On Thursday at 11:06 p.m., Reed (also a star of the Broadway rock musical) gave birth to daughter Malena James, who weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 19 inches long. PHOTOS: Love lives of Idol’s stars “Sometimes Christmas comes early and we’re so lucky to get the greatest gift a few days early,” Maroulis, 35, tells Us . “Sometimes Christmas comes early and we’re so lucky to get the greatest gift a few days early,” Maroulis tells the magazine. “Sometimes Christmas comes early and we’re so lucky to get the greatest gift a few days early,” Maroulis tells PEOPLE . The American Idol alum, 35, and Angel Reed welcomed their first child, Malena James, on Thursday at 11:06 p.m. Play our celebrity hair game now!

The famous performers said they are taking turns nurturing this year’s contestants, some as young as 15 for the first time ever, and providing tough feedback. “We all want them to do well because we actually believe in them,” said music producer Randy Jackson, the lone remaining original “Idol” judge.

Originally published December 14, 2010 at 6 a.m., updated December 14, 2010 at 8:38 p.m. This week, about 60 auditioning contestants (whittled down from 325 who made it to the Hollywood week round) have been rehearsing at the Las Vegas Mirage hotel to perform Beatles songs on the stage that Cirque du Soliel performs its Beatles-themed show “LOVE.” EW has learned that music executive and “Idol’s” new in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine whose mega-label Universal Music Group will release the “Idol” winner’s first album has been in Las Vegas mentoring the potential contestants for those performances, and has assembled an impressive roster of major music producers to help: Alex da Kid (who produced Eminem’s megahit “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna, and B.o. B’s “Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams), Christopher “Tricky” Stewart (Justin Bieber’s “Baby” featuring Ludacris, Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”, Rihanna’s “Umbrella”), Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins (Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” featuring Beyoncé, the Pussycat Doll’s “When I Grow Up”), Polow da Don (several Keri Hilson tracks, including “Turnin’ Me On” featuring Lil Wayne), and Jim Jonsin (Nelly’s “Just a Dream”, T.I.’s “Whatever You Like”). “We all want them to do well because we actually believe in them,” said music producer Randy Jackson, the lone remaining original “Idol” judge. Details of the showcase to take place in the next 72 hours will be revealed this afternoon at a highly restricted, minimalist 15-minute press conference controlled by Fox. The famous performers said they are taking turns nurturing this year’s contestants, some as young as 15 for the first time ever, and providing tough feedback. The change is part of an ongoing makeover of the popular singing contest as the former mega-hit enters its 10th season with sagging ratings. An “Idol” insider explains to EW that this is part of the season-long effort to get audiences to know the kids better as people and artists, and to get them out of their comfort zones and more accustomed to what life as a major music star would be like i.e. putting down the guitar, and getting used to the big stage. The network’s press folks have decreed no one-on-one interviews with the judges, so the shroud of secrecy is maintained up until the last minute. Judge Paula Abdul left in 2009, and Cowell didn’t return this year. This is the first time “American Idol” has taken its so-called Hollywood round on the road. During the episode, contestants will sing Beatles’ tunes on stage with a live band, Lopez said. Fans can also expect contestants to cover Tyler and Lopez’ greatest hits.

The anticipation of singing before two of music’s most successful acts has helped motivate the contestants, Jackson said. Judge Paula Abdul left in 2009, and Cowell didn’t return this year. “They don’t want to let these guys down,” he said. The new season is expected to play down its usual celebrity guest appearances and focus on the drama of the competition. Seacrest said the new judges easily fit in with him and Jackson given their previous interactions in the entertainment business. “We all know each other from work,” he said.

