When Fantasia Barrino told America that she had “been through some stuff” upon winning the “American Idol” crown in 2004, she was putting it mildly. That didn’t even include her most recent struggles with a drug overdose and being accused of breaking up a marriage . Barrino explained how she was already depressed on Idol with the producers focusing more on the bad things that had happened to her rather than her talents. “Producers were focusing on all the bad things I had done before I made it there,” she said. Check out the interview: In the vast spectrum of celebrity sit-downs, this one seems different. She also recalled that after Idol , a home foreclosure followed, a throat tumor developed in 2008 while she was on Broadway in The Color Purple , and then business trouble, which included mismanaged money, which all deepened her depression. “I think I was just overloaded with everything, with carrying six years of so much… it just became heavy for me to the point where I wanted to be away from the noise,” she said.  “Even when I stepped on the Idol stage, I caught so much drama about being a young mom, not having my high school  diploma, the way I spoke, me taking off my shoes it was always something wrong with me and they kept trying to point out little things but I fought through that and I won the Idol .  Coming after that, I did my Lifetime movie and I did my book and I spoke about just my life before then and the struggles that I went through to get to where I am today and they picked out things about that that they didn’t like and they lashed out … the home  foreclosure .” “There’s just so many things that I had to deal with me almost losing my whole career, and not having management, and lawyers and everybody who said they had my back and nobody taking care of me, me taking care of my whole family.  So much that people don’t understand and they just see the glitz and the glamour.” During the GMA interview, Barrino credited a life coach with helping her be able to get back to work and resume promoting her new album (which hits stores today) only a week after her overdose. The singer’s willingness to discuss her mistakes and personal demons is refreshing — especially when you consider other celeb sit-downs — but what do you think about the interview? All of this, and then the suit about her affair with a married man, Antwaun Cook, just became too much for her, she explained. From there, the episode delves deep into Fantasia’s North Carolina roots — beginning with when she began singing (at age 5), then tracing her first love (ex-boyfriend Brandel Shouse, the father of her daughter, Zion), which would later turn into an abusive relationship.

“I know that I am beautiful and special,” Barrino said. “I am who I am — and that’s what makes me Fantasia.” What did you think about Fantasia’s story on “Behind the Music”?

He’s too damn old. He’s too damn dull. “He’s a relic,” one industry observer said dismissively of the 62-year old frontman to me Tuesday, following all the reports that Tyler is a done deal for the Fox amateur-hour hit. “All he brings to the show is a scarf and giant lips.” Now, as both Tyler and Mick Jagger will tell you, there’s a lot of mileage to be had in a scarf and giant lips — but not necessarily a lot of judgment. Fox won’t comment, but it’s looking pretty likely that Steven Tyler will be American Idol ‘s newest judge.

Steven Tyler walked the wrong way during an Aerosmith concert Tuesday, taking a tumble off the stage in Toronto. And judgment, on both sides of the camera, is what you need to resurrect a former ratings behemoth like “Idol” — especially after the disappointing season it had last year and the departure of bitchy Brit Simon Cowell. The fall was the result of what the Toronto Sun called “a little roughhousing” with bandmate Joe Perry. Of course, neither the network nor the singer, who’s on tour with his band, would comment yesterday. Ellen DeGeneres left ‘Idol’ after just one season, announcing her departure weeks ago. Because McCarthy has gone public with Jason Toohey , 35, a former fitness model. In fact, left to his extended own devices — as too many interviewers and musicians have discovered — the hyperactive singer can ramble in a way that makes Paula Abdul look positively poetic. While J.Lo has since reportedly been nixed, Tyler is now all but confirmed. His acting career, like the cameo as himself with John Travolta in “Be Cool,” never really blew anyone’s wig off. Has ‘American Idol’ run its course? And while no one would undermine his love of his craft, Tyler’s never displayed the greatest of insights when it comes to talking about music. Now don’t get me wrong.

Of course, neither the network nor the singer, who’s on tour with his band, would comment yesterday. And it’s not known how Tyler’s TV duties might affect Aerosmith’s plans to tour and record. “I hope it doesn’t hurt the new momentum we’ve built up on this tour, because that’s been so important for us as a band,’’ Hamilton said. LOS ANGELES, Calif. It appears the rumors are true, and Steven Tyler is gearing up to bring some “Sweet Emotion” to “American Idol.” On Tuesday, E! News reported that “a very-inside source” confirmed that the frontman would indeed be heading to “The Other Side” of the stage – namely the judges’ table, where he will serve as a judge for Season 10 of the hit FOX television show. “Steven is doing American Idol .

