American Idol - News & Rumors #4: Auditions, tour, award shows... What's going on in the world of Idol? - Page 3

***dancing in the rain*** · 07-24-2012, 10:43 PM

Simon's maybe right and she could be another Ellen but I guess we'll just have to wait and see

ETA: More specific news about the changes AI is going to have:

Quote:

The bus tour, commencing Aug. 1, marks the first time the show will reach out to markets and vocalists unable to afford a trip to the big city auditions.

Quote:

The “Nominate an Idol” program will allow friends and family to nominate a prospective Idol in secret by filling out an online form and submitting an existing video or URL of their “nominee,” a capella.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ido...on-tour-353061

sarah598 · 07-31-2012, 06:09 PM

^ ^ Thanks for posting that news about the bus tours and "Nominate an Idol". That's great that they're having a bus tour for people that want to audition for Idol that live many miles and hours away from where the auditions are taking place that would not be able to audition otherwise.

The "Nominate an Idol" is a different twist too, it will be interesting to see how that goes as well.

They are searching far and wide for talent I guess.

***dancing in the rain*** · 07-31-2012, 11:02 PM

Yeah it seems they're trying out new things and see how they go. Those actually don't sound that bad.

Cereal Killer · 09-02-2012, 01:46 PM

Sorry about not commenting on any news here! All the rumors and everything just seem so overwhelming.

Mariah Carey definitely has potential to be a very interesting judge! This will be the first time that someone that is covered countless of times on the show will actually be judging those performances, talk about pressure.

And those changes to the show sound interesting. Especially the bus tour, very nice of them to go to the people who can't travel to the audition towns and give them a chance too.

More news/rumors about the judges etc.!

According to this article, Randy will no longer be a judge but possibly a mentor:

Randy Jackson kicked off Idol, but may come back in a pinch - NYPOST.com

Hallelujah!

And apparently Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban are very close to signing the deal:

'American Idol' judges update: Who's in, who's out | Inside TV | EW.com

Also, they are looking for a 4th judge and it might be Enrique Iglesias. Also Adam Lambert is still in the mix (he talked about it some time ago). Apparently the rumor is that the judges rounds would begin around September 22. If that's true, there should be a press conference during premiere week, beginning September 12.

(There were also rumors about a few other names but I think they are old news by now.)

Nigel is also returning to AI:

Nigel Lythgoe Returning To American Idol| E! Online

***dancing in the rain*** · 09-04-2012, 11:33 PM

Thanks for posting all those bits Laura! All those rumors are definitely interesting. The best is probably Randy's

Hopefully they keep Jimmy Iovine in some way, he usually gives good feedback. It'll be interesting to find out who will be the final choices for judge!

Cereal Killer · 09-09-2012, 12:57 PM

You're welcome! Yeah, I'm hoping the one about Randy is true. xD It's time for him to go.

Apparently he hasn't signed a deal yet. It'll be interesting to see if Jimmy Iovine stays.

More news on the subject:

Quote:

‘American Idol’ Judging Panel Takes Shape
By NELLIE ANDREEVA | Friday September 7, 2012 @ 1:24am PDT

According to industry insiders, Fox appears to have settled on a quartet of judges for the upcoming 12th season of American Idol with not a moment to spare as taped auditions are eyed to begin as early as next week. Joining confirmed new judge Mariah Carey will be Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias, who just wrapped his tour with departing Idol judge Jennifer Lopez. Information on their salaries is conflicting, but Carey’s is believed to be in the $15 million-$17 million range, Minaj’s and Iglesias’ in the $10 million-$12 million range, and Urban is rumored to be earning about $3 million-$5 million. Don’t forger host Ryan Seacrest, who also is pulling a cool $15 million a season. The role of original American Idol judge Randy Jackson remains unclear.

Source

Couple of other articles reporting that Enrique Iglesias and Keith Urban will join the judging panel:

Enrique Iglesias offered 'American Idol' judges spot | Inside TV | EW.com

Quote:

The country singer joked with a student, calling her “Barbara Walters,” when the local high-schooler took advantage of a question-and-answer session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Thursday to ask him about swirling rumors that he would join the Fox reality singing competition.