Fox announced a midseason schedule late Friday that shifts TV’s No. 1 series to Wednesdays and Thursdays from its longtime home on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, fulfilling a plan it has long discussed. The talent competition returns Jan. 19 with a 2-hour audition episode. News Corp. ’s Fox network is moving “American Idol,” the most-watched show on TV, to Wednesday and Thursday nights when the program returns in January as part of a wider midseason schedule change. The show already has new judges and new rules, and now there are new days. The Idol move has sparked other changes: Bone s will shift to 9 as of Jan. 20, and J. On Sundays, new animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers will follow The Simpsons starting Jan. 9, bumping The Cleveland Show to 9:30, and American Dad will move to 7:30 as of Jan. 16. The show will be moving to 9pm on Thursdays, with American Idol as a lead-in. And how ironic that, after years of fevered speculation as to whether Fox would move “Idol” to Thursday and really mess with the other networks, the network finally does makes the move and causes so little stir. Unfortunately, ever action has an equal and opposite reaction, and this time it’s the brilliant Fringe getting pushed over to Friday nights. But Fox needed to make the move. The Class A shares have gained 3.6 percent this year. Still, “American Idol” will likely be the No. 1 show of the season yet again. Heck, only half the press will even write that the show is down another 15 percent; the other half will be writing that it’s the No. 1 show on Thursday – the toughest night of TV all week.

Another reason Fox was able to move “American Idol” off of Tuesday was the strong performance of “Glee,” which has taken off this fall. Also hitting the schedule in January will be the game show “Million Dollar Money Drop,” which will get something of a sneak peek in late December. Now that it’s slipping, theses considerations loom larger. Other moves include the cult favorite “Fringe” from Thursday to Friday night.

In other new Fox schedule move: “Idol” debuts Jan. 19 and 20. Here is the Fox lineup (after the jump), beginning in January. New shows are marked in bold.

Fox’s high school musical “Glee” sticks at 8 p.m. Human Target will stay on the Wednesday schedule until Idol resumes two-hour episodes on Feb. 16. Idol will remain at two hours until April 6, when it condenses to 90 minutes for the remainder of the season and another new comedy, Breaking In , fills the 9:30 half-hour.

Those initial broadcasts are all about the auditions, and the show goes goes live the following week – just like “Idol.” Abdul, who famously walked from “Idol” during contract talks after failing to secure the kind of stupid money Fox and that show’s producers were willing to dole out to host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell, is billed as an executive producer on the show – one of six – as well as “mentor” and “lead expert.” CBS now airs “Survivor” on Wednesdays at 8 and the slotting of “Live to Dance” coincides with the six-week hiatus between “Survivor’s” fall and spring editions. After the first three rounds of competition, the final six acts will perform in the finale to be crowned Live to Dance Champion and earn a $500,000 prize. Those contestants who make it through the “dance-off” will travel to Los Angeles, rounding out the final cast of 18 dance acts. On the series, which will be shown live on Wednesdays, a wide range of amateur dancers will compete for a $500,000 prize. And, it would be so Fox-like if, now that CBS has announced its Abdul plans, Fox made sure “Idol” crashed her party. Catch the premiere of Live to Dance on Tuesday, January 4 at 8/7c on CBS.

After the long-rumored additions of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and actress-singer Jennifer Lopez were officially announced, some “Idol” fans took to the show’s website to express their displeasure. Pictures: Jennifer Lopez Pictures: Steven Tyler Some postings said, “This is a joke,” “What a train wreck” and “I won’t be watching ‘American Idol’ this season.” And that’s not the response that “Idol” needs.

WITH a ridiculous. amount of pomp for so unmomentous an announcement, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will join Randy Jackson as “American Idol” judges next season. Once a dizzyingly dominant small-screen force, Fox’s American Idol has been shedding viewers in recent years — some 9% last season alone, many of them in the advertiser-coveted 18-to-49 demographic. Devoted “American Idol” fans spent Wednesday (September 22) buzzing about what season 10 will be like as the new judges were finally announced. Lo and Aerosmith frontman Tyler would join holdover Randy Jackson on judges’ row for Season 10 is aimed at both rekindling viewers’ interest and refocusing the contest on the show’s hopefuls. But we also wanted to know what some of the show’s former contestants had to say about superstars Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler coming onboard. But Lopez, 41, has since brushed off the speculation after being unveiled as a new Idol judge.