Additionally, Deadline’s Nikki Finke reported that sources close to the rocker told her Steven’s “deal is done” for him to join the reality singing competition as a judge. This is, what, the third or fourth time media outlets have ‘confirmed’ the Steven Tyler rumor? For weeks speculation has centered around Tyler and singer/actress Jennifer Lopez joining “Idol,” which is undergoing a major restructuring to arrest its ratings decline. Because McCarthy has gone public with Jason Toohey , 35, a former fitness model. The ink is dry on that,” Hamilton tells The Star-Ledger . All this water-cooler buzz isn’t such a bad thing for a show that a lot of pundits would love to try to paint as finished.” Indeed, to paraphrase a classic bit of Monty Python , Idol ‘s not dead yet! National auditions are already under way ahead of the show’s Season 10 premiere in January. Apparently the rocker doesn’t “Want To Miss A Thing,” as, according to E! Things are moving quickly: the ex- Singled Out cohost, 37, has moved in with Toohey while her house is under construction.

But, he said, he did not want to stand in the way of the unique opportunity. It doesn’t always need this element of, ‘They’ve done this, they’ve done that!’” And so while Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson have been widely rumored as the clear front-runners for a revamped, three-member panel, at the end of the day, they’re scattered pieces of a very high-profile puzzle, and all of us will have to wait and see if the hands behind the show pick ‘em up and lock ‘em into place. Is there anyone else the producers should be considering as a last-minute addition? I don’t know if ‘American Idol’ will be rock ‘n’ roll enough for him, but it is an opportunity for millions of people to see another side of Steven Tyler.” Tyler would bring a harder edge to a show where contestants seem to favor soft pop ballads.

Tyler, 62, underwent treatment for an addiction to painkillers in December. IT’S FINITO We may not be seeing much of Sofia Vergara in Florida anymore. The veteran rockers nearly broke up last year amid a feud between Tyler and his bandmates.

Perry did eventually help Tyler back onto the stage, but the episode did not look playful.

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has finalized a contract to become “American Idol’s” newest judge, E! Sources at FOX TV told E! Fox missed a chance to announce Tyler and J. The 62-year-old lead singer of Aerosmith finalized a deal to become the next “American Idol” judge, a “very-inside” music source told E!

Especially since they are still in talks with other big celeb names. Hot in Cleveland star Betty White is putting pen to paper for two books for G.P.

So while it’s likely that a new trio of Jackson, Tyler and Lopez will be announced soon (Deadline says after Labor Day), don’t go burning your Aerosmith CDs just yet. Tyler probably would have gotten away with anything since he hasn’t been causing that much of a fuss, but mostly what he’s asked for, so far, is that he looks real friggin’ good when he hits the boob-tube this fall. And it would be a whole lot closer to what passes for a rocker in the real world, not that Tyler Grady goon who thought he was Jim Morrison on Season 9 but seemed more like Shaun Cassidy going undercover as a “rocker” on “The Hardy Boys.” As to what Tyler’s decision means for Aerosmith, his own life as a rocker and, well, rock and roll in general, it’s all a bit pathetic, really. Like top-notch wardrobe and makeup team on deck at all times (but, trust, he’s not being J.Lo about it, at all). Star Sued On the premiere of the newest Housewives series, Lynda Erkiletian said she wouldn’t work with America’s Polo Cup– Tareq Salahi’s annual charity event–because “nobody got paid.” Sounds like a trend for Salahi, who also just lost a legal case against him for failing to pay a small embroidering company for customized polo jackets, fleece blankets and straw hats he ordered in 2008. Randy Jackson , the fourth judge, has yet to be confirmed for the upcoming 10th season. That the singer of a legendary band would be reduced to just another Danny Bonaduce, desperately pimping his wares in TV Land while there’s a paycheck to be had, is a sad reflection on his values and our culture. Tyler has had his share of troubles. Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer told Billboard that Tyler on “Idol” could, in theory, be a win for Aerosmith, introducing their music to a whole new generation. Online reported Wednesday that J. Lo’s demand of $20 million per season plus her own hair, makeup and styling team and “dressing room compound” is still holding up talks.

Bret Michaels !), a new name has been thrown into the ring. A source close to the show says that country star Shania Twain is on the producers’ radar to fill one of the coveted seats on the talent competition’s tenth season. “They’ve been after her ever since she was a mentor on the show last season,” an insider told People.com . “And they haven’t given up.” Negotiations with Jennifer Lopez are rumored to have fallen through due to her plethora of demands, and Twain could be a more low-maintenance choice.

CNN says producers of the hit Fox reality show are trying to work out a deal with the country star. Twain’s name is the latest to pop up in the “American Idol” judging sweepstakes. Fox and the show aren’t talking and, of course, no official announcement has been made but rumors are running rampant. But widespread apathy won’t find American Idol its new judge, will it? I know when to say ‘Don’t bore us – get to the chorus!’ and I think I’d bring credibility to that forum if I was asked to do it.” If? Twain was also a guest mentor back in April. “Fox had just had enough.” But Gossip Cop the site that initially reported Lopez as a likely judge for Idol ‘s 10th season says People ‘s source is wrong and that Lopez is still in the running for a spot on the panel . “Negotiations are still going with Jennifer,” says what Gossip Cop calls a “rock-solid source,” which calls reports of Lopez’s demand killing the deal “wildly exaggerated.” Lopez had reportedly been close to a deal, but People said it fell through earlier this week and the two sides had called off negotiations because of Lopez’s outrageous demands. “Shania loves the show,” the source said. She also appeared on the show as a mentor to contestants in April.

