As previously reported, reality talent show juggernaut ‘American Idol’ recently bid adieu to two of its judges – Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez. Now, reports circulate that the ‘Ain’t It Funny’ songstress’s exit from ‘Idol’ was everything but a laughing matter, as her demands for an increase in pay led to an unceremonious ousting.
Amidst falling ratings and steeper competition (see: ‘The Voice’, ‘X Factor USA’), the FOX fan favorite is looking to employ a star who probably fits a bit more comfortably into their budget. And, given some of the names allegedly in talks to take up Lopez’s vacant chair on the judging panel, possibly for once someone who can actually sing may be put in place.
Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion are just a few names at the front of the race. Additionally, given the boost afforded to Lopez’s career during her stint on the show, it’s safe to say the aforementioned would appreciate the same. Or, given Britney Spears (X Factor) and Christina Aguilera‘s (The Voice) inclusions on ‘Idol’s’ fiercest competitors, should FOX executives look for someone younger and more current?
You tell us: Who (among these and more) should replace Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez on ‘American Idol’?
67 COMMENTS
King Z
July 15, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Toni Braxton! none of those people up there. Toni would be fun and it would be a great look for her career!
Report this comment
Tanya Johnson
July 15, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Toni Braxton does not have time for this, i believe they should just cancel the show, it has done its time. Toni just need to promote your album well and she will be okay.
Report this comment
Junior
July 15, 2012 at 6:24 pm
sadly enough you need shows like this to remind people your still a legend. TONi BRAXTON is a perfect fit . SHE HAS MUCH TALENT TO SHOW THESE CONTESTANT AND COULD HELP HER COMEBACK. SHE IS ONE OF THE PEOPLE THAT COULD BE JUDGING!! NOT A DANCER !
Report this comment
Jasmine
July 15, 2012 at 7:55 pm
I like Toni and Mariah. Aretha is not really into being told what to do and where to travel so I doubt she will get selected. Celine is back in Vegas and her schedule is already quite busy. I think Toni, Mariah, or Mary would all be good choices or even 2 out of 3 would be good (picking 2 judges instead of 1).
Report this comment
mob
July 16, 2012 at 2:32 am
I’d go with Toni. She has the personaility for a show like this. Celine is BORING and her accent would work my nerves. MJB would be boring as well. Aretha thinks she’s still on top of the charts with her outrageous attitude problem (my doctor told me not to fly so she missed Whitney’s funeral 0_O?). Toni would be a winner imo
Report this comment
Suicide Blonde
July 15, 2012 at 6:11 pm
They say…. Mariah.
Report this comment
King Z
July 15, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Very true, BUT american idol has two seats to fill since jlo and steven left. Now that I think about it, maybe somebody like ashanti or brandy/monica. somebody young. no more old people
Report this comment
Suicide Blonde
July 15, 2012 at 6:28 pm
But Ashanti, Brandy and Monica are ot famous, the show needs famous people.
Report this comment
Mely B
July 16, 2012 at 9:24 am
I like your thinking but of the 3, I could only see Brandy filling the role perfectly. Ashanti tends to be a little “extra” and Moni – I could see on BET’s Sunday Best (gospel american idol).
@SBlonde – did u know Simon, Randy or Paula when this show began? A lot of people watch to see the contestants, not the judges & those ladies ARE famous to a certain segment of the population.
Report this comment
Stephon Coleman
July 15, 2012 at 6:18 pm
How about the entire show gets cancelled. Im sick of these talent shows. They need to bring back TRL on MTV, so 106 & Park can have some compitition. Also, imma really need Direct TV to give me my damn channels back. Thats All…
P.s… Mariah Carey you betta not sign up for J-lo’s sloppy seconds.
Report this comment
Chelsea
July 15, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Agreed! Direct TV is taking too damn long to give people back their channels.