“She knows all sides: She knows the business side, the singing side. Another question to be raised is whether or not the show can survive without Simon Cowell, who announced last year that he would be pursuing the U.S. version of The X Factor instead of continuing on Idol . And really being an artist and an entertainer, I think she’s going to be awesome,” she added. And perhaps most simply, can Idol survive the departure of Cowell — off to launch the U.S. version of his U.K. hit The X Factor — who played the role of acerbic misanthrope to ratings-popping perfection? Doolittle also thinks it’s a plus that Jennifer is a real superfan of the reality competition, which Lopez’s husband, Marc Anthony, let slip when the couple visited “Idol” in season six. “I’m looking for the next Michael Jackson .” Then you’re probably in the wrong place, Jennifer. “(Before), the drama of American Idol hinged so clearly around that moment of Simon Cowell pronouncing his verdict — it’s what guided the audience,” says Richard Rushfield, who is writing a book about the show’s history that will be published in January. Maybe Tyler can, or maybe they just don’t need that anymore.” Idol unquestionably stands at a crossroads, says Newsday pop-music critic Glenn Gamboa. “I believe in tough love, but I’m an artist myself,” she said.

She’s just really, really good people.” Sweet-as-pie Doolittle copped to some fangirl love when asked about the new resident rocker Tyler. Contestants can brace for both good news and bad: Performance themes will focus on decades more than genres or artists, but an increased emphasis will be placed on their ability to shake their ratings-makers. Besides, singing off-key doesn’t make someone an “artist.” Producer Nigel Lythgoe , an original “Idol” producer now back on the show, also took a swipe at some of the winners who emerged during his two-year absence. Randy Jackson, the only other member of the original judging lineup, is staying with the show. What do you think of the new “Idol” judges?

They’ll join sole returning judge and everybody’s favorite dawg, Randy Jackson . “I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster,” Tyler said Wednesday after he was announced at the Los Angeles Forum. Wednesday, on the stage of the Forum in Los Angeles, amid intense speculation – OK, not that intense; everyone knew it for awhile now – the final two American Idol judges were announced! “Rolled out,” as they say. The much-predicted announcement Wednesday that actress/singer J. Lo and Aerosmith frontman Tyler would join holdover Randy Jackson on judges’ row for Season 10 is aimed at both rekindling viewers’ interest and refocusing the contest on the show’s hopefuls.

J.Lo sent a clear message to America: “I’m looking for the next Michael Jackson .” The new season of “Idol” is scheduled to launch Jan. 12. They’ll join Randy Jackson , still there after all these years. Season-six third-place finisher Melinda Doolittle is a tad partial toward Lopez, thanks to some memorable mentoring from the pop diva during her time on “AI.” “Anytime anyone asks me who my favorite mentor was, I’m like, ‘Jennifer Lopez,’ because she took extra time with us and she talked to us about what to expect and she’s one of those people who has a complete empire,” Doolittle said. It probably took a mere hour of channel-surfing for Tyler to realize he could get paid and revitalize his career with TV more easily than with music. “She knows all sides: She knows the business side, the singing side. J en is in shape! She said: ‘I was calming the FOX people down, I was like, ‘Listen, it’ll be gone tomorrow. ‘Once they hear who we are and what we’re doing, it’s going to be fine, don’t worry about it,’ – I was just looking forward to getting started.’ Everyone’s hoping J-Lo and Stevie T can recapture the magic (did we really write that? what magic?) of former Idol arbiters Paula Abdul and Simon “Me Make Money” Cowell . Doolittle also thinks it’s a plus that Jennifer is a real superfan of the reality competition, which Lopez’s husband, Marc Anthony, let slip when the couple visited “Idol” in season six. “(Before), the drama of American Idol hinged so clearly around that moment of Simon Cowell pronouncing his verdict — it’s what guided the audience,” says Richard Rushfield, who is writing a book about the show’s history that will be published in January.

While Aerosmith hasn’t put out an album of original material in 10 years, the band’s tours sucked up Tyler’s time and hobbled him with injuries from broken bones to throat problems requiring experimental surgery. Oh, no, now it begins . . . Both publications have moved forward with stories alleging that her husband of nearly five years, Ashton Kutcher , 32, has cheated on her. The announcement comes after a Sunday show at the Woodlands in Houston, where, according to the Houston Press, the alternative rockers were an hour late for their performance. • Showtime says the fourth season of “Californication” will kick off Jan. 9.