“Shania’s a huge fan of the show and she had a great time as a mentor,” the source said.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Simon Cowell declared he’s leaving “American Idol” back in January. Now it’s a few weeks before the “Idol” judging panel goes before the cameras on the show’s audition trail, and there’s still no replacement named. Looks like Jennifer Lopez will not be joining the judges’ table on ” American Idol ” next season. J.Lo, 41, was reported to be taking a seat on the judging panel, but according to a source the deal is not going ahead. That’s OK with us, as long as they keep the red-and-white Coca-Cola cups. According to the source, “Her demands got out of hand…Fox had just had enough.” Network Fox and production company Fremantle Media both replied to request for comment with a big, fat…wait for it…”No comment.” American Idol seems to be having a hard time getting butts in seats at that judges’ table. ‘Fox had just had enough.’ Former judge Ellen DeGeneres, 52, recently announced that she was leaving the talent competition after just one season.

“Fox had just had enough.” No word yet from the folks at Fox on whether JLo is truly out of the picture. “The only thing I can tell you is that no one has signed a deal yet on either side of the camera to be on American Idol who wasn’t on the show last year,” he told reporters at the network’s Television Critics Association’s summer press tour presentation last Monday.

At the end of his run, Cowell was making an estimated $36 million a year judging “Idol,” but was also a proven ratings draw. She read it the way you did and I did. But the network does not want to pay Simon dollars for a newcomer who is going to be the show’s, ahem, X factor. 3. One big question now is…. “We’re told the only way Kara could get a reprieve is if the J-Lo deal falls apart but we’re told that deal is done,” the website had reported at the time.

Sixty-one percent of TVGuide.com voters want Paula Abdul back on American Idol , and so, it turns out, does returning executive producer Nigel Lythgoe . Of course, getting Abdul to return to the show would be easier said than done: Abdul is attached to host, judge and executive-produce Got to Dance , a dancing competition show for CBS .

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Producer Nigel Lythgoe is returning to hit television singing contest “American Idol,” a show he helped create, as it revamps its lineup of judges and its format to liven up the program in the face of slipping viewership. Lythgoe, a prolific producer who also is a judge on the Fox network’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” has been named an executive producer of “American Idol” for its 10th season, starting in January 2011, Fox said in a statement on Thursday.

The guy who played the original cop in the Village People claims he recently had a meeting with ” American Idol ” execs … who told him that he’s a ” dark horse candidate ” to be a judge on the show!

Victor Willis tells TMZ he’d be the “best choice” to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell because he was “the original idol judge for the selection of the Village People talent” back in 1977. BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Getting the judges of Fox’s “American Idol” together in one place for a news conference has always been a bit like herding cats – especially when one of the cats was named Paula – but at least reporters generally knew who they were waiting for. But as Fox’s time at the Television Critics Association’s summer meetings came and went yesterday without the hoped-for introduction to the franchise’s new panel of judges, there were more questions than there were answers about what the show might look like in its 10th season, for which auditions have already begun. Seacrest said during the New Jersey auditions for the Fox TV singing contest that he didn’t know how big the revamped panel will turn out to be. Of reports of various replacements and substitutions for last year’s panel, which is definitely losing Simon Cowell, and, as of last week, Ellen DeGeneres, Rice said, “I can tell you that much of the information that has been written has been accurate and much of the information has been wildly inaccurate.” Helpful, isn’t he? An announcement is expected in mid-September, the Fox-TV suits told critics the other day. But even if that’s going to be the configuration – and who knows, really? – there would seem to be a holdup somewhere. “I wish, I truly wish that we were going to walk out a panel of judges for next year,” said Rice, who was able to inject a bit of show into show business in January when Fox brought Cowell out to sign his contract for “The X Factor.” “I’m really sorry that’s not going to happen. We’re told it’s a done deal. If we had signed deals, we would have done that.” Afterward, in the back of the Beverly Hilton ballroom where the news conference had just ended, Philly’s own Mike Darnell, Fox’s president of alternative entertainment, who recently re-upped with the network for three years – and with none of the public drama that had accompanied his previous contract negotiation, when it had looked as if he might go to NBC – wouldn’t even say if he sympathized with the unidentified principals in the talks. “I’m not going to comment on the judges or anything to do with the negotiations,” insisted the usually talkative Darnell. But will Idol’s impending changes be good for Fox—or the competition? “Anytime there is a disruption and change in fundamental elements of the show, there’s an opportunity for an accelerated decline in ratings,” opines one suit at a rival network. “Simon Cowell was integral to the show.

