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)

Thursday 30 June

By Sunny

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How about Carrie Underwood? She would know what it's like to be on the other side of the table. Also, the show does seem to have taken on a country audience. Maybe Dolly Parton?

By Mark

WHO CARES!? Idol sucks nuts anyway. Have only seen it a couple times when Simon was there to give it to people straight. Why do people watch this stuff. No offense Steven Tyler.

By pogmothoin

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Get rid of J to the lo. If I had to listen to her say "baby" one more time I'd have screamed. She is so limited in her music knowledge and IT SHOWED BIG TIME. Anyone could tell Steven's eyes said it all with some of her off the chain crazy remarks. She doesn't know talent! That Haley was belittled and berated by her. This young girl has more raw talent in her finger than this over the hill moron who is even making money off her own in Miami with a "REPO SHOW. Get someone who doesn't need a pound of makeup, tons of wigs on her head at one time and someone who knows more than one word...BABY

By nyc38

Sheryl Crow is a good choice also steve perry, david lee roth,eric bloom of--blue oyster cult. We need some real rocker judges. America idol is catering to much to country music. Country music is ok but it just to much of it. If you really think about it country music is really pop music with a rock twist just throw in a banjo or a slide guitar and make it sound country.

By Janet

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I did like J Lo on Idol and was pleasantly surprised with Steven Tyler. If she decides to leave, so be it. I like the idea of Shania taking over J Lo's spot. Wonder if they have tried to lure Madonna?? No matter...I will continue to watch the show.

By Stacey

Steven makes the show!! Love Randy!! J Lo is absolutely replaceable! Witney Houston (she needs to keep focused), Shania, Alcia Keys, Reba.....there are so many selections! Idol will do fine with basically anyone, as long as Steven stays!!! :)

By Linda

Rhonda Vincent would be a first choice for sure. Solid musical background with a lifetime of experience. Would have much to offer and the wisdom to know how to dish out constructive criticism. On top of that, she is a real nice lady.

By tina max

Get rid of her. And the most beautiful woman, far, far from it!

By Lynne Wormell

Love Shakira!

By CAROLE

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I THOUGHT JENNIFER BROUGHT A LOT TO AMERICAN IDOL. RANDY IS A MAINSTAY AND LOVE THE DOG, I AM A LONG TIME AEROSMITH FAN AND I LOVE STEVEN TYLER ~ HE HAS BROUGHT SO MUCH TO THE SHOW AND I SAY ~ SIMON WHO??????????????????? THIS WAS THE BEST SEASON YET!!!! I THINK IT IS A GREAT LINE UP AND I WOULD LOVE TO SEE JENNIFER STAY!!

By jay

What did Lopez bring? Hell the ratings didn't even go up. You know they were hoping she'd reel in hispanic viewership still didn't help the ratings, The show seemed to do more for her and promoting that autotune album. Damn she should cut a check to Idol.

By EmiliaLove

Shania please!

By ROB

Judge Judy should be the next Judge !

By cin

Stevie Nicks would be great.

By letsdoit

Stevie Nicks, yes, yes, yes, please. I use to love J Lo in movies until they tried to turn her into Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman/Maid in Manhattan, Living with the Enemy/Enough. Need I say more. J Lo was too baby talk for me and that is the last thing contestants need. Contestants need a reality check from the judges.

By pg

I gave up on the show with this group-

By Felice

Yes Jennifer, you are not irreplaceable, much to your chargrin. Sheryl Crow will be a wonderful replacement - I might even start watching again.

By David

NEEDED BADLY: judges who aren't afraid to critique the singers. There's alot of "dancing around" and very little Simon style reality going on now.

By cindy

Let her leave anyone would be better. If she leaves you can bet her new career will soon tank again.

By Carl A. Johnson

Is anyone else out there bored out of their minds by today's club-dance, trance, autotuned hip-hop garbage? Everyone is trying to be a Beyonce clone, a Miriah Carey clone or a Rianaha clone. Fun stuff to dance to...... but boring as hell to try to listen to. A catchy melody means absolutely nothing today. as long as it has a pounding club dance beat. Yawn........

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