Wednesday, on the stage of the Forum in Los Angeles, amid intense speculation – OK, not that intense; everyone knew it for awhile now – the final two American Idol judges were announced! “Rolled out,” as they say. L ast winter, Steven Tyler announced he wanted a break from the feuding Aerosmith to work on what he called “Brand Tyler.” If you suspected a solo album or tour, you were mistaken. Rockers no longer use rock to brand themselves, they use TV. Lo and Aerosmith frontman Tyler would join holdover Randy Jackson on judges’ row for Season 10 is aimed at both rekindling viewers’ interest and refocusing the contest on the show’s hopefuls.

But we also wanted to know what some of the show’s former contestants had to say about superstars Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler coming onboard. “I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster,” Tyler said Wednesday after he was announced at the Los Angeles Forum. What can either newcomer bring to the table? Everyone’s hoping J-Lo and Stevie T can recapture the magic (did we really write that? what magic?) of former Idol arbiters Paula Abdul and Simon “Me Make Money” Cowell . The 62-year-old singer offered a tip to “Idol” hopefuls: “Sing like you do when nobody’s looking, because the whole world will be.” Hmm, the whole world, Stevie? “She knows all sides: She knows the business side, the singing side. J.Lo sent a clear message to America: “I’m looking for the next Michael Jackson .” The new season of “Idol” is scheduled to launch Jan. 12.

Doolittle also thinks it’s a plus that Jennifer is a real superfan of the reality competition, which Lopez’s husband, Marc Anthony, let slip when the couple visited “Idol” in season six.

Veteran singers like Tyler and Lopez, in addition to providing potential audience-drawing star wattage, made sense because, as Rice puts it, “These kids are ultimately lining up to live the lives that Jenny and Steven have lived.” He added, “We’re going to have idols looking for ‘Idols.’ ” Both Lopez and Tyler emphasized giving constructive criticism over being blunt or, for that matter, entertaining. “She was great, she brought her husband and he was like, ‘You guys have no idea how excited she is to be here.

“I believe in tough love, but I don’t believe I could ever, as an artist myself, be cruel to another artist,” Lopez said. Rumor: J-Lo ‘s getting $12 million for her Idol ness. What the unplayed wildcard will reveal is chemistry and ego, will the loose lipped Boston rocker Tyler be able to play nice with a woman who tweets photos of her “bling” and brags about her ostentatious lifestyle incessantly? While Aerosmith hasn’t put out an album of original material in 10 years, the band’s tours sucked up Tyler’s time and hobbled him with injuries from broken bones to throat problems requiring experimental surgery. Nigel Lythgoe tells reporters that the new Idol is a warmer, fuzzier affair. Kim, get busy with that debit card! This article contains information from Inquirer wire services and from websites.

They’ll join sole returning judge and everybody’s favorite dawg, Randy Jackson . “I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster,” Tyler said Wednesday after he was announced at the Los Angeles Forum. Fox’s revamped “American Idol” team broke its media silence Wednesday with the unveiling of a celebrity-filled judging panel and a new emphasis on nurturing talent. The 62-year-old singer offered a tip to “Idol” hopefuls: “Sing like you do when nobody’s looking, because the whole world will be.” Hmm, the whole world, Stevie? The much-predicted announcement Wednesday that actress/singer J. Rockers no longer use rock to brand themselves, they use TV.

We’re not sure that your Aerosmith band mate Joe Perry will be tuning in. But we also wanted to know what some of the show’s former contestants had to say about superstars Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler coming onboard. Lo and Aerosmith frontman Tyler would join holdover Randy Jackson on judges’ row for Season 10 is aimed at both rekindling viewers’ interest and refocusing the contest on the show’s hopefuls. “We spent a great deal of time over the summer thinking: ‘How do we re-set?

J.Lo sent a clear message to America: “I’m looking for the next Michael Jackson .” The new season of “Idol” is scheduled to launch Jan. 12.

What can either newcomer bring to the table? It probably took a mere hour of channel-surfing for Tyler to realize he could get paid and revitalize his career with TV more easily than with music. How do we do “Idol” for the next 10 years?’ ” Fox entertainment chairman Peter Rice said. It is like a new beginning for what ‘Idol’ is. “She knows all sides: She knows the business side, the singing side.