As we previously reported, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are slated to take the judges table once their contracts are worked out but just in case it doesn’t work out with them, Willis claims, “I reminded the American Idol representative that I was a judge for the selection of talent for the most iconic group of characters of all time.” He added, “The show’s response was that they’re very much aware of this and that I’m considered a serious dark horse candidate.” So we gotta ask …

Is “American Idol,” going down in flames? Fox made no announcement Monday about its biggest show, allowing wild speculation about the future of “Idol” to continue: Is Simon Cowell and Ellen Degeneres ?

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – When Fox television executives Peter Rice and Kevin Reilly took the stage Monday for their summer press tour session, there was no doubt what they would be talking about. Will the show’s original producer come back to save it? What Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice did tell the nation’s TV reporters, though, was that much of what you’ve heard is true, but a bunch of it is also totally false. Steven Tyler is dropping hints! Kara DioGuardi’s ouster has been all but treated as a foregone conclusion. That includes Nigel Lythgoe , who has been widely reported as likely to return as an executive producer. “The only thing I can say with absolute certainty is that no one, in front of or behind the camera, has been signed to an agreement,” said Rice, chairman of entertainment for Fox Network Groups. But we may not know who the judges are until the end of this month. “There is a journey finding these kids, and there is sort of alchemy (to achieve) on the judges’ panel. “No one has signed a deal on either side of the camera for anyone to come on to ‘American Idol’ who wasn’t on it last year,” Fox Entertainment chief Peter Rice told the media at a Television Critics Association executive session in Beverly Hills Monday. It also means that the return of original Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe is not settled business, as Rice confirmed when asked specifically about the producer who left Idol two seasons ago, about the same time the show’s ratings started slipping.

Does that mean we should replace them identically and cast the same person? “It’s just a work in progress,” he said Monday on the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning radio show. Simon’s departure meant there was going to be a natural evolution. … He also wouldn’t confirm if former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe would return to the series, as rumored.

See full article at EW.com. When we are working with the #1 TV show, the scrutiny is enormous. That’s apparently not a knock on DeGeneres, who had none. Confirming what DeGeneres wrote in her note last week announcing her departure , Rice said he began talking to her about her desire to leave the show in June and that he was unable to persuade her to give it one more year. Rice said he actually tried to talk her into staying, but that the show ultimately was not the right fit for her. Class A shares of the company, which also owns the Wall Street Journal, are little changed this year. All the speculation and hype over the new season of “Idol,” its 10th, “is a reminder of how intensely people feel about the show and how connected they are to the show,” said Rice. Rice presumably is referring also to Nigel Lythgoe, the show’s original producer, who left to create “So You Think You Can Dance.” It’s been rumored that he will return. But other than Degeneres announcing last Thursday that she was quitting the show, nothing has been confirmed.

Rice would not speculate about who might be signing in the next few weeks. “The only thing I can tell you with absolutely certainty right now is that no one has signed a deal yet, on either side of the camera, to join ‘American Idol’ next year who wasn’t on it last year,” said Rice.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – When Fox television executives Peter Rice and Kevin Reilly took the stage Monday for their summer press tour session, there was no doubt what they would be talking about. Jennifer Lopez is (possibly) in! “There are no signed deals with anyone on either side of the camera,” Rice said. That includes Nigel Lythgoe , who has been widely reported as likely to return as an executive producer. Jennifer Lopez and Tyler are considered the top dawgs to take seats alongside original member Randy Jackson . “I can tell you that much of the information that has been written is accurate and some is wildly inaccurate,” Peter Rice , Fox entertainment chairman, told TV critics gathered here for the annual fall network presentations. “The goal has to be to put on a great TV show,” Rice said. Rice said he actually tried to talk her into staying, but that the show ultimately was not the right fit for her.

It also means that the return of original Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe is not settled business, as Rice confirmed when asked specifically about the producer who left Idol two seasons ago, about the same time the show’s ratings started slipping.

“Much of the information that has been written is accurate, and some of it is wildly innaccurate,” Rice said. If Ken Warwick, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, & Co. feel it’s absolutely necessary to keep at least one veteran judge on the show for its upcoming tenth season , maybe they should gamble on the polarizing woman with some of her own compositions currently on Billboard’s Hot 100 rather than the former Journey session player who hasn’t found a synonym for “pitchy” after almost a decade of live “Idol” telecasts.

All the speculation and hype over the new season of “Idol,” its 10th, “is a reminder of how intensely people feel about the show and how connected they are to the show,” said Rice. “It’s just a work in progress,” he said Monday on the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning radio show. Simon’s departure meant there was going to be a natural evolution. … “Maybe some of the hoopla will die down, and I think that will be healthy.” During NBC ‘s Jay Leno / Conan O’Brien fiasco, Fox officials said they were very interested in talking to O’Brien about joining the network to help it create a late-night presence. “Conan’s made his choice, and I think he’s going to do great over there,” said Reilly.