Report this comment
King Z
July 15, 2012 at 6:21 pm
I would rather see janet jackson than mariah carey! yes, mariah is clearly the better singer but i think janet needs it more
Report this comment
Jayla
July 15, 2012 at 8:37 pm
TRUE
Report this comment
ENOUGH ONIKA
July 15, 2012 at 6:33 pm
I’d rather see this show just retire period. Who really has a successful career anymore from this show anyway?
Report this comment
Mely B
July 16, 2012 at 9:28 am
The powers behind this show & the label they force these kids to sign to don’t promote them properly anymore – they think that people will buy their albums just because they were on AI.
I think the point is that people should support the contestants they liked so that they can become successful. It seems backwards to only support them IF or ONCE they become successful – they can only achieve success if we fans support them.
Report this comment
ENOUGH ONIKA
July 16, 2012 at 9:47 am
The point is, no one WATCHES the show like that to even care to support. I could’t tell you the names of the last five winners! Back in the day when AI was different and new to television, people cared. Now we have options, it’s the same thing every year and it’s boring. Nothing against the acts, its the show itself.
Report this comment
monstarebel
July 15, 2012 at 6:36 pm
lol tf people stil watch this shit
Report this comment
Freddie
July 15, 2012 at 6:52 pm
NONE OF THEM. THE SHOWS NEEDS TO DIE. IT”S STALE AND IRRELEVANT. BESIDES ADAM LAMBERT AND SCOTT MCCERR, AMERICAN IDOL HASN’T PRODUCE ANY TRUE STARS SINCE SEASON 6. IT’S RAN IT’S COURSE NOW LET THE VOICE AND THE FACTOR TAKE CENTER STAGE.
Report this comment
MISHKA
July 15, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Mariah should refuse this job. She’s too much of a star to hop on a sinking ship. She doesn’t need that.
Whatever the case may be, they better get Adam Lambert on that panel. That’s all I want.
J-Lo what a stupid move, gurl. Why did you need the extra 2 milli for? Casper’ s allowance? You got denied like a fly girl, shame on ya.
Report this comment
Ugh
July 15, 2012 at 7:01 pm
JUST CANCEL THE FUCKING SHOW ALREADY!
Report this comment
christinastherealtalent
July 15, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Just cancel the fucking show. How many more judges and flop winners is this show going to go through before they realize its run its course?
Report this comment
steven
July 15, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Toni Braxton!!!
Report this comment
LOURDES
July 15, 2012 at 7:39 pm
American Idol has run its course……just cancel it.
Report this comment
LOL
July 15, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Someone that needs a revival… like Toni but I doubt that they would think of her to be honest, Aretha would be good too, Mariah would be amazing, Celine don’t have time for that, Mary is still very much in the business don’t know if she has time for it either
Report this comment
JayMac104
July 15, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Toni Braxton! She is a true talent and I think she would be good for the show. She is so understated, it would be good for her and for people to remember why she was so huge.
Report this comment
Mewseek
July 15, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Patti LaBell!! She would tell it like it is!
Report this comment
brandon
July 15, 2012 at 8:41 pm
I think ashanti! Ppl may talk shit about het. But she’s verrrrrrrrry professional.she has a very nice bubbly personality. She’s gorgeous. Camera luvs her. And she’s young
Report this comment
number1k9
July 16, 2012 at 3:13 am
I would love for Ashanti to snatch a job/position like this, but I sadly don’t think producers or mainstream America believes that Ashanti can take the reigns of a sole female position like this.
Now if it was a duo female role, I think she would be a great addition and compliment many ppl very well.
I do love her personality tho!
Its like Ashanti gets locked into the category like Jessica Simpson, but since she is not white, she doesn’t even get the press Jessica Simpson gets. Like she too would have been great for X Factor US Season 1, rather Nicole Schezinger… but producers prob thought America isn’t checking or her hard either, sad
Report this comment
Jesse
July 15, 2012 at 8:56 pm
I would like to see one of the winners of American Idol because they have the experience and know what it is like to stand up on that stage. They also have to be the ones who have made a name for themselves and are still relevant today such as Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson or Adam Lambert. Mariah Carey I think would also be a great choice. We’ll see what happens.