“I would love to do it and hopefully that happens,” Urban said after the audience full of teenagers stopped laughing. The students were on hand for an exclusive educational program for Metro Nashville public schools.

“I did get to do a similar role in Australia for ‘The Voice,’ and I really enjoyed it. The thing about those shows is that mentoring aspect; it’s all about passing it on.”

Cereal Killer · 09-11-2012, 07:30 PM

NOOOOOOO!!!

'American Idol' Source: Enrique Iglesias Out, Randy Jackson Back in as Judge - The Hollywood Reporter

Randy Jackson Closes Deal To Return To 'American Idol' As Judge - Deadline.com

Randy Jackson Back on American Idol, As Judging Panel Firms Up - Today's News: Our Take | TVGuide.com

WHY???

I_Love_Siobhan_Magnus · 09-11-2012, 09:06 PM

Why do you hate Randy?

It's a good news to have him back. No one else knows Idol better than him. He's position behind the judging panel is as important as Ryan being a host.

Cereal Killer · 09-11-2012, 09:27 PM

Because he's completely useless as a judge. I don't care if he know Idol "better than anyone". He can't give constructive criticism to save his life. "Yo dawg, for me, for you, for me" doesn't do anybody any good.

I_Love_Siobhan_Magnus · 09-11-2012, 10:16 PM

Has any other judge ever given any constructive criticism to the contestants except Simon? Whether you like Randy or not, he did a better job than Jennifer or Steven. He has his expertise in the field of "how to make a star" rather than "how to be a star and entertain the public". In my opinion, the judges' comments after every live performance don't matter because it is up to the voters to decide who stays and who goes. They have the power to select the right persons to fill the 24 -- or 25 -- spots through the Hollywood round, eliminating the underwhelming douchebags and keeping the talented ones. At this point, I'm positively sure that only the big names working behind the scenes in the music industry like Simon and Randy have an eye that can see the real potential and star quality. If you feel tired to see him year after year, that's your problem. On the other hand, put your feet in Nigel's shoes, how much profit can FOX get if they spend millions of dollars to hire a new celebrity to replace Randy? Kicking him out is totally unrealistic even if he wants to go. You want objective reviews on every contestant? Go check out Jimmy's words on the result shows. The problem is, can you remember anything he said in the next week?

Cereal Killer · 09-16-2012, 08:39 PM

The official press release:

Quote:

When AMERICAN IDOL’s 12th season debuts in January 2013, superstar judge Mariah Carey – the best-selling female recording artist of all time – and returning judge Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning producer whose expertise and beloved persona have been instrumental in discovering IDOL talent from the beginning, will be joined by two new judges: quadruple-platinum singer, songwriter, rapper and fashion icon Nicki Minaj; and Keith Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner who has sold more than 15 million albums.

Hopefuls will meet host Ryan Seacrest and the new four-person panel of Carey, Jackson, Minaj and Urban today, when the auditions begin in New York City. Other audition cities include Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City.

Carey is a multiple Grammy Award-winning global superstar with more than 200 million records sold worldwide and more No. 1 songs than any solo artist in history, whose 18 Billboard No. 1 singles (17 of which Carey wrote) rival all but The Beatles. Jackson is a Grammy Award-winning producer who has worked on more than 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums, which have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide. His amazing talent, vast studio knowledge, performing, touring and record company experience have made him one of today’s most coveted music industry experts. Known for her unique performance style and iconic fashion, Minaj became the first female solo artist to have seven singles simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Urban, one of country music’s biggest stars of the decade, has four Grammy Awards and 14 No. 1 hits, and was named Male Vocal Artist of the Year three times, as well as Entertainer of the Year, by the Country Music Association.

“I am thrilled about this year’s judges’ panel! We’ve got global icon Mariah Carey and IDOL’s heart and soul Randy Jackson, who will be joined by Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to IDOL – he’s one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we’ve put together one of the most exciting judging panels around.”

“We’re ecstatic to welcome Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban to the AMERICAN IDOL family, joining Mariah and Randy at the judges’ table,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia. “Nicki is someone who represents a different side of the music industry, who has now crossed into mainstream culture with her unique artistry, style and flair. Keith is one of country music’s true stars who brings with him charm, wit and knowledge about the industry.”