“The late-night business – we’re taking a beat on it right now. …

Fox’s presentation Monday (August 2) at the Television Critics Association press tour came and went with no clarity on the future of the “American Idol” judging panel . What Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice did tell the nation’s TV reporters, though, was that much of what you’ve heard is true, but a bunch of it is also totally false. Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment for Fox Networks, also told reporters in Beverly Hills, California, today that he tried to convince Ellen DeGeneres to remain a judge on “Idol,” the most-watched series on U.S. television. “The only thing I can tell you is that no one has signed a deal yet on either side of the camera to be on American Idol who wasn’t on the show last year,” Fox entertainment chairman Peter Rice told reporters at the network’s Television Critics Association’s summer press tour presentation this morning, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “There is a journey finding these kids, and there is sort of alchemy (to achieve) on the judges’ panel. “There’s been tremendous speculation, some accurate and some wildly inaccurate,” Rice says. Does that mean we should replace them identically and cast the same person? I don’t think so, but we have the obligation to put on the best TV show.

“I can imagine there are a tremendous amount of follow-up questions, I’m not going to get into a fishbowl blow-by-blow account however much fun that might be for you or your readers,” he said. Simon’s departure meant there was going to be a natural evolution. … Rice says the show succeeds based on contestants and the “alchemy and relationships of the judging panel.” I truly wish we were going to debut a panel of judges and that could be a celebration for us, and we could engage with you on that; I’m sorry that is not going to happen.” A spokesperson for “Idol” has offered a “no comment” on the various reports about the changes in the judges’ panel, and representatives for Lopez, Tyler and DioGuardi have not returned requests for comment. Confirming what DeGeneres wrote in her note last week announcing her departure , Rice said he began talking to her about her desire to leave the show in June and that he was unable to persuade her to give it one more year.

“The only thing I can tell you is that no one has singed a deal yet on either side of the camera to be on ‘American Idol’ who wasn’t on the show last year,” Rice said. “I can imagine there are a tremendous amount of follow-up questions, I’m not going to get into a fishbowl blow-by-blow account however much fun that might be for you or your readers,” Rice said. “No-one has signed a deal on either side of the camera to be on ‘Idol’ who wasn’t on it last year. Executives for FOX told reporters this morning that “no one has signed a deal to join Idol” who wasn’t already on it last season. Does that mean we should replace them identically and cast the same person?

There are no signed deals with anybody,” Fox entertainment chairman Peter Rice told TV reporters. ” There’s been tremendous speculation, some accurate and some “wildly inaccurate,” Rice says. Simon’s departure meant there was going to be a natural evolution. “When we are working with the No. 1 TV show, the scrutiny is enormous,” Rice continued. “I truly wish we were going to (debut) a panel of judges and that could be a celebration for us, and we could engage with you on that, I’m sorry that is not going to happen.” Rice did acknowledge that he began talking to DeGeneres in June about her wanting to leave, and that he tried to persuade her to stay. But “I’m not going to get intop the fishbowl of a blow-by-blow account of that casting.

“I can tell you that much of the information is accurate and some of it is wildly inaccurate. “I love Paula and I root for her either way,” she explained. “Yes, because I’ve been in the contestant’s position,” she said. Rice says he met with Ellen DeGeneres in early June about her unhappiness with her role, and “tried to persuade her it would be different in the future, but ultimately we came to the agreement we would be looking for new judges” after deciding either than “we can’t replace you, or that we can move on without you.” Last week, Fox chose the latter. – Gary Levin “And no because, even though it wouldn’t be on purpose, I don’t like hurting other people’s feelings.” Last week, Crystal Bowersox , who competed on DeGeneres’ one and only season of the show, opened up about DeGeneres’ decision to walk away from the show. “Ellen is an amazing and kind human being, and I respect her and her decision to leave ‘American Idol,’ ” Bowersox said. More to come, refresh for latest…

There are now two open judging chairs at American Idol as Ellen DeGeneres, who appeared on the show as a judge for a single season, is leaving the show. With the departure of Simon Cowell, producers at Fox are looking to shake up the shows format, reports The Hollywood Reporter, and one of the first Read more below