” Simon Cowell is such a specific personality. These two are so talented…I think it worked out the best it ever could,” music producer Randy Jackson, the only remaining original judge on the three-person panel, told a news conference after Wednesday’s judges’ announcement. And really being an artist and an entertainer, I think she’s going to be awesome,” she added. The hiring of Tyler, 62, and Lopez, 41, as the two new judges on “American Idol” marked an injection of glamour and hard rock star power to the 10-year-old show. Doolittle also thinks it’s a plus that Jennifer is a real superfan of the reality competition, which Lopez’s husband, Marc Anthony, let slip when the couple visited “Idol” in season six. Veteran singers like Tyler and Lopez, in addition to providing potential audience-drawing star wattage, made sense because, as Rice puts it, “These kids are ultimately lining up to live the lives that Jenny and Steven have lived.” He added, “We’re going to have idols looking for ‘Idols.’ ” Both Lopez and Tyler emphasized giving constructive criticism over being blunt or, for that matter, entertaining. “I believe in tough love, but I don’t believe I could ever, as an artist myself, be cruel to another artist,” Lopez said. Both publications have moved forward with stories alleging that her husband of nearly five years, Ashton Kutcher , 32, has cheated on her. The announcement comes after a Sunday show at the Woodlands in Houston, where, according to the Houston Press, the alternative rockers were an hour late for their performance. • Showtime says the fourth season of “Californication” will kick off Jan. 9.

That’s what American Idol producers are hoping come season 10. Who will be the brutally honest judge? In the early 1990′s, the Bronx-born entertainer got a gig as a dancing “fly girl” on the groundbreaking comedy series “In Living Color.” Lopez was really there to serve as background talent to would-be superstars like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx and the Wayans brothers, but Hollywood was soon calling on her. Little did anyone know, however, that Lopez was also plotting her musical path. She released her debut album, On the 6, in ’99 and the record made her a certifiable pop star thanks to hits like “If You Had My Love” and “Waiting for Tonight.” On the 6 also featured the duet “No Me Ames” with Marc Anthony, whom she later married in 2004. But Lopez didn’t abandon the movie business. And who will hold contestants’ hands through the process?

It’s too early to tell – but tell us:

After months of speculation, “American Idol” will finally announce the season-10 judges’ panel next week. Original judge Randy Jackson appears to be the only returning panelist, although even he hasn’t been confirmed for the next season. Fox sent out a Media Alert Thursday afternoon, saying that “The American Idol Season Ten judges’ panel is confirmed” and that Ryan Seacrest will make the official announcement on Sept. 22, the same day as the first-round Los Angeles auditions. The network said Thursday that the panel for season 10 has been confirmed and will be announced in Inglewood, Calif., next Wednesday. Back in July, Tyler was asked what he would be up to following Aerosmith’s tour, and he seemed to confirm reports of his involvement with the reality show. Lopez, 41, star of movies “The Backup Plan” and “The Wedding Planner,” was widely reported earlier this week to have signed a $12 million contract with “Idol”. The judges’ panel isn’t the only thing changing for the show’s 10th season. On Wednesday, it was announced that “Idol” hopefuls could submit online audition videos to MySpace for the first time. While it remaining the most-watched TV show in the United States last season, about six million viewers have deserted the program since 2006. Randy Jackson is likely, but who knows. The show also dropped its age limit to 15 to make sure it doesn’t miss out on a potential Justin Bieber.

Who do you think will be on the new judges’ panel?

Anna Chan writes: Tired of the endless rumors of who’s in and who’s out on the “American Idol” panel? The network said Thursday that the panel for season 10 has been confirmed and will be announced in Inglewood, Calif., next Wednesday. I will be able to introduce the @AmericanIdol judges panel! In its first three weeks, Back to Me has sold 187,000 units. We will send u a pic! So who will be sitting at the judges’ table in January?

Fox is making the announcement during the last of the national contestant auditions for next season, which starts in January. Chosen contestants will then make their way to LA for a round of callbacks. It seems Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is a pretty safe bet, since bandmate Tom Hamilton confirmed the frontman’s deal with “Idol.” There have also been reports that Jennifer Lopez has signed a $12 million deal .

The tryouts are being held near Los Angeles at the Forum, former home to the L.A.

