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