Yesterday we learned officially that American Idol has chosen its new judges for the upcoming 10 season of the series … the panel is made up of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and returning original judge Randy Jackson. Today we get to check out a nicely airbrushed promo photo of the new AI judging panel along with Idol host Ryan Seacrest:
Along with the new judging panel, there will be some changes the competitive element of American Idol as well. There will be no guest mentors for the contestants, only Jimmy Iovine will be on hand as the sole mentor all season long. It sounds like the use of instruments will be amended … or taken out completely. The contestants will no longer be forced to perform songs outside of their genre of choice … the focus will be on decades of music rather than forcing the contestants to sing genre songs they aren’t comfortable with. There will be allowances for guest judges from time to time. And, most importantly, the show will go back to creating American Idols … which, except for Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, hasn’t happened on the show in a very long time. To be honest, I’m not impressed with these changes … nor with the new judging panel … but at least fans of the show can see that they are trying to fix the once very-popular show. After the jump, check out some photos from yesterday’s Idol judge announcement event to see what the new judges looked like onstage, in person …
It’s clear that American Idol is doing everything it can to try and revamp the show, to reinvigorate it with new life. I’m not sure they’ve done enough, to be quite honest, because I personally have no real interest watching … but I am not the target audience. It remains to be seen if any of these changes will help the show but Idol is facing the tough possibility that the changes may hurt the show further. With Simon Cowell launching The X Factor in competition with American Idol, there really isn’t that much room for more error … I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
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Yuck! I have only watch the past few seasons. Loved David Cook and only watched last season for Ellen so yeah think I’m done.
I have watched all nine season religiously. Now with these changes, I really have absolutely no interest in watching, especially with Jennifer Lopez as a judge.
Ohhh ~ so THAT’s what four people who would never hang out with each other in real life look like grouped together! I get it now ;P
i stopped watching after season 5 after Daughtry got screwed. but i may check this season out sometime to see how it looks.
I never thought the day would come when we would all say “Remember when American Idol was the show to watch.” It’s not too far off IMO.
i’m sorry, is there really a reason to include photo whore ryan seacrest in this shot?
I like the idea that they aren’t forcing people to sing random genres anymore. People like Daughtry shouldn’t have to sing a disco song! That being said…I dont think I will watch it. I think JLo is an egomaniac, and the show is just stale to me.
Steven Tyler just does NOT fit. I think that’s the main problem.
I love Steven Tyler as a judge. I think its funny that they actualy got J-lo after it was rumored that she was too demanding. I mean I wonder if its true that she is that over the top in her diva brattness.
no thanks
My buddy Shonda has made it to Hollywood Week for this upcoming season. She got a “YES” from all 3 judges at the auditions: Kara, Randy, and Steven Tyler. So, I will be watching this season, regardless of how much I loathe that JLo is a judge.