Jennifer Lopez has come a long way. TMZ have reported that Jenny is leaving the block behind to sit on the American Idol panel, signing a one year contract worth an estimated $12 million. Lopez wanted an overall deal which includes $15 million, a big-screen movie, and television pilots. But in the end, Lopez couldn’t say no $12 million. “My inspiration is from magazines, films and books from that period,” Bryant tells Page 6 of her 1950s- and ’60s-inspired gear, which will be “bold-statement pieces” consisting of capelets, faux fur jackets and timeless accessories. To the tune of $12 million, the Fox talent show has nabbed Lopez to fill a seat at the judges’ table for the 10th season, sources told People.com. Definitions “Collective Work” means a work, such as a periodical issue, anthology or encyclopedia, in which the Work in its entirety in unmodified form, along with one or more other contributions, constituting separate and independent works in themselves, are assembled into a collective whole. Rock’s defense is ‘defense’ Kid Rock ‘s attorney William Horton says the musician and his entourage were trying to defend themselves from another customer at a Georgia Waffle House when a fight broke out in 2007, according to the Associated Press. Kara DioGuardi was forced out after one limp season, and the mighty Simon Cowell has moved on. “Derivative Work” means a work based upon the Work or upon the Work and other pre-existing works, such as a translation, musical arrangement, dramatization, fictionalization, motion picture version, sound recording, art reproduction, abridgment, condensation, or any other form in which the Work may be recast, transformed, or adapted, except that a work that constitutes a Collective Work will not be considered a Derivative Work for the purpose of this License.

A $12 million paycheck means Lopez now approaches host Ryan Seacrest’ s $15 million pay (why, Fox, why?) and tops Jackson and his $8 million contract. HOWARD COHEN. For the avoidance of doubt, where the Work is a musical composition or sound recording, the synchronization of the Work in timed-relation with a moving image (“synching”) will be considered a Derivative Work for the purpose of this License. “Licensor” means the individual, individuals, entity or entities that offers the Work under the terms of this License. Lopez and “Idol” reportedly bargained hard, and the deal almost didn’t happen. “Original Author” means the individual, individuals, entity or entities who created the Work. Rock pleaded guilty in March 2008 to a misdemeanor charge of simple battery. Differences over money ($15 million? $20 million?), Lopez wanting a Fox film deal – take your pick, there was lots of land-mine potential. But Lopez and Tyler are expected to be sitting at the judges’ table when auditions begin next week, sources say. The above rights include the right to make such modifications as are technically necessary to exercise the rights in other media and formats, but otherwise you have no rights to make any alterations or  Derivative Works. The obligatory interactive banquet will also be offered, including an option for viewers to select their camera view. You may not sublicense the Work. For me, it’s criminal to watch a movie on your phone.” It’s just a joint.

He’s had numerous traffic incidents in recent times, and pleaded guilty to the most recent July 4 mishap. Michael arrived at court in a chauffeur-driven car. His long-term partner, Kenny Goss , buried his head in his hands. Are you happy to see JLo become a judge?

DioGuardi, who has written for singers including Kylie Minogue, said being on the show was “an amazing experience”. Jennifer Lopez and Areosmith’s Steven Tyler have been linked with vacant positions on the panel.

It’s official: Kara DioGuardi is off American Idol . Pictures: Who Will Judge “Idol”? “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined American Idol two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol,” said DioGuardi in a release from Fox. As for Tyler, his stint on the hit Fox talent show isn’t likely to improve strained relations with the rest of his band. “I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol – it has truly been an amazing experience. The website also reported that producers of the show considered the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer to be one of the best mentors to ever appear on the program, and Lopez is said to be a huge “American Idol” fan. “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined `American Idol’ two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave `Idol,’” DioGuardi said in a statement Friday, calling her experience as a judge on the show “amazing.” Her statement, issued by Fox, didn’t elaborate on her reasons for leaving. DioGuardi is a known quantity in the music business, writing hit songs for the likes of Céline Dion, Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill and many others. Her contract reportedly had a one-year option remaining that the network could have exercised. All the best to everyone on Season 10!”

However, a report in People magazine from Aug. 12 stated that Fox had taken back their offer to Lopez because “her demands got out of hand” and the network “had just had enough.” “I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come.” Her departure comes just as stories in Hollywood have swirled that the network had secured actress and singer Jennifer Lopez for next season and that negotiations were going well with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. DioGuardi’s departure comes as the top-rated show continues auditions for its 10th season, which starts airing in January. Tryouts have been held in six cities, with a seventh announced this week for Los Angeles on Sept. 22. Then in July, DeGeneres, who was brought in to replace Paula Abdul, said she was leaving because she wasn’t suited for criticizing young talent.

