J.Lo Outsmarts Jessica Simpson for 'Idol' Job

By Rob Shuter Posted Jul 30th 2010 05:35PM

Poor Jessica Simpson. After months and months of talks and meetings with the producers of 'American Idol,' Jennifer Lopez and her brilliant manager swooped in and stole the one job that could have put Jessica back on top.

"You won't find many folks that like Jessica's movies or music, but who doesn't love watching Jessica on TV," an industry insider tells me. "She would be the perfect person to replace the void that Paula left. Jess is funny, caring and a total ditz. Just what the show needs to make America start caring again."

So how did Lopez end up with the job that everyone, including Jessica, thought was hers? Two words: her manager. Benny Medina, who has helped shape the careers of Mariah, Tyra Banks and P. Diddy, is one of the best in the business, and Jessica's dad/manager, papa Joe, certainly is no match.

"Benny dazzled the 'Idol' producers in his pitch of J.Lo, and how the power of his client could put Idol back on top," an 'Idol' source tells me. "This was literally music to 'Idol's' ears after seeing their show drop over 20 percent in the ratings in just one year."

All of this has left Jessica heartbroken, she has known for some time that she needs a Benny Medina-type manager to secure her the big opportunities when they come along, although as one source put it, "How do you fire your own dad?"

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Tags: American Idol, jennifer lopez, jessica simpson

Comments

(51)

Friday 30 July

By Gary

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I suspect that Simpson outsmarted J Lo by NOT getting the job. American Idol is doa next season regardless of who sits on the judges' panel.

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the stones from being involved in different parts of the business. Just because you are an "entertainer" doesn't mean you are qualified. I don't see what the rush is to pick anyone. I say the powers that be should

Sunday 01 August

By BTDT

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Outsmarting Jessica Simpson is like being the tallest midgit in the room.
Big deal.
Jessica's problem always has been and always will be her father.

By Donna

Well another year will go by without me watching AI. Do not like JLO ever since she was dating Ben. I probably would have watched it if Jessica would have been on there. But JLO no way no how.

By rudewaitress

Just the opposite for me. Jessica Simpson is a total no-talent, useless bird brain. She's suckered in the same simpletons every other no-talent has and still has to re-invent her career every other year to stay in the tabloids. Wouldn't even give AI a look-see had she been allowed on. Not a chance.

By ajschrod

I'm trying to understand how J Lo made you angry enough to dislike her--she is harmless!

By Butt Lovin Bear 401

Personally neither one should be a judge. Paula may have been "ditzy" but she had the stones from being involved in different parts of the business. Just because you are an "entertainer" doesn't mean you are qualified. I don't see what the rush is to pick anyone. I say the powers that be should take their time & make good choices to fill out the 3 judge panel, like maybe pick someone who actually goes out & looks for talent as a job.

By Leila

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Are you kidding me ? J-Lo is the only artist wo does it all. I love Paula too but I just see her as a dancer.

Saturday 31 July

By theresa

I KNOW I CERTANLITY WON'T BE WATCHING IT EITHER BECAUSE OF JLO AND WHAT SHE DID TO BEN AFFLECK TOO SO AI HAS LOST ANOTHER WATCHER AND WHAT SHE DID TO GET MARRIED TO MARC ANTHONY AND STEAL HIM AWAY FROM HIS WIFE TO AND HIS KIDS I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WOULD LIKE THAT EITHER TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN TO THEM.

By bsti

My vote is for J Lo. She's intelligent and has proven her ability to entertain.

But then I guess if you enjoy seeing Jessica turn herself into a "blow up doll" then I guess that's sick entertainment. WTF happened Jessica?

By rlnyny

No serious artist will want to be on a show where they will be singing with 15 year old Beiber clones. The show is now for the 9 to 14 year old kids.

By Brianna

I love Jennifer! She is a very fun entertainer. I've always been a big fan. She has that great charming star personality too. Jenny will be a great judge.

Thanks God, Jessica won't judge in the show, I don't like her attitude that much, Jennifer's career background is extremely great and rich, she's so hilarious ad funny, she's miss fashionista so she can give the show a very beautiful image, Jennifer is all what people need in this show.

This article contains impolite terms, her managet didn't steal anything, the final decision is back to relatives of the show.

By SV

The reason why American Idol dropped in ratings is because the best show of the season was when Adam Lambert was on. They can't beat those shows that year!

By Dustin

Adam Lambert is the joke of AI....are you forgetting the years with Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtery, Kellie Pickler, and Jennifer Hudson....correct me if im wrong but i believe they all became huge stars and they could all actually sing as well....Adam Lambert is just a show and not a good one at that

SV you are such a fool. The show's viewership tanked after Adam Lambert because they allowed him to perform that night. American Idol started out as (more or less) a family show. After that night they lost many including me. I was totally disgusted!

By Frank

bsti you are wrong

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Now, I'l leaving this article and next time please try to post polite words, we all know what it happened to her manager, which stealing are you talking about ? lol

By Di

I have been a fan of AI from the very beginning, and I am extremely disappointed that Jennifer Lopez will be sitting in a judge's seat next season. That is the worst decision that they could have made. Clearly the show is on it's way out.
My days as a fan are officially over. I will not be watching next season.
So long AI !!!

By SJ

Well now they can both have the job since Kara DiGuardi got canned. Why does everyone watch/not watch the show because of the judges??? You watch it for the judges and not the talent? DVR. It's great....you can whizz right through whatever you don't want to watch!

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