May 19, 2013

Report: ‘American Idol’ To Fire Entire Judging Panel

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*”American Idol” is fixin’ to kick its entire judging panel to the curb and start fresh next season with four new celebs replacing Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, according to a new report. Even longtime executive producer Nigel Lythgoe will get the pink slip, according to the Wrap, citing an unidentified [...]




‘Idol’ Had Secret Plot to Replace Mariah with J-Lo Midseason?

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*With “American Idol” ratings plunging by the week, producers and Fox executive tried to bring back Jennifer Lopez mid-season to replace Mariah Carey, but dropped the effort when Carey’s camp threatened legal action, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. These sources claim “Idol’s” producers are still negotiating with Lopez, who served as a popular judge during [...]




‘Idol’ Judge Nicki Minaj Invited to Return Next Year

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*Love her or hate her as an “American Idol” judge – and there seems to be no in-between – Nicki Minaj appears to have an open invitation to return next year, despite all of her drama. Asked whether the rapper/singer was welcome back for another round, “Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe — addressing a TMZ videographer [...]




Nicki, Mariah Forced to Say One Nice Thing about the Other (Listen)

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*“American Idol” producers were hit right off the bat with questions about the authenticity of an alleged feud between judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey during a TCA panel Tuesday in Pasadena. The two divas join returning judge Randy Jackson and newcomer Keith Urban for the show’s 12th season, which begins next Wednesday amid reports [...]




Mariah/Minaj Beef a Publicity Stunt (Source); Mimi Talks to Barbara Walters

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*The Hollywood Reporter is quoting a “high-ranking” insider at “American Idol” who says the whole  Mariah Carey – Nicki Minaj diva battle is a joke that both ladies are in on. “It’s exactly what Fox executives wanted all along,” says the source. “No one’s really worried. They know the parts they’re supposed to play.” Meanwhile, [...]




E! Confirms Nicki Minaj Reality Specials in the Works

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*Nicki Minaj will indeed be coming to E!, but not in a traditional reality series. [SUBSCRIBE TO EURWEB's RSS FEED] A source told Deadline.com, “The plan is to do specials with her, not a whole series.” E! will reportedly air three Minaj specials later this fall. Some filming has already taken place, according to Deadline. [...]




‘Fame’ to Return as Scripted Series from Nigel Lythgoe

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*MGM Television has joined “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe to reboot the 1980 MGM film and 82 TV series “Fame,” reports Deadline.com. [SUBSCRIBE TO EURWEB's RSS FEED] The original film and television run chronicled the lives of talented students paying their dues on the road to success. [...]




What Happened to ‘Idol’s’ Planned Donna Summer Tribute?

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*As previously reported, Gloria Gaynor, Gladys Knight, Thelma Houston and Sheila E. were due to honor the late Donna Summer during Wednesday’s “American Idol” finale, but the all-star moment never happened – with zero explanation from producers. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the salute, which also included Jennifer Holliday and Nelly Furtado, was scheduled for [...]




Mary J. Blige Tapped for New E! Talent Series ‘Opening Act’

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*E! Entertainment Television will today announce it has picked up “Opening Act,” a new talent competition from by “American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, R&B singer Mary J. Blige and producer Antonina Armato from Rock Mafia. The trio will search the Internet to find talented amateurs and give them a chance to open for an [...]




Video: ‘American Idol’ Shows Jermaine Jones Being Kicked Off

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“American Idol” had cameras rolling when now-former finalist Jermaine Jones was told that he was being kicked off the show for hiding past criminal charges. Host Ryan Seacrest mentioned the controversy briefly at the beginning of Wednesday’s show, saying producers received information from law enforcement officials “that left us with no choice but to eliminate [...]




‘American Idol’ Producer Wants Al Green, Obama Duet

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*”American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is actually asking President Obama to appear on the show and perform his rendition of “Let’s Stay Together” with the song’s original singer, the legendary Al Green. Lythgoe was apparently blown away by Obama’s short rendition of the song at the Apollo Theater earlier this month. “We loved your [...]




FOX: Mariah to Mentor on ‘X Factor’; J.Lo Returning to ‘Idol’

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*FOX has finally confirmed a longstanding rumor about “American Idol,” while insiders at “The X Factor” are claiming that a long-unsubstantiated report about Mariah Carey’s involvement in the upcoming U.S. version is indeed true. The network announced Wednesday what “Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe teased to host Ryan Seacrest last week on his morning radio show: [...]




Video: Nigel Lythgoe’s Sarah/Bristol Palin Smackdown on ‘The View’

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*Returning “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe managed to dis both Sarah Palin and her daughter Bristol in one fell swoop during his visit to “The View” on Thursday. Lythgoe, a veteran dancer and executive producer/judge on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” was asked about a disparaging comment made by Sarah Palin regarding “American [...]




Photo: Jennifer Lopez at the ‘Idol’ Judge’s Table

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*Here’s your first look at what the “American Idol” judging panel will look like next season. In the photo ,tweeted by executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, new additions Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are seated next to returning judge Randy Jackson. Host Ryan Seacrest stands next to Randy, and Lythgoe is gesturing on the far right. [...]




‘SYTYCD’ Judge Mia Michaels Says She’s No Racist

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*Throughout this current season of “So You Think You Can Dance,” the consensus among viewers in the blogosphere is that judge Mia Michaels has reserved her harshest criticism for African American contestant AdéChiké Torbert. But many fans thought she took it to a blatantly racist level during one particular episode last month. The backstory… Show [...]