The reality has set in for “American Idol” fans that Simon Cowell is no longer a part of the TV show. It is unclear how die-hard supporters will manage the latest exodus, however. Ellen DeGeneres just lately educated the planet that she will no longer carry out her responsibilities as a judge on the well-known reality show. Adding insult to injury, now Kara DioGuardi has been let go, reports the Los Angeles Times. Randy Jackson may soon be joined by Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, however.
’American Idol’ faces a bevy of questions
Clearly Fox, as well as Nigel Lythgoe and the “American Idol” production group, think there are still ratings to be squeezed from the aging yet nevertheless popular program. Deadline.com claims that Jennifer Lopez can be coming on as Kara DioGuardi’s replacement when Season 10 begins in January, but nothing has been confirmed. Coincidentally, Lopez started her career as a dancer, much like Paula Abdul. A Lopez return to Fox may remind some of her stint as a dancer on “In Living Color”.
Viewers were jumping ship
Decreased viewership has “American Idol” producers nervous, despite the show’s favored status among American viewers. Reports are that they were on the verge of letting Ellen DeGeneres go. Unlike the Kara DioGuardi situation – her contract simply went un-renewed – Ellen was given the chance to bow out gracefully. In a public statement, DeGeneres said that “A couple months ago, I let Fox and also the ‘American Idol’ producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me”. If not the “right fit” for “Idol” means that she often seemed like someone on the deck of the Titanic, then yes, Ellen was not a good fit.
Fox Networks Group chair Peter Rice said in a statement that “We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of ‘Idol’”.
Improving chemistry
On again, off again “American Idol” Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe wasn’t the only one to notice that Kara DioGuardi, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson simply didn’t click onscreen. Adding a visibly uncomfortable Ellen DeGeneres to the mix only served to underscore that fact. Lythgoe would have loved to have Paula, Usher and Elton John, but it apparently wasn’t meant to be. J. Lo and Steven Tyler have the most buzz.
Steven Tyler is playing it cool
X17 Online was able to catch up to Steven Tyler outside the Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood, so they pumped him for a scoop. It has been speculated that Tyler would play the Simon Cowell role, minus some cynicism. Tyler revealed absolutely nothing. Yet he also didn’t reject the chance.
Additional reading
Los Angeles Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/07/kara-dioguardi-out-of-tune-with-american-idol.html
The Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072905730.html
X17 Online
x17online.com/celebrities/steven_tyler/x17_xclusive_steven_tyler_tight_lipped_on_new_gig_as_idol_judge-07302010.php