Executive producer Simon Fuller noted, “With the exciting addition of Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj, alongside Randy Jackson, AMERICAN IDOL’s star power has never been so great. For this we have to thank the ongoing commitment and belief of FOX and the dedication and focus of the IDOL production team. We have all been together since the very beginning and we are focused on making IDOL Season 12 the best ever.”

“IDOL has truly never looked better,” said Marc Graboff, President of CORE Media Group (owner, 19 Entertainment). “We couldn’t be more pleased about this new team of judges, and, along with our partners at FOX and Fremantle, look forward to a terrific Season 12.”

About Mariah Carey:

With a distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting and producing talent, Carey has defined the modern pop performance. As a singer/songwriter/producer, she has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard’s Artist of the Decade Award, the World Music Award for World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium and BMI’s Icon Award, to name a few. She has two consecutive and unparalleled Billboard Song of the Decade titles: “One Sweet Day” (with Boyz II Men); and “We Belong Together,” further marking her massive presence on the charts since her 1990 song debut “Vision of Love.” Mariah became the second artist in history and the first female performer to have a song debut at No. 1 with “Fantasy” (1995), the groundbreaking collaboration with O.D.B. of the innovative rap group Wu-Tang Clan. Carey’s original holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” redefined its place in pop culture as one of the greatest holiday hits of all time when it reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 2011, 17 years after its debut. Carey’s influential and stellar contribution to the music industry spans multiple genres and is showcased through a multifaceted hit catalog as well as a long list of diverse collaborations.

Carey’s ongoing impact transcends the music industry and has left an indelible imprint upon the world at large. She recently made a substantial mark in film with her critically acclaimed role as a social worker in “Precious,” the 2009 film based on the novel “Push,” by Sapphire. A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has generously donated her time and energy to a range of domestic and international philanthropic causes near to her heart, including The Fresh Air Fund/Camp Mariah (a retreat where inner-city children explore career development), Save the Music Foundation and Make-a-Wish Foundation, among several others.

Carey is currently in the studio, writing, recording and executive-producing her next album for Island Def Jam Music Group, with the lead single “Triumphant.”

About Randy Jackson:

A music industry veteran of more than 20 years and a Grammy Award-winning producer, Randy Jackson began playing bass guitar at age 13 and got his big break when he joined the band Journey. A prolific producer, Jackson spent eight years as Vice President of A&R at Columbia Records, followed by four years as Senior Vice President of A&R at MCA Records. However, it was AMERICAN IDOL that propelled Jackson into the mainstream.

Jackson has since expanded into television production, setting up his Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment banner at Warner Horizon Television and launching the hit reality-competition series “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew.”

While working on more than 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums, which have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, Jackson’s amazing talent, vast studio knowledge, performing, touring and record company acumen have made him one of today’s most coveted music industry experts.

In 2006, Jackson executive-produced and performed on the legendary Sam Moore’s Grammy-nominated album “Overnight Sensational.” Jackson also teamed with country music superstar Travis Tritt, and most recently, he brought together an eclectic mix of artists on “Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Vol. 1,” the first release from his Dream Merchant 21 record label.

Also a published author, Jackson has penned two books: “What’s Up, Dawg? How to Become a Superstar In The Music Business” and “Body With Soul: Steady Your Sugar, Cut Your Cholesterol and Get a Jump on Your Best Health.”

About Nicki Minaj:

Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born American rapper, singer, songwriter and voice actress. Known for her underground mix-tape presence, Minaj garnered the attention of Lil Wayne, who signed her to his record label, Cash Money. She immediately rose to prominence when she released her debut album, “Pink Friday,” in November 2010. It quickly became a commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) a month after its release. She simultaneously became the featured “It” girl on a string of high-profile singles from artists such as Madonna, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, Rihanna, Lil Wayne, Drake, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Usher, Ludacris, Justin Bieber, Trey Songz and Alicia Keys. Minaj also has become the first female solo artist to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time. Her seventh single, “Super Bass,” has since been certified quadruple-platinum by the RIAA and has sold more than four million copies, becoming one of the best-selling singles in the United States.