Report this comment
Alec
July 15, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Ciara!!!
Report this comment
Hateretha
July 15, 2012 at 9:28 pm
If Aretha’s big ass couldn’t. Make it to Whitney’s funeral cuz of a leg spasm what makes youthink she could fufill her duties as an A.I. Judge?
Report this comment
Ugh
July 15, 2012 at 11:20 pm
DEAD
Report this comment
ElantraGT
July 15, 2012 at 9:34 pm
How about Janet, and Nick Lachey or Justin Timberlake?
Report this comment
ElantraGT
July 15, 2012 at 9:36 pm
or Jojo
Report this comment
number1k9
July 16, 2012 at 3:03 am
Janet, yes. Justin Timberlake, yes. Tho he would NOT do it. That would be an amazing cath tho Idol!
But, Nick Lachey??? Maybe if he didn’t already throw in his towel and become a host of a singing competition (The Sing Off), embarassing!
Report this comment
Benron
July 15, 2012 at 9:57 pm
Even though nobody watches this shit they should put Beyonce on i. Her last album didn’t do to well and all she does know is follow Kim and Jay around. Its kind of pathetic for someone who was so sucsessful and has a baby she is never taking care of.
We know she is smart (Ok we know she is NOT smart but…) to critic people like “Oh you singing was great! Reminded me of this song on my album..” or even “your singing SUCKED! The complete opposite ofthis ballad onmy album….. (etc.)
Report this comment
theman
July 15, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Mariah is way too big to do a show like this. Just can it. They don’t even produce chart toppers anymore. The show makes money but not the artists.
Report this comment
Nichole
July 15, 2012 at 10:52 pm
They paid J.Lo $20 mill, and she couldn’t even bring in ratings.
The ratings Queen is Britney, and X-Factor already snagged her up.
Ratings for the AI finale this year was a complete flop.
Mariah should pass on this, which she probably will cus she didn’t even take up Simon’s offer.
It’s time for Idol to give it up.
Btw, I don’t see Toni taking the gig because her health might be at risk with her health ailments.
Janet already received her big career boost after MJ passed, and we all know how bad she needed that.
Ashanti??? Not in this life.
Aretha Franklin? She would drive Idol out of business with her conceit, and ridiculous diva demands.
Maybe they should get Fantasia’s country ass on there. Or give Jennifer Hudson a go.
Report this comment
LOL
July 16, 2012 at 6:46 am
Wow delusional. American Idol is the most watched show in the states.
Report this comment
Yup89
July 15, 2012 at 11:51 pm
I would like to see aretha franklin in the position. Shes a real living legend and isnt up to too much nowadays. Adam lambert wouldnt bring in much ratings but the move would def help his career. Mariah has had her flops and would benefit from a career boost, just as long as she doesnt stay on. Janet shouldnt do it. Id hate it if she gets involved in a sinking ship. She should have taken the X-factor offer if anything.
Report this comment
Mely B
July 16, 2012 at 9:34 am
Sorry but having seen ReRe on countless tribute & award shows I have to say it, her attitude is “stank” and I don’t believe she has what it takes to be a judge & also as others have stated, she has a travel phobia so logistically I don’t see this show putting up with her diva behavior & frankly I wouldn’t want to see her.
Report this comment
K^mAn
July 16, 2012 at 12:57 am
I would love too see them bring in Cheryl cole because when she was on x factor uk she won 2 seasons and on her last season she came in 2nd, she has the skills of being a good judge but I know many people would be against it. Too me in a perfect world she would be the perfect replacement. But I would like too see someone of music backgroUnd because I hated when ellen came in because she is not of music background, that kind of beats the purpose of an idol judge. I would like too see either victoria Beckham because she proved too be a good judge before Ellen came in, or Shania twain because she had a career people would die for, and she made country music more mainstream at the time.
