Are y'all ready for another round of American Idol musical chairs?
American Idol's ratings are down a whopping 22% this season despite the addition of big name judges, country star Keith Urban, rapper Nicki Minaj, and pop diva Mariah Carey. The ratings-challenged series hit an all time low last week, attracting only 11 million viewers. In comparison, American Idol appealed to roughly 30 million viewers every week in its prime. Panic time!
Needless to say, Fox wants big changes, including all new judges. Again.
One judge beat them to the punch. Randy Jackson, the lone original judge, announced yesterday that season twelve will be his last. "Yo! Yo! Yo!" Randy told E!. "To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season."
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Randy added, "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business." Those business ventures include a book, film and television projects, and his branded merchandise, including eyewear, watches, and guitars.
Meanwhile, Mariah reportedly has fired Randy as her manager. Whether or not they parted ways on good terms is unclear. According to E! News, one source claimed that Mariah and Randy suffered a "falling out" but a different source said "things are fine between them and they'll continue to work together."
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Back to American Idol's ratings crisis, a Fox insider confirmed, "Yes, we want to do a whole new panel, but – just like last time around – it depends on who we get." Although, the source is "absolutely certain" that there will be "definitely no Mariah" next season.
Personally, I'd love for Keith and Nicki to stay, with Harrick Connick Jr. added as a third judge.
Similarly, an insider told TheWrap, "They feel they've lost their core audience and want it back." and "No more big checks for divas." HAHA. Fox paid Mariah $18 million to talk nonsense. Endlessly. Also on the chopping block, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe and the show's weekly (lame) themes.
In other American Idol news, last night's results show revealed Candice Glover and Kree Harrison as this season's finalists. The two-night finale airs Wednesday and Thursday on Fox. Who are you rooting for? Were you sad to see Angie Miller eliminated?
TELL US – DO YOU STILL WATCH AMERICAN IDOL? DO YOU LIKE ANY OF THE CURRENT JUDGES? SHOULD FOX PULL THE PLUG ON IDOL OR IS THERE STILL HOPE?
Photo credit: FOX
