Is 'Idol' Thinking About Life Without Jennifer Lopez?

By Rob Shuter Posted Jun 28th 2011 06:30PM

Insiders believe that Jennifer Lopez's admission to the BBC that she's "on the fence" about returning to 'American Idol' next season is nothing more than a ploy for a pay hike ... However, 'Idol' is already discussing possible replacements should they not be able to entice J.Lo to return.

"Right now the star of 'American Idol' is Steven Tyler," an insider source tells me. "Everyone thought after Simon announced he was leaving that [Lopez] would fill the void. How wrong were they? It's all about Steven, who's already signed on for season 11.

Jennifer, who currently earns a reported $12 million for her one-year deal with 'Idol' -- a touch below the $35 mil Simon earned -- needs to ask herself how much her contribution to the show is really worth.

"'Idol' has resurrected her much-stalled music career," one music exec tells me, referring to 'On the Floor,' the singer's first radio hit in a while. "Likewise, 'Idol' didn't fall apart when Simon left and Jennifer has to get some of the credit for that. But let's also remember the show didn't increase in ratings and that is also thanks to J.Lo."

Jennifer told the BBC: "I loved 'Idol,' but I have a lot of other things happening, and it's going to come down to me making a choice of what I want to do for the next year ... We're not really at the breaking point of 'You have to make a decision right now!'"

Be careful, Jennifer, I'm being told the names Shania Twain and Shakira are already being mentioned in hopes of bringing in viewers!

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Tags: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez

Comments

(302)

Friday 01 July

By Teresa

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Randy is another talentless, parrot. He's lame. They need to retire him!

Saturday 02 July

By Victoria

I miss the "old" Idol with Simon, and Paula. I don't watch anymore because of that Jennifer, I like Steven, though

Tuesday 28 June

By D Dull

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Has anybody thought about Natalie Cole

Thursday 30 June

By Lisa

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Why would they?

By fiona

Not since the 90's. But not a bad thought.
But someone like Sheryl Crow would give this show a lift. JLo, for sure, is dispensible. For my money I'd like to see one of the 'old gals' like Bette Midler or Gladys Knight who would tell it like it is and not sugar coat all those lame performance.

By oralborealus1

Not in a Long While!

By jorczak9

That is a splendid idea. Natalie Cole is one heck of a Sophisticated Lady !

Wednesday 29 June

By Lucy

No fan of any of the judges but Jennifer was the only judge that was ok. Stephen Tyler was great on the audition shows but he was hopless when if came to the live shows. Jennifer came into her own.

The article is made up anyway because Shania has signed up to perform in Vegas for a whole year.Shakira has never had much success in the US. She has never had a number 1 hit. I think she had one top 10. Why would America hire her?

Idol ratings have been falling evey year. The ratings went up this year. The final attracted 30 million.

Anyway just had to quash this article lol.

By kARL

Shakira was #1 with "hips don't lie", #6 with "whenever, wherever", #9 with "underneath your clothes", #11 with "she wolf".

Anyway, she's not probably the best option to replace J.Lo

By George9448

If you had any brains at all, you'd realize that be bringing in Shakira, they'd increase the viewing by bringing in more Hispanic people who might not ordinarily watch the show, just as bringing in Tyler brought in more people from a rock n roll context. More viewers means more money.

By Robert

Yo Geoerge..more Hispanic voters? um..Lopez...already Hispanic...hello????

By Lanna

Robert, that's pretty funny. *still chuckling*

By ttbsmkbk

Thank you Lucy...your post is one few that makes any credible sense and that isn't mean spirited.

By Suncatcher

Oh, puh-lease. JLO. LEAVE. Take Randy with you. You won't have Haley to kick around any more - nor the viewers.

By ceecee

HALEY SUCKED. SHE WAS A FRAUD SCREAMING KARIOKE SOUNDING YUK, SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN VOTED OFF LONG BEFORE SHE WAS. SHE WAS N THE BOTTOM THREE ALL THE TIME.

By Mutant Press

After JLO's hypocritical "judging" of Haley, she should be dismissed post haste. JLO was fine in the early auditions, but later came off as quite shallow and her bias was patently obvious.
I suggest someone like Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell or Sheryl Crow.

By Phranque

Sheryl Crow would be a great idea. I hope they don't hire Shania because I'm not interested in anything she has to offer, dating back to her music.

By Dee Dee

That JUDGING of HALEY was the only true happening on that show. Haley has been handed her entire life obviously. The way she handled ANY feedback that didnt praise her was totally unprofessional and child like. She was a spoiled brat. She didnt start out too bad but as she got towards the end of the show she had her fits too often!!!!!!

By Alan

Pat Benatar, Debbi Harry, Ann & Nancy Wilson, Lita Ford, and the list goes on. Yeah... kinda leaning towards the old school rock-n-roll gals.

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Ann and Nancy Wilson would be a kick to watch as Idol Judges!!!!

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