Report this comment
number1k9
July 16, 2012 at 3:07 am
I keep saying this, don’t be surprised if they end up with a Country female superstar like Shania Twain or Faith Hill.
They really are the only stars I could see taking J.Lo’s seat and not being made fun of for it. Its like every1 else thinks the others are too big for the role, or to lesser (than J.Lo) for the role.
J.Lo was the perfect Paula Abdul replacement. They both had amazing Dance Pop careers, only thing is J.Lo was very much so more still in ehr hey day when she joined, Paula in 2001, not so much!
I was SO pissed at Ellen being a judge too, horrible choice! Only judge in Idol history, to make Kara DioGuardi look like a saint
Report this comment
john
July 16, 2012 at 1:25 am
mary j should take it.her being on the show might get her on that mariah level. mariah is too big of a star. to be a judge on a show like that. plus mariah is working on her alumb. aretha franklin isnt a big enough star. plus mariah is too expensive. the voice paying christina $10 million a year. America idol was paying j.lo $15 million a year. Mariah probably gonna charge them $20 million. they should get janet. she having a lot of success in the accting world. so she might boast their ratings. they probably could get her for $2-4 million. patti labelle is building an empire: she goy got books, hot sauce, bedding, clothing, cook whare, perfumes, cooking dvds. she been in this business for 50-60 yeara. she probably can boast their ratings. they probably can get her for $1-2 million. she also owns her own management.. so she can take and sign the winner to the management company she started in 2004. Isiah Classic Food available on kindle.
Report this comment
LOL
July 16, 2012 at 6:47 am
“mary j should take it.her being on the show might get her on that mariah level.” WTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Report this comment
ITAINTYOBABY
July 16, 2012 at 2:52 pm
I don’t know where you been, but MJB is just as legendary as Mariah
Report this comment
FANTASEA
July 17, 2012 at 12:04 pm
“they should get janet…they probably could get her for $2-4 million” – GURRR PLEA!
Report this comment
mob
July 16, 2012 at 2:34 am
Toni Braxton, Cheryl Cole &/or Adam Lambert would be interesting.
Report this comment
ASAP (As Sincere As Possible)
July 16, 2012 at 2:40 am
Probably Mariah. I’m not a fan, but this seems like the only way for her to make a proper comeback to the charts.
Report this comment
aishaaguilerakeys
July 16, 2012 at 2:45 am
I’ll tell you who should replace J Lo, a person with real talent.
Report this comment
number1k9
July 16, 2012 at 3:09 am
Well I’ll tell you who it WON’T be!
Alicia Keys, no1 is checking for her anymore either, ever since she became a homewrecker and her voice got shot, its been downhill for her!
Report this comment
number1k9
July 16, 2012 at 3:16 am
I want Janet Jackson if it remains a sole female role.
But I wouldn’t be surprised if they switch it up, 2 females, and Jimmy Iovine in the middle on panel.
Don’t also be shocked if a Shania Twain or Faith Hill Country star gets chosen for the/a female panel role.
Some1 mentioned Justin Timberlake, he woud be a great guy, and get ppl to tune in… But his heart isn’t even in music lately, sicne 2006! ! ! But movies, which I can seriously do without J.T. acting roles!
Report this comment
number1k9
July 16, 2012 at 3:17 am
P.S.
Are you all serious, you SERIOUSLY think producers would cast Toni Braxton for this role? I’m sorry I liek some of her music, but if this was 2000, OK… but no1 is heavily checking for her since the 90s!
She doesn’t command that star power any longer!
Report this comment
Mely B
July 16, 2012 at 9:36 am
She doesn’t command that star power any longer!