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“American Idol” contender Crystal Bowersox responds to the news that funnywoman Ellen DeGeneres has left her gig as an “Idol” judge after one season. I nquirer television critic Jonathan Storm is reporting this week from the television critics’ press tour in Beverly Hills. Bowersox, who scored the runner-up slot on the show’s ninth season, took feedback from the talk show host during her brief stint on the Fox hit and wished the comedienne well in the wake of DeGeneres’ recent departure. How the chemistry among the trio — which might still be a foursome — will jell remains an unknown, but here’s what we do know about the new season: Contestants as young as 15 years old are eligible to compete (So get ready for more Katie Stevenses and Aaron Kellys.) Nigel Lythgoe will be back as an executive producer (and he’s on the record as not being a fan of the four-person panel). “Ellen is an amazing and kind human being, and I respect her and her decision to leave ‘American Idol’,” Bowersox said in a statement to MTV News. In fact, a source close to the show insists that no deals have been signed with any new panelists. I know her DeGeneres well and I’m sad she’s not going to be on the show with us, but happy if this is what she wants to do.’ DeGeneres, who is leaving Idol after just one season, released a statement in which she said that while she ‘loved discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings’. The critics’ consensus to replace DeGeneres: Jennifer Lopez. On the radio, Seacrest went on and on assuring everybody that Ellen didn’t get the boot, boosting the idea that she did. The fate of the remaining “Idol” judges, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, has come under scrutiny as well. Idol is pretty much old news to the critics who are busy with about 40 new fall shows and prying the truth from executives from all the networks, who parade through what’s called the Summer Press Tour in a two-week blur.

Simon kept him in check. Then again, Simon’s absence also means an end to the awful gay-baiting banter that was their stock in trade. So they shortened it.” Q spent her whole life in Hawaii before going to Asia for a modeling gig. So long to DeGeneres’ snazzy boyish get-ups. “When I moved to Asia, it was … it was tough for me. And I was incredibly poor and inexperienced and all the things that you can be when you’re insecure.” So, she went along with her friends who were big into fortune-tellers. So it was nice to see Michael Lynche’s worthy rendition of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” move aspiring mama Kara to real tears. “They would always tell me that I was a bird. Say what you will about DioGuardi, she knew why a song worked or, more importantly, didn’t. WON’T MISS IT Awkward flirting First it was Cowell and Paula Abdul. On Episodes , Crane and his writing and life partner, Jeffrey Klarik, do the behind-the-scenes.

Lo choose to continue Simon’s tradition of wearing too-tight sweaters and T-shirts over his trademark jeans, I’m expecting to hear far fewer complaints about it. _ Fox, which smartly handled Simon’s exit during the Television Critics Association’s winter meetings in January, bringing him before reporters to sign his new contract for “The X Factor” while we watched, is now poised for another nicely choreographed PR move. It probably did, as she said, take more time than she’d expected, given that she very much has a day job.

Reaction to Ellen DeGeneres’ announcement that she was departing “American Idol” was swift, with fans and bloggers eager to express their thoughts as soon as the news became public on Thursday (July 29). And, in the most notable shift, Ellen DeGeneres , Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell will all be gone. The singing competition’s tightly wound songwriter-judge Kara DioGuardi’s contract has not been renewed and, hopefully, she’s not holding her breath.

“Idol” season-six third-place finisher Melinda Doolittle was shocked by the news. But for J-Lo, a move to “Idol” would mark a return to the Fox network. DUDE!!!!!” Doolittle later chimed in with her thoughts on rumored replacements Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

Simon kept him in check. The 62-year-old Tyler, a rock legend with a well-documented history of substance abuse and unpredictable behavior, just might be the hook to reel in viewers to prime-time’s faltering singing competition. Tyler’s the front man of Aerosmith the one who looks like a Beverly Hills matron just coming from Pilates class. As for sophomore judge DioGuardi, there is much chatter that she’s out and the show would be returned to its original, three-judge format. I just happen to love all of them. The gutting of the judges’ table is not a huge surprise since Nigel Lythgoe is being brought back to executive-produce the show. You can’t judge coherently when you’re high on Vicodin. Lythgoe had shepherded “Idol” for years before leaving over arguments about its direction. Jessica Simpson: This serial dater is no stranger to fame whoring, reality shows or almost forgot singing. And though no one’s asked me about replacements for any of these people, count me in as a member of Team Timberlake. Ellen Gray is covering the TV Critics Association’s summer meetings.

Reaction to Ellen DeGeneres’ announcement that she was departing “American Idol” was swift, with fans and bloggers eager to express their thoughts as soon as the news became public on Thursday (July 29). Amid a storm of personnel and producing changes, “American Idol” has been thrown into chaos, with the fate of the nation’s No. 1 show hanging in the balance.

Other celebrities have also joined the conversation, voicing reactions and well wishes. Currently a judge on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” Lythgoe has said that “Idol” needs an overhaul after serious ratings erosion this past season, the last for the show’s longtime star, Simon Cowell , a British music executive known for his tart and often devastating appraisals of contestants. One reason for the “Idol” shakeup could be the fact that the show’s ratings, while still immense, began to slide during last year’s less than stellar season. Instead, Fox will just use the critics tour session to (perish the thought!) promote new fall series like Lonestar and Raising Hope.  Stay tuned. The rumored changes are meant to stop that downturn and hopefully bring in a new crop of younger viewers. Eminem is back with a new album called Recovery and for many, it’s a welcome return. Since the lost of Abdul, the addition of DioGuardi and the addition and loss of DeGeneres, finding that kind of chemistry again has eluded “Idol” producers. DUDE!!!!!” Doolittle later chimed in with her thoughts on rumored replacements Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Then again, Simon’s absence also means an end to the awful gay-baiting banter that was their stock in trade.