Minaj released her second studio album, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” in April 2012, which topped charts internationally, and spawned the Top 10 singles “Starships” and “Pound the Alarm.” Since then, the album has sold one million copies worldwide, and has become one of the best-selling albums of 2012, according to Nielsen SoundScan. At the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, she won Best Female Video for “Starships.” At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, she won Best Hip-Hop Video for “Super Bass.”

Nominated for a 2012 Grammy Award in the category of Best New Artist, Minaj’s rapping technique has been hailed by critics for its use of alter-egos, accents (notably, British) and rapid-fire pace. Equally well-known for her unique sense of style, her use of colorful wigs and outlandish costumes ranks her as one of the world’s leading fashion icons. Minaj is in the midst of her Pink Friday: RELOADED Tour.

About Keith Urban:

In 2001, the Country Music Association honored Keith Urban with its Horizon Award, designating him a talented artist with a bright future. He is the first Horizon Award winner in history to go on to win the CMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year, a title he’s captured three times, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year. More than 15 million albums later, Urban is a four-time Grammy Award winner, who has also won a People’s Choice and American Music Award. He’s won five Academy of Country Music Awards and had 14 No. 1 songs, including 28 Top 5 hits. In 2012, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His latest CD, “Get Closer,” comes on the heels of his fifth consecutive platinum or multi-platinum release. It has produced three consecutive No. 1 singles: “You Gonna Fly,” “Long Hot Summer” and “Without You.”

In 2009, Urban was named radio’s most-played country artist, thanks to No. 1 hits such as “Sweet Thing,” “You’ll Think Of Me,” “Only You Can Love Me This Way,” “Better Life” and “Days Go By.” In addition, his 2002 smash, “Somebody Like You,” was named the No. 1 Country Song of the Decade by Nielsen BDS (based on radio airplay and audience impressions).

But Urban’s reputation as an elite songwriter, musician, vocalist and virtuoso guitarist is no more evident than when he is onstage. His electrifying concerts have played to sold-out venues in Australia, Germany, England, Canada and the United States, all while receiving high praise from critics. In fact, 2009’s Escape Together World Tour, as well as 2007’s Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour, were both, according to Pollstar, one of the top-grossing tours for their respective years. Last year, his Get Closer 2011 World Tour solidified Urban as one of the music industry’s best live performers.

AMERICAN IDOL has been the No. 1 entertainment program among Total Viewers for the past nine consecutive seasons. To date, IDOL alums have produced 356 No. 1 Billboard hits and garnered nearly 250 million iTunes downloads. Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips’ first single, “Home,” which was released May 23, has been certified platinum. Last year, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery released his debut album “Clear As Day,” which dominated the Billboard Country Albums chart and has gone platinum, selling more than one million copies. McCreery is the youngest male artist to ever enter the U.S. albums charts at the No. 1 spot.

I_Love_Siobhan_Magnus · 09-16-2012, 11:23 PM

Nicki Minaj as a judge? OK, this is basically a death sentence to this show. If it isn't profitable or is profitable but not enough, FOX will cancel it. Forget about the singing, I'm sure that the talents will save their chances and time for X Factor or the Voice.

Cereal Killer · 09-16-2012, 11:41 PM

Her being a judge is not a surprise since there have been rumors for months.

I think it would be a death sentence to the show if Randy or any of the new judges continue to do what he and Steven and Jennifer have been doing the past 2 seasons. The show can't take another season of Randy's nonsense. Hopefully the new judges will step up their game. If only one of them was made the head judge although it doesn't look like it based on the pic... Anyway, I have faith in the new judges.

I_Love_Siobhan_Magnus · 09-16-2012, 11:47 PM

I only have faith in Mariah and Keith. I'm afraid Nicki will be a drama queen, ruder than Steven.

Cereal Killer · 09-17-2012, 02:15 PM

Well, as long as she won't be saying "beautiful" all the time.

Seriously though, I think Keith Urban has the most potential of being a good judge. But we'll have to see. I just hope one of them takes this job seriously enough and not just as an opportunity to pimp their own career.

The new judges talking about their approach to judging:

Mariah & Nicki Talk 'Idol' Strategies | TheInsider.com


Fan Forum > Archived Television Shows > American Idol > News & Rumors #4: Auditions, tour, award shows... What's going on in the world of Idol?