After reports that two-time judge and superstar Jennifer Lopez might not return for the 12th season of American Idol, the show’s producers have approached former Idol alum Adam Lambert to take her place. Lambert was runner-up to Season 8 winner Kris Allen.
Though producers are still in talks with Lopez about her possible return, they see the benefit of adding Lambert to the panel. “He personifies the show, and will be a popular choice right from the start. He knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the judges’ comments, he has a human touch, and they know they can’t go wrong if they bring him on. He would be able to bring a unique perspective to the show. People love him.”
If Lambert is hired, he will be the first Idol contestant to ever sit on the judges panel. The fates of judges Randy Jackson and Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler are also up in the air. Thanks to competition from The Voice and the American version of The X Factor, ratings for Idol have significantly declined. Producers could try and restock the panel with younger judges. Simon Cowell did just that with The X Factor. After modest ratings in the first season, Cowell fired judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and replaced them with Demi Lovato and Britney Spears. The Voice has a panel of four superstar judges including Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton. Lopez and Tyler, while popular, are a bit too old for the audience Idol is trying to attract.
Lambert has released two albums: For Your Entertainment and Trespassing.
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