'American Idol' Confirms Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler as New Judges

By AOL TV Editors Posted Sep 22nd 2010 02:13PM

'American Idol' has confirmed that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are joining the FOX show for its tenth season. The pair will join seasoned judge Randy Jackson, 'AI' host Ryan Seacrest announced on Wednesday in a press conference that streamed live at americanidol.com.

The official confirmation ends weeks of speculation about the judges' lineup. Recent rumors surfaced that Lopez had signed a deal, while Tyler's participation was reported by friends and bandmates of the Aerosmith singer.

The new lineup brings big changes to 'American Idol.' Gone are original judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. Gone are more recent additions Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi. "I call 'Idol' season 10 'The Remix,' baby!" said Jackson, the only remaining original judge.

During the press conference, Tyler entered the stage first and called 'Idol' the "perfect feathered nest."

"It's being part of something much bigger than yourself," he told Seacrest when asked why he decided to come on board. "I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster."

Lopez, clad in a sparkling jumpsuit, came out next from underneath the stage in a cloud of swirling dry ice. "You have to just concentrate on the moment as best you can. Just live. It's your moment," Lopez said, adding she's "looking for the next Michael Jackson."

But whether the addition of Lopez and Tyler can rejuvenate the reality series remains to be seen. While 'American Idol' remains TV's biggest show, last season it lost 9 percent of viewers, and industry experts aren't sure the show can survive without the acerbic-but-popular Cowell. "It's going to be very difficult to replace him and expect the same ratings as last year," Horizon Media's Brad Adgate told USA Today.

Tags: American Idol, jennifer lopez, randy jackson, Steven Tyler

Comments

(38)

Wednesday 22 September

By Mary

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A big mouth, a big butt and a nobody.

By ronoct12

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The powers that be should have had the public involved with their choices. It remains to be seen how these three work out. In my opinion these are weak choices for a show that is nearly dead. I will not be tuned in.

By eagle

Stephen Tyler. That's funny. When was the last time he had a fully functioning brain cell. Totally wasted. Liv Tyler on the other hand..........

By Amy

Yawn-sooooo tired of the idol judge rumors-Simon is gone-the show is done-cancel it already.

By Lawrence Welk

When did Steven Tyler die?

Thursday 23 September

By Vanity Adkins

I love Steve Tyler. Sad to see the old judges go yet a change is always good.

By justme

steve tyler sells out oh thats right aerosmith did that a long time ago with crap like get a grip

By DEB MILLARD

I AGREE. SHOULD BE BRET MICHAELS!!

By jackie

With those 2 new judges I will not be watching my favorite show this year .They are a real joke for Idol get real the only one that is a REAL judge is Randy.I am done with this show.

By bsti

OMG that Steven Tyler is one ugly MF na na na - na na na

By HUEMANLIFE

The new judges suck! And Randy is not strong enough to hold the old AI reputation solid. Ryan leave while its hot...well not so much anymore. I'd make this my last season.

By donna

JLo is fine but Stephen Tyler, not so much. Why not have a judge from the Country Arena for a change. So many contestants have gone that direction.

By Donna

Now the show is on its last season, thank goodness.
May be there will be something good in its place now, for a change.

Friday 24 September

By Camelle Dahlberg

I agree Bret Michaels should have been on Idol. He would make a good mentor for some of these kids and he's very popular right now. But Idol made their pick. They know what they're doing so maybe we should give it a chance and see what happens. It may surprise everyone. I watch Idol for the contestants anyways, not for the judges. The judges just give it a little spice.People need to be nice and not so critical. I thank God for the opportunity these people get to show their talented voices. And what about the ones that really cant sing. Dont they just crack us up and entertain us?? Idol is a good thing and we should be backing them up. If you dont like it, keep it to yourself.

By Michele

Without a doubt Mel Gibson and Judge Judy should be judges on American Idol everyone in the country would be tuning in to watch American Idol. Problem solved. Next.

By cleanupmail

Jennifer Lopez is fine, but Yuk to the other one. I could hardly stand to even look at his picture, never mine a whole show with him on. I agree with Brett being a better choice. That show isn't even worth watching anymore. It's like matching tradeshows with flea markets the mess they have now. Jennifer and Randy are calibre. Sorry barf to the other one

Wednesday 27 October

By queen

Jennifer Lopez, are you serious. She's not a singer, she's a dancer & belongs on a show like "So You Think You Can Dance" not American Idol. This show is getting tired & I'm done!!

Wednesday 12 January

By Phlunked

Simon, Randy and Paula were the best group. Period. But this show could have very well survived with Simon and 2 door stops. Simon was the show. He left knowing that this is a sinking ship. He had to get off. X-Factor is what I really want to watch. Idol is so last decade.

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