Which Celebrities Could Replace Ellen DeGeneres, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi (?!) to Save American Idol?
Ellen DeGeneres Quits American Idol
Perhaps FOX is relating to what viewers are experiencing with the economic meltdown and employment woes, because "American Idol" is officially representing all possible employment stages - retirement, quitting and getting canned. At the end of last season, they celebrated the retirement of Simon Cowell with a love fest including a video montage, gathering of past American Idols and a Paula Abdul appearance. Ellen DeGeneres announced last night that she will not be returning next season, and according to her Twitter feed, "Dim the lights ... I've voted myself off American Idol." Now, gossip websites are reporting that Kara DioGuardi has been fired from the show so that it may return to a three-judge panel! If this is true - bad move, FOX.
Kicking off Kara would be a huge mistake, even though this meltdown really began when we lost Paula and her quirky, off-the-wall comments. But if "American Idol" really is down to one lonely Randy Jackson, who will fill the two remaining spots?
In this gallery
Her career is exploding - on top of being a newlywed - and she doesn't need this, but wouldn't we love to have her?
Her career needs a pick-me-up and being in hiding the last few years as help her public image. Not a bad choice!
No way would this happen, but it would be amazing, right? Watching JTLake would be a trip right back to "Mickey Mouse Club" years.
Between all the break up-reunion gossip this year, who knows what Steven Tyler is doing these days. Would love to see a rock musician up there.
Perfect Kara replacement - kind, insightful, but not a push over.
If they created a "floating judge" seat, Rihanna would be an awesome guest spot. She's worked her career to the top.
Doubt she could provide helpful feedback on vocals, but Kay Perry has the art of being a pop star down pat.
From Hootie to Country Music fan favorite, I think Darius Rucker could be a smart choice. He's the master of a comeback career, he understands the ups and downs of the business, touring with a band and having a solo career, and he'll surprise you on stage.
Fergie has fizzled. Why did she ever leave Black Eyed Peas...and then return?
Where is Nelly Furtado these days? Every once in awhile she crops up with a hit and then fades away again.
If you see her as a guest judge for the auditions, you know that she is perfect for this, and with a once-on-top career and legit voice, she knows what she's talking about.
Testing the waters with a solo career was no doubt a huge mistake. But Gwen Stefani still rocks.
Could see Jessica Simpson grasping to be on "American Idol"...please, no.
American Idol Carrie Underwood, Image: media.lunch.com
Her career is exploding - on top of being a newlywed - and she doesn't need this, but wouldn't we love to have her?
A new judge will probably be a celebrity who had a hit career but is now floundering and looking to recharge, a personality who is in the public's favor and someone who seems "qualified" to take on the judgmental job. But truthfully, no matter what FOX plans to save "American Idol," the show has seen its better day and is starting to smell sour itself. Perhaps it's time to hang up the mic...?
3 Comments
Julie Hammerle said:
Based on past Idol appearances, there are only three people who SHOULD be Idol judges, but most of their names haven't been bandied about. Those folks are Harry Connick, Jr., Barry Manilow, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Connick probably just isn't interested (and his name has been mentioned during the whole "New Simon" search, but Manilow and Webber (who were both helpful, critical, and thoughtful during their stints on Idol) haven't even been mentioned.
I guess the time is now for aging '80s rockers. We haven't yet reached the ironic need for popular lounge musicians and Broadway schmaltz creators.
Driven Diva said:
Agree with your Harry Connick, Jr. reference. I forgot about his stint on Idol last season as a guest. He was amazing with the contestants, giving them a lot of guidance and advice. It didn't seem like he was there for shameless self-promotion like many of the other celebs. He would be a great option.
I can't imagine how they'll hire the new judges - try to stick to the Randy, Paula, Simon cast and fill their shoes with similar personalities in new bodies or go with an entirely new make up? You're right though, "new characters" would be a welcome change.
Julie Hammerle said:
It seems like they're headed in the "Big Stars, Big Personalities" direction, which I don't think is smart. People do not watch Idol for the judges. They watch (and continue to watch) Idol for the singing talent. (Though, if they have no singing talent, maybe they do need the famous judges. Or maybe it's time to finally put the nail in the coffin on this show.)
Of course, J-Lo could totally prove me wrong and turn out to be the second coming of Simon Cowell: The Early Years. She won't. But I hope she does. But she won't.
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