Idol’s Judge Seats Up For Grabs: Who’s in Line?

Posted Jul 30, 2010 by Walt Belcher

Updated Jul 30, 2010 at 09:49 AM

Simon Cowell must have seen the sharks circling, getting ready for the jump, because “American Idol” appears to be in turmoil with judge seats up for grabs.

A couple of gossip Web sites are reporting that singer Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler are joining what will be a three-judge panel when “Idol” returns in January.

As the reality competition heads into its 10th season, “Idol” may be in for a wholesale make-over after the sudden departure of Ellen DeGeneres Thursday; reports that Kara DioGuardio has been let go; and, of course, the exit of Simon Cowell.

DeGeneres quit after just a season of her five-year contract on the TV show, saying that she didn’t have the heart to trash weak performances by the young wannabes.  The blunt, abrasive British Cowell took off to start his own singing competition show. “The X Factor.”

The Web site TMZ.com has reported later that singer/composer/arranger DioGuardi has been fired from the show after two season. Fox has not confirmed this but apparently “Idol” will return to a three-judge format next season.

TMZ also reports that Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler will be on the judges panel. The site Deadline.com is reporting that Lopez is joining “Idol” after a months of secret talks. The announcement reportedly was being kept under wraps until DeGeneres’ exit was made public.

Even though the ratings have slipped and the current “Idol Live” tour has canceled eight stops, the show still is the most-watched reality show on TV - and there is no shortage of potential celebrity judges.

There could be an announcement soon as Fox executives are scheduled to meet with TV journalists in Hollywood on Monday where the annual Television Critics fall preview tour is under way.

Meanwhile, the list of rumored replacements keeps growing. 

So far, rapper Sean “P Diddy” Combs and singers Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Chris Isaak and Elton John and have been named as possible contenders for the job of new “American Idol” judge. Reportedly, Simpson meet with “Idol” producers recently.  Others names in the hat include Bret Michaels, Harry Connick Jr. and Jamie Foxx.

Fox has declined to confirm or deny any of these reports. “There has been a lot of speculation and we are not commenting on anything,” a network spokesperson told TV columnists on Thursday.

Out of those contenders, I’d like to Chris Isaak get a shot. He wouldn’t be mean - but he can be sarcastic. And Harry Connick Jr. was cool when he was on the show as a guest.