Last week both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler announced they were leaving American Idol to pursue their own careers. However, a new report claims they were actually fired in response to falling ratings – and Jennifer seeking yet another pay raise!
According to The Wrap, Jennifer who was paid $15M last season, asked for a $2M raise to return. In response, Fox said no way, declining to even make her a counter offer! As for Steven, Fox opted not to renew his contract as they are seeking new blood in the hopes of restoring the show to its former dominance in the music competition marketplace.
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No word yet on whether or not Randy Jackson will officially get the boot.
An insider reports that Fox executives Peter Rice and Kevin Reilly want to “revamp” the show and are looking to create “Idol 2.0.” And the only person keeping his job would be host Ryan Seacrest!
As part of the plans to amp up the show, a bevy of music A-Listers are in talks to join the judging panel. Everyone from Mariah Carey to Lenny Kravitz has been mentioned as a possible candidate. And a new, super surprising name just got thrown into the ring! Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul!
The Huffington Post reports that when asked in an email if she would be interested in joining “Idol,” Aretha replied: “Yes I am interested as a judge!”
The NY Post adds that Aretha is more than interested, she’s allegedly “seriously gunning for it now that it’s crossed her mind.”
“She would love that gig,” a friend of Aretha says. “It pays millions of dollars and she could stay put [in one place] for a few months to do it.” However there is an issue – the 70-year-old Aretha doesn’t fly!
Fox has not commented on the reported firings or the possibility of Aretha signing on to the show!
DO YOU THINK JENNIFER AND STEVEN WERE FIRED? WILL RANDY KEEP HIS JOB? WOULD ARETHA BE A GOOD CHOICE TO JOIN AMERICAN IDOL?