But the show is losing its once-unshakable grip on American pop culture, especially after the past season, which was widely criticized for lackluster contestants and a desultory performance from the quartet of judges. I just happen to love all of them. An average of 24.9 million adults tuned in to the Tuesday shows for Season 9, a 20% slide from the 31.2 million for the peak season of 2006, according to the Nielsen Co. Bret Michaels Where reported: Parade.com. Ratings for the Wednesday results show this year slipped 14% in the all-important category of adults aged 18 to 49, which are most coveted by advertisers. Pro: Michaels could make the show a bit more rock-focused; bringing in more male viewers. “No Boundaries,” etc.  The DioGuardi-penned original that reared its ugly head during Season 9 wasn’t her finest hour. “The show will be fine,” he tweeted in reply to a fan.

“Idol’s” acerbic British judge and show star Simon Cowell is long gone and shriveled rocker Steven Tyler is the current front-runner to take his place. The singing competition’s tightly wound songwriter-judge Kara DioGuardi’s contract has not been renewed and, hopefully, she’s not holding her breath. But for J-Lo, a move to “Idol” would mark a return to the Fox network. The talk show host’s former “Idol” colleagues, Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest , weighed in as well. The list of concerns was long: The show was boring. Most recently, Lopez appeared in the flick “The Back-up Plan,” which was a far cry from her 1997 starring role in “Selena.” The network is also reportedly in talks with Tyler to replace Cowell, who announced in January that he was decamping to produce and star in “Idol’s” rival “The X Factor” also for Fox. Several outlets Friday that said next season’s judges would likely include Lopez, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, and a returning Randy Jackson. The rumored changes are meant to stop that downturn and hopefully bring in a new crop of younger viewers. TMZ , meanwhile, reported that Nigel Lythgoe is set to  return as an executive producer. Also, the chemistry among the original judges — Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell— was a big part of the show’s original success. As for sophomore judge DioGuardi, there is much chatter that she’s out and the show would be returned to its original, three-judge format. The gutting of the judges’ table is not a huge surprise since Nigel Lythgoe is being brought back to executive-produce the show.

The announcement of the new judges will likely come on Monday, when the network releases its 2010-11 programs to the Television Critics Association. Lythgoe had shepherded “Idol” for years before leaving over arguments about its direction. On Thursday, she announced she was departing “Idol” after just one season. Here is a look at just a few of the names that have popped up as possibilities to take a seat behind the judges table with Jackson — assuming, of course, that Jackson doesn’t find himself on the unemployment line as well.

Yup, the judge’s table on “American Idol” will be changing once again with the departure of Ellen DeGeneres (and, possibly, Kara DioGuardi !) Last night Ellen made her announcement and soon tweeted to fans, “Dim the lights…I’ve voted myself off American Idol. http://bit.ly/ctBxWS .” While there’s rumors everywhere about who will be filling in on the show (including Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson ), there’s one person who’s already feeling Ellen’s void. She’s one of the kindest and most talented people in hollywood!” But, while Ellen is giving herself a break from a hectic schedule, there’s another famous face ready to reclaim the spotlight. “It may be just a TV show, but some matter more than others,” says media strategist Don Tanner, who says the show should go on, even with sweeping changes. The only guarantees left on “Idol” are off-key contestants, host Ryan Seacrest (peerless as a combination maitre d’ and traffic cop), and all those conspicuous glasses of Coke. The one that was buzzworthy every time it aired.

Even the ratings — while still gigantic — are no longer on the upswing. The audience for “Idol” has lately been sliding, which, of course, is what the makeover is meant to arrest. She also reportedly had frosty relations with Simon Cowell, the show’s highest-profile judge, who has likewise left “Idol,” in his case to pursue his own new reality contest, “The X Factor,” on Fox. On Thursday, DeGeneres announced she won’t be back for the 10th season, which begins filming in September.

In past decades, only “one-offs,” such as the final episodes of “MASH” and “Cheers” – and sporting events such as the Super Bowl – could boast such vast viewing numbers. “In that way, it has been a true phenomenon unlike TV has ever seen,” he says.

As for the nettlesome questions of who should fill the escalating judges’ seat vacancies, Jennifer Lopez is reportedly signed up to replace the departing Ellen DeGeneres, whose career demands have made a place in the “Idol” universe untenable. As I said, I know: Ain’t gonna happen, dawg. That profile is important, and she points to such possible candidates as hip-hop mogul Sean Combs. “It will take someone of that stature to give the show some anchor,” she points out. Now that he’s gone on to possibly greener pastures (with his own Fox talent show, The X Factor ), his rumored replacements include Bret Michaels, Terrell’s Jamie Foxx, Chris Isaak, Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler, Howard Stern, P Diddy and Harry Connick Jr., who proved to be a popular mentor last season. Brought on board two seasons ago when the panel of judges was expanded from three to four, she has always seemed no more knowledgeable than she is expendable. (If these were the Marx Brothers, she would be Chico.) No word on the prospects for affably bland Randy (“dahttp://wwwg!”) Jackson, who is currently the only remaining original. She’s reportedly been in talks with the show, too. Viewer Averages. “American Idol” was the most-watched prime-time program in the broadcast TV season that ended in May. In other words, if it weren’t for affable dawg Randy Jackson still at the table, the next American Idol might feel like a brand-new show. But he suggests a full show makeover could be just what the 10-year-old program needs.

Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Elton John, Chris Isaak, Howard Stern and Harry Connick Jr. — they’ve all been mentioned, too. Maybe probably definitely gonna see Charlie St. Cloud this weekend. -Julie Plec, Writer, Producer (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Kyle XY”) @taylorswift13 Saw the cutest movie last night. Congrats? #FunniestFollowFridayEver -Eli Roth, Director, Actor (“Inglourious Basterds,” “Hostel”)

After days of furious rumors, Fox just made it official: Ellen DeGeneres’ much-criticized tenure as the fourth judge on “American Idol” has sputtered to an end after just one season, with the show in the midst of a massive overhaul. In a news release, DeGeneres said she told the producers a couple of months ago that the show “didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” partly because of increased work commitments elsewhere, including her popular daytime talk show. Ellen DeGeneres, who never got comfort able telling young sing ers to go back to their day jobs, has abruptly quit as a judge on ” American Idol .” “A couple of months ago, I let Fox and the ‘American Idol’ producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” she said last night in a statement. But “I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings,” she added. She said in a statement that while she “loved discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings”. “It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I’d bargained for.” Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez is poised to take DeGeneris’ place, according to multiple reports. During the past few hours, reports began surfacing that superstar singer/actress Jennifer Lopez is close to signing a contract to join the judges’ panel on Season 10 of “American Idol.” If the reports are true and J-Lo does sign a deal, she would replace Ellen DeGeneres , who confirmed late yesterday that she is leaving the popular Fox reality show after just one season and lukewarm reviews. A report on variety.com said that DeGeneres told “Idol” producers about her decision months ago. “Jennifer accepted the Idol judge position,” a show insider told OK! A replacement has yet to be announced for Simon Cowell, who has left to start a US version of The X Factor. “I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next,” DeGeneres said.

She said in a statement that while she “loved discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings”. A replacement has yet to be announced for Simon Cowell, who has left to start a US version of The X Factor. During the past few hours, reports began surfacing that superstar singer/actress Jennifer Lopez is close to signing a contract to join the judges’ panel on Season 10 of “American Idol.” If the reports are true and J-Lo does sign a deal, she would replace Ellen DeGeneres , who confirmed late yesterday that she is leaving the popular Fox reality show after just one season and lukewarm reviews. It had not been announced straight away because producers had wanted time “to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next”, she added. “I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next,” DeGeneres said. She’s better off returning to her status as one of the program’s biggest fans. According to the site, Lopez’s manager Benny Medina set up a meeting with “Idol” producers and the singer’s camp has been negotiating the deal for about a month. The simple fact is that apart from her talk show, where the rejected contestants got a second chance to perform and discuss their exit after the Wednesday elimination episodes, Ellen didn’t contribute much of anything to the program. She was never very critical regardless of how poorly someone performed, but more to the point, she wasn’t even entertaining. Among the names that have been popping up most frequently are Elton John , Harry Connick Jr. , Jamie Foxx , Chris Isaak , Jessica Simpson , Justin Timberlake and Sean “Diddy” Combs . Murray pleaded not guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter after the singer’s 2009 death. She finished eleventh last season .) Will you miss Ellen?

On Thursday, yet another name surfaced as a judge possibility – Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Groves’ grad Posner pumping Wylie E. Groves High School grad Mike Posner , whose “Cooler Than Me” single is scorching the charts, will be hosting his own radio show in the fall.

There was no word, however, on whether he was close to making a deal for one of the open judges’ chairs. “The Mike Posner Show” will debut Sept. 10 on Sirius XM’s Faction (Sirius channel 28/XM channel 52), the satellite radio network said Thursday. The weekly show, aring at 9 p.m. As a big fan of everything else she does, that was the biggest disappointment for me.

Posner is scheduled to perform at the Vans Warped Tour at Comerica Park today. (See story at freep.com.) But wait, there’s more: He’s scheduled to bring the noise to “The Wendy Williams Show” on Thursday. Instead, she seemed eager to fit in and largely unwilling to ruffle feathers. Meanwhile, panel member Kara DioGuardi is out of contract and Fox has yet to announce whether she will return. May’s finale was the lowest rated since the first series in 2002 with 24.2 million tuning in to see former paint salesman Lee DeWyze take the crown.