But did Paula, Steven or JLo before they were brought on? Esp Paula IJS
Report this comment
Tanya Johnson
July 16, 2012 at 11:26 pm
What bull coming out of your mouth, you may not be checking for Toni but a lot of others are, so try and convenience yourself that Toni does not have star power , because we all know Quality and Art when we hear her songs and regardless what you may think, she is a TRUE LEGEND. If JLo can judge anybody else can judge,. Before you make stupid comments about Toni , i suggest you do some research about LEGEND…
Report this comment
POP ROYALTY ( Fuck Yo Fav)
July 16, 2012 at 4:22 am
celine dion and MC.
Report this comment
unnami
July 16, 2012 at 6:17 am
KELLY CLARKSON!
Report this comment
unnami
July 16, 2012 at 6:19 am
Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Iovine (instead Randy, they need to fire Randy) and maybe Mariah Carey or Justin Timberlake. They all three needs to be fameous. And maybe do some changes in formula.
Report this comment
MRDIVABITCH
July 16, 2012 at 9:30 am
Mariah! she would give input without being nasty. And Aretha! ‘coz that fat bitch is shady and can SANG!
Celine is too damn nice to give truthful input.
Report this comment
FANTASEA
July 17, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Are you being serious?! Mariah is the QUEEN OF SHADE
Report this comment
Mely B
July 16, 2012 at 9:39 am
If Randy leaves the judges table to mentor then of the folks you guys have mentioned, I’d love to see Adam Lambert, Faith Hill & Brandy. I think all of them would be honest but not cruel to those contestants. And on a racial note – this show needs to do more to bring back a diverse audience because personally if there are no Black female contestants chosen again this year I will be done with this show.
Report this comment
Johnb
July 16, 2012 at 10:12 am
I would love to see Mary take this ! She would bring in a lot more ratings ! But she is to busy she is doing a tour and has a lot on her plate but you never know ! Getting Mary or Jennifer HUD would make me watch this show even Janet but that’s about all
Report this comment
Lolax
July 16, 2012 at 11:04 am
Katy perry and celine dion
Report this comment
JohnVidal(RIP Whitney-truegreat)
July 16, 2012 at 12:51 pm
CELINE DION doesn´t have time for that. I pretty much doubt it. She doesn´t stop either touring around the world or show after show in Vegas. Plus she is recording two new albums for these November, one for the French audience and finally a new English one
MARIAH CAREY I doubt it too. She is busy with teh album and other things. If she didn´t take X factor when they begged her she won´t do this. And her husband already said that AI would have to pay way too much to get Mariah if they were paying JLo 15 or 20 million. I think it´s impossible
I don´t care about the rest. Although Aretha would be truly a surprise, she is a true great and she is shady as hell. And who said she is not famous enough? haha
Report this comment
Dlux
July 16, 2012 at 1:49 pm
I think Brandy would make a perfect judge and she also needs the publicity. Mariah is too grand for a television show like this, so is Celine. and Mary can barely sing her damn self to be trying to judge anybody.
Report this comment
Salah
July 17, 2012 at 3:08 am
Dude i would be so scared if aretha was a judge cause shes a LEGENED and if she says no to me then i would have to go crawl under some rock. Aretha was named the rolling stones BEST SINGER, so imagine auditioning infront of her!?
I think beyonce, youtube her when she was in x factor austrailia she was great and gave great advice. But at the same time i dont want her to do it cause i want her to do another album and world tour and be great like the I Am world tour!!
DUDE ALICIA KEYS WOULD BE AWSOME!!
Not Mariah though shes a queen she dosent need american idol.
AND THIS TIME AMERICAN IDOL PLEASE A JUDGE THAT CAN SING BETTER THAN THE CONSTANTS CAUSE I BET YOUR ASS LAST SEASONS CONSTANTS SANG BETTER THAN JLO.
Report this comment
KING
July 18, 2012 at 11:05 pm
I strongly feel that Brandy would be great look she would do it for $10 million which is what J.LO got her first year. And it would most def boost her already budding career.
Toni Braxton would be good too but I rather see Brandy!!1
As for the other seat Steven Tyler had no business there I think the other seat should be filled by a Major record producer like BabyFace or DarkChild they need more color
Report this comment