The final decision on which would-be pop stars make it on the show rests with the judges, who are likely to begin filming their audition segments this month. In July, DeGeneres, who was brought in to replace Abdul, said she was leaving after a single season. It is not clear whether the next season of the show will have a panel of three or four judges. May’s finale was the lowest rated since the first series in 2002 with 24.2m tuning in to see former paint salesman Lee DeWyze take the crown.

Kara DioGuardi and American Idol officially   parted ways Friday, sparking interest in what was behind the split.  While both sides are staying mum on those circumstances, and DioGuardi claims it was “the best time to leave Idol ,” we can’t help but wonder if the songwriter was actually ready to part ways with the show…or if she simply got the boot. Check out our gallery for all the deets! It’s official: Kara DioGuardi is off American Idol . Pictures: Who Will Judge “Idol”? All the best to everyone on Season 10!” The songwriter’s exit had been rumoured for months now. The website also reported that producers of the show considered the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer to be one of the best mentors to ever appear on the program, and Lopez is said to be a huge “American Idol” fan. “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined `American Idol’ two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave `Idol,’” DioGuardi said in a statement Friday, calling her experience as a judge on the show “amazing.” Her statement, issued by Fox, didn’t elaborate on her reasons for leaving. Degeneres was reportedly criticized for her lack of music-critiquing skills. “She has been passionate and committed to Idol over the last two seasons,” said the show’s creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a statement.

He’s fun, and he’ll keep the show exciting too.

The final decision on which would-be pop stars make it on the show rests with the judges, who are likely to begin filming their audition segments this month.

There’s another empty seat at the American Idol judges’ table. Kara DioGuardi confirmed she is leaving the singing competition, less than two months after it was falsely reported she was fired from the hit show. First Simon,then Ellen and Kara now. What happens with American Idol? “I felt like I won the lottery when I accepted to be part of the show team, but now it’s time to go. All the best to everyone on Season 10!” The songwriter’s exit had been rumoured for months now.

DioGuardi is a known quantity in the music business, writing hit songs for the likes of Céline Dion, Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill and many others. “She has been passionate and committed to Idol over the last two seasons,” said the show’s creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a statement. She has been passionate and committed to Idol over the last two seasons,” show creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said. “I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come.” Tell Us: Will you miss Kara DioGuardi as a judge on American Idol ?

“American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi is leaving the show, in a strong indication that pop diva Jennifer Lopez has made a deal to replace her, a source said. Reports late this week said J.Lo was very close to signing. It’s official: Kara DioGuardi is off American Idol . “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined American Idol two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol,” said DioGuardi in a release from Fox. “They’ll officially announce with the other judges.” And who are those nebulous other judges? Her contract reportedly had a one-year option remaining that Fox could have exercised. Tags: american idol , ellen degeneres , jennifer lopez , mariah carey , music , randy jackson , simon cowell , steven tyler , tv With the departures of Simon Cowell and Ellen Degeneres, the show’s producers hinted they were leaning toward returning to the original, three-judge format. Word for weeks had been that she was out, but DioGuardi was stuck in limbo while negotiations with Lopez continued.

It’s official: Kara DioGuardi is off American Idol . “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined American Idol two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol,” said DioGuardi in a release from Fox. Kara DioGuardi is leaving as a judge on top-rated “American Idol” after two seasons, News Corp. ’s Fox said today. “I felt like now is the best time to leave,” DioGuardi, a songwriter who joined in 2008 as the show’s fourth judge, said today in a statement e-mailed from Fox. “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined ‘American Idol’ two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol,” DioGuardi was quoted as saying in the statement. I am grateful to Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given to me.

The Fox talent show has dominated U.S. ratings for seven years. “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined `American Idol’ two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave `Idol,’” DioGuardi said in a statement Friday, calling her experience as a judge on the show “amazing.” Her statement, issued by Fox, didn’t elaborate on her reasons for leaving. Simon Cowell, known as the show’s harshest critic, also abandoned his judging post this year to take up the reins of his new show, “The X Factor.” “Kara is one of the world’s best songwriters,” Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. If not sooner; the songwriter always had the resume for Idol, but whether from personality, the four-judge system or both, never broke out of the sense of superfluousness. Although she offered informed critiques on “Idol,” observers faulted her for lacking the pizazz — and unpredictability — that ex-judge Paula Abdul had provided.

