'Idol' Settled for J.Lo After a Pair of Big Names Passed

By Rob Shuter Posted Aug 3rd 2010 08:45AM

Jennifer Lopez has yet to officially announce that she's the newest judge on 'American Idol,' however, sources tell me the job only became hers after several big-name celebrities said "thanks, but no thanks."

"J.Lo was definitely not the first choice," an 'Idol' insider tells me. "In fact, she wasn't even the second or third choice."

My source tells me that before they approached Lopez, producers first asked Elton John and Barry Manilow to join the hit -- but starting to struggle -- show. Both are undeniably great singer-songwriters who have mentored contestants in prior seasons, so it wouldn't have been a stretch.

Has 'American Idol' run its course? PopEater asked New Yorkers -- see the video:

Alas, neither Elton nor Barry wanted to start a whole new career as a TV judge.

"It became clear that neither performer was ready to stop doing what they did best, writing and performing," the 'Idol' insider says. "Plus, they are international legends. They certainly don't want their legacy to be [as] the guy that replaced Simon Cowell on 'Idol.'"

Once producers realized it was going to be impossible to get an artist who was still selling millions of concert tickets and CDs to join the show, they started to look at celebrities whose careers were basically stuck in neutral. They settled on artists who needed the exposure of a national TV show as much as the troubled show needed them. That's when they turned to Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lopez.

► Earlier: How J.Lo's Manager Snagged Her the Job

"Let's face facts," one insider tells me. "Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lopez's careers are in a slump. They are still big names, but haven't sold out solo shows or had hit CDs in a long time. I think we can all agree that both ladies' movie careers are dead and the offers are not pouring in."

The job could have been Jessica's, but a little thing got in the way: Joe Simpson.

"This was definitely Jessica's to lose and that's exactly what her dad-manager did. Once it became clear it was going to be impossible to negotiate a deal with papa Joe, J.Lo was snapped up. Convinced being on the show would relaunch her performing career, she accepted the new job right away."

Be careful what you wish for Jennifer: Paula thought 'Idol' would send her back to the top of the charts too.

[As I write, FOX bosses are being stingy with new information about the judge shakeup. So far we know Ellen and Kara are out, while J.Lo is in (though still not officially). The other buzz involves Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who has fueled rumors he's set to join the show as well. So until those seats are filled, only Randy Jackson remains. "The only thing that's for sure is Ryan [Seacrest]," Jackson told E!Online over the weekend. "Nothing has been decided."]

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Jennifer Lopez Snapshots

Jennifer Lopez goes for a walk with her twins Emme and Max, their nanny, and a bodyguard in Miami on June 28. Check Out More J.Lo Pics >>

KADENA PIX/bauergriffinonline.com

Jennifer Lopez Photos

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo) and Marc Anthony arrive in Mexico with their children Emme Maribel Muniz and Maximilian 'Max' David Muniz (b. February 22, 2008). Maybe in time to celebrate J.Lo turning 41 today... EXCLUSIVE July 23, 2010 Job: 100724Z1 Mexico www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

Jennifer Lopez Photos

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were in Malibu doing a photoshoot on the beach with twins Emme and Max (b. .February 22, 2008) J-Lo was looking good during the sunset magic hour and the twins are running around on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 X17online.com exclusive

Jennifer Lopez Photos

Tags: barry manilow, elton john, jennifer lopez

Comments

(177)

Tuesday 03 August

By bflogrl4evr

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

If the picture of Lopez walking with a nanny and a "body" guard (why??) carrying her 2 little children doesn't speak a million words. She is about as motherly as Joan Crawford! She is aloof and she's going to be sitting on board Idol when she can barely sing without manipulation of a sound board to make her sound somewhat good. Another loser put on Idol. Gee. Can't wait to see the rating on this one.

By Tex

Well MEOW, honey! Someone forgot to change your litterbox?

Wednesday 04 August

By Susie

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

My thoughts exactly! Very well said!

By bgs

I vote for GENE SIMMONS! He would add so much color to the show and he has a great dry sense of humor. I think he would be the best replacement for Simon!

Saturday 07 August

By Stylist

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What is wrong with J-Lo? So many woman are down on her. I think its jelousy because she is a 'Hot Latina.' Like it or not she is a great box office draw, and has experiance in the business. I think she is a good choice. Lets stop putting one another down as woman. Lets face it, not everyone has a great voice like Patti Labelle, but there could have been worse choices. Ellen had no business there. If Jennifer made a few million off of her lesser than voice, then she is the absolute best to give advice on how to sell yourslf.

By lamalnga

Why you ask?...bcos she can afford it.if your body looked anything close to hers, you might also need a body guard.in Puerto Rico, men are men.so bafangool

By michele

i couldn't have said it better myself, that show should have been off the air yrs. ago.the only 3 that r worth listening to is Kelly Clarkson,Chris Daughtry, and David Cook (alittle)

By WTF

Sounds like someone is a bit jealous........ I guess being a nobody can do that to some people

By Orlando

what they need is a real all american girl L Ho Instead of J Lo..

By juliette

Please I beg you NOT J.LOPEZ Anyone is better than that. Let us have someone that can sing and help the contestant progress. J.Lo is not the one. I will never watch the show again, even tho I was a very devoted fan.

By jannykmac

Jennifer Lopez seems like a great selection. If Manilow had signed on it would have been the end for AI.

By E

Lopez is disgusting. At least Idol will get two seats filled by choosing her because her cottage cheese arse is so fat. She needs to slow down with the Taco Bell. After she flops on this show she will be collecting welfare like every other Rican. There the only ones that like her anyway. Maybe she could do weight watchers next. Possibly the Biggest Loser? She sucks.

By seahag262

Oh goody! Another over rated celebrity. Idol, is just grasping at straws.Cant wait to see this! They 'll have Jlo, who will be too buzy looking in the mirror at her self, and possibly Steven Tyler nursing the night before hangover,Lets just add Howard Stern to perk them all up, and the veiwers will be watching the judges, instead of the contestants. Cant wait! NOT!!!!

By Dave

Loser? I think maybe you need to take some of your anti-delusional medication. Lopez is a terrific replacement along with Steven Tyler. Finally, we will have judges who aren't predisposed to all that sweet syrupy POP music like Cowell (that's the limits of his expertise, folks, POP music), and ALL CONTESTANTS performing ALL genres of music will get a fair shake, which will instantly improve the quality and entertainment value of "Idol". Simon Cowell leaving was the BEST THING that ever happened to American Idol.

By vic

Are you NUTS!!!!!!!!!!

By ajallen57

No, Vic, you're the one who's a little nuts. I agree with Dave. Cowell knows pop music and that's it. Country and rock singers never had a chance with Cowell. GOOD he's gone. You don't have to be a nasty jerk to be a great judge. Steven Tyler rocks. Cowell sucks!

By imlizzybe

ajallen57 Your a Moron, Carrie Underwood won and shes all country and Dave your nuts if you think Simon didn't make the show what it is. He was funny and always correct and made everyday people stars.

By charlie

Howard Stern

By bstill

I would much rather have J Lo on the show than either of the other two mentioned.

By grace

I'm not a fan of JLo but I think she is talented in a limited way and knows how to market herself. It makes sense that big names don't want this gig and someone like JLo would. I hope they concentrate on only three judges. I had also hoped that Harry Connick Jr. would replace Simon but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. That's a loss. Harry was fantastic as a mentor but with enough sly wit to be interesting.

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