original judge Randy Jackson won't survive the blood bath this time around.
A Fox spokesperson declined to comment for this story.
All four judges have options to return for another season, but Fox won't be picking them up, according to the knowledgeable individual, who said: "No more big checks for divas."
The network has resolved to stop paying the huge salaries it has been shoveling out for its big name talent, i.e. Carey's reported $18 million package, Minaj's $12 million salary and former judge Jennifer Lopez's $15 million.
The show's format will also change. Its look will be redesigned and the dated tribute nights will be a thing of the past. But the show's trademark audition episodes will continue.
Behind the scenes, Fox Broadcasting chairman Kevin Reilly is charged with "fixing Idol." And one of the first changes will occur at the top of the food chain: Longtime executive producer Lythgoe is expected to be replaced. What that means for the show's producers, FremantleMedia, remains to be seen.
Also it appears that Randy Jackson has quit because he would rather do that than be fired.
'American Idol' mainstay Randy Jackson confirms exit amid report producers set to fire all four judges
Maybe the theme of “American Idol” next week should be “Eve of Destruction.”
After a report that the still-popular but stumbling Fox icon is about to vote off all four of its judges and its executive producer, veteran judge Randy Jackson confirmed Thursday that he’s giving up the talent-show gig.
“Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season,” Jackson said in a statement.
“I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry,” he said. “It’s been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures.”
A “insider” told The Wrap Thursday that Fox plans to start the show from scratch next time around, after a year of bad reviews and worse ratings.
That would mean not picking up the options of judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban along with Jackson, who has been there since the beginning.
The Wrap also says executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, another show veteran, may not be returning.
Only host Ryan Seacrest seems to be sticking around.
Want to Hear How I met Roy E. Disney in 2003? Click the link Below
Why don't they just cancel this waste of time and get on with something that people really want to see. I haven't watched this season because of the 'street-ho clown' judge Nikki Minaj, and worthless Mariah Carey. I always liked Randy Jackson, but maybe they will come up with something better for him.
Idol has run its course. Its welcome mat has been drawn in by our family. Moreso over the "fix" of last season's show. Still don't know how Jessica Sanchez lost to Phillip Phillips. She was so much better and likeable. People were walking out on the Idol traveling shows when Phillips came on stage. They were standing and cheering for Jessica.
Even Scotty McCreery is more talented than Phillips. Scotty's new album just went Platinum in less than two weeks.
Phillips is just a one-hit wonder on I-Tunes.
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dvdjunkie wrote:I haven't watched this season because of the 'street-ho clown' judge Nikki Minaj.
Another day, another sexist/racist remark from hatejunkie.
Even Scotty McCreery is more talented than Phillips. Scotty's new album just went Platinum in less than two weeks.
Scotty doesn't have a new album.
Anyway, I'm not surprised at the mass firing and finally glad to be rid of Randy and Nigel Lythgoe, and that they're keeping JLO away (the ratings went down in her second season as well). I do wish they'd have kept Keith Urban though; he was a good judge. They've talked about getting Harry Connick, Jr. and he'd be great. I know somebody had mentioned Queen Latifah before, but I think she would also be amazing. She'd be able to be honest without worrying about being nice like Mariah and JLO. They clearly want to fix the show now while the ratings are still in a salvage-able area.
Listening to most often lately:
Taylor Swift ~ ~ "The Fate of Ophelia"
Taylor Swift ~ "Eldest Daughter"
Taylor Swift ~ "CANCELLED!"
I listen to it while my dad watches it. I'm not that into American Idol. I would say that the major WTF off topic moments and a lot of times inappropriate for live national TV came from Nikki Minaj
Go to the 2 minute 20 second part. She tells one of the singers who was 18 that she wants to have his babies.....and while Kieth is talking it looks like she is getting excited and making faces like she just had a daydream.
Niki Minaj is talented to a lot of people, but to me she's not nor am I fan of her music or her. That's just my opinion, and I'm sure many disagree but they have that right to, just like I do.
Also I thought Keith was great from what I saw of him being a judge. He actually was more of a judge than the other 3 to be honest. Also he gave more helpful advice then the others.
Want to Hear How I met Roy E. Disney in 2003? Click the link Below
I personally liked Nicki's persona. She was kind of hilarious, and she usually was the most critical and on-point. But it's clear she turned off a lot of viewers. Plus, I didn't like how she acted towards Mariah (on and off the show) or some of her comments towards contestants on Twitter. So I'm not too broken up she's gone, but I didn't understand the extreme hate she got. I don't really care for her genre of music, but my sister gave me a copy of her album and I've listened to some of it occasionally.
Listening to most often lately:
Taylor Swift ~ ~ "The Fate of Ophelia"
Taylor Swift ~ "Eldest Daughter"
Taylor Swift ~ "CANCELLED!"
Watching the show I can see why they want to change things up, but at the same time if they change too much it isn't the same show. It seems like Fox wants to do a different show, and just use the Idol name to bring people in. Maybe it will work, who knows... This season has just been "meh" for me. I will admit I haven't watched all of it, but when I do tune in it no longer grabs my attention like previous seasons. The judges really just seem pointless to me right now, although I do like Keith Urban.
As far as Phillip Phillips... He might end up a "one hit wonder", but really haven't most of the past few seasons winners had limited "success"? The days of Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, etc... seem to be over for the show. Maybe if they do have success with redoing the show those days will return.