I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!”

Lost in the shuffle was Randy Jackson , who many suspected would retain his seat on the panel but it was only today that E! news reported a deal had been struck between the show and Jackson . “I felt like I won the lottery when I joined ‘American Idol’ two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave ‘Idol,’ ” DioGuardi said in a statement. DioGuardi said in a statement that it felt like “the best time to leave ‘Idol.’” Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are the reported front-runners to join the panel. “Randy’s locked in and pumped about it,” says a source. The show returns to the air in January. “They’ll officially announce with the other judges.” And who are those nebulous other judges? I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!” Over the last several weeks, speculation has swirled that DioGuardi, who joined the reality singing competition in its eighth season in the unpopular position of “fourth judge,” would not return to her chair when the ratings juggernaut comes back in January 2011. We miss her mindless blathering, though it might not be as fun without Simon there to roll his eyes. DioGuardi’s name was rarely mentioned as a contender for a rebooted Idol panel, the first without founding judge Simon Cowell, despite the fact that she showed considerable improvement in her on-air performance between the show’s eighth and ninth seasons.

I am grateful to Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given to me.

F ANTASIA BARRINO sure was stupid. And, no, she didn’t do her homework. – The fallout over Fantasia Barrino’s relationship with Antwaun Cook wasn’t the only reason the singer felt driven to suicide recently. That didn’t even include her most recent struggles with a drug overdose and being accused of breaking up a marriage . That’s just the sort of thing the album, the former American Idol winner’s first in nearly four years, ought to be saying to Fantasia. In fact, her depression dates back to her stint on “American Idol” in 2004, the singer now says. On VH1′s latest episode of “Behind the Music,” which premiered Tuesday night (August 24), viewers learned that, although the spunky “Idol” winner has suffered several lows recently, she is on her way to a full recovery and proud of herself for being who she is. “When I was on ‘Idol’ … they weren’t really looking at my gift,” Barrino, 26, who was named season 3 champ, told Gayle King on her radio show Tuesday. Instead of coming down so hard on this clearly damaged woman, maybe people can learn something from this latest chapter of the Fantasia Barrino saga – and not just about the dangers of being a “home wrecker” as the Associated Press labeled the “American Idol” winner yesterday. The episode opened with a detailed account of Barrino’s shocking overdose, in which she said she made attempted to end her life because she “didn’t have any fight” in her . The drama came as the star was named in a bitter divorce suit and linked to a sex tape. “I’m good, I’m fine, I’m better, better,” Barrino told host Robin Roberts as she appeared on Good Morning America.

“I have feelings, you know. 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?

It’s tempting to join into all the heavy-handed judgment being leveled in the direction of Barrino, whose romantic entanglement with a married man has made her into a national laughingstock. I just wanted out,” she said, boldly admitting that the overdose wasn’t at all an accident and that she was not happy when she woke up in the hospital and realized her suicide attempt “didn’t work” — until her nurse, Melody, told her to get up and fulfill her destiny. That’s just the first of many lines in this song that assume unintentional second meanings in light of recent events as she sings about reclaiming her life after giving more than she should have to a man. While the case doesn’t involve Barrino directly, it is reportedly a potential first step in a lawsuit that could cost her millions since North Carolina is one of seven states in which a “home wrecker” can be sued for breaking up a marriage. Earlier this year, a North Carolina jury awarded a woman $9 million in a case brought under the state’s “alienation of affection” law. Regardless of what complaints Cook may have had about his marriage, he should have been off-limits. “I was numb, very numb, confused, I just felt nasty. If she thought that she had problems before, she’s really in a mess now. Cook’s wife, Paula , has named her in the divorce suit in North Carolina and alleges that Barrino told her, “He don’t want you” and “Maybe the next time that you get a husband, you’ll know how to keep him.” Unfortunately for Barrino, who has been open about her financial troubles, North Carolina is one of the few states in the country where a wife can successfully sue a mistress for alienation of affection.

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”?