Nigel Lythgoe, American Idol exec-producer, may have previously stated that he expected Jennifer Lopez to rule the judges panel next season but he doesn’t want anyone to expect a Simon-like replacement. Now if you were hoping for Randy Jackson to be transformed in to something more “elder”, oh, and he’ll be leading the judges now after all:
“There are no roles to play,” Lythgoe said last night at the Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton hotel. “Randy is Randy. People have said to me, ‘Who’s the new Simon?’ Well, Simon’s Simon. There’s no one else like Simon…Randy has become the elder statesman now. He is the one that says, ‘Who do you think?’ He’s taken control of the panel.”
So which is it, Nigel? Jennifer or Randy? I’m guessing next week we’ll have a sound bite from Lythgoe telling us how Steven Tyler is now in front of the pack and calling the shots.
On a more useful note, Nigel also mentions that he’s working to help us care more about the American Idol 2011 contestants before they’re dreams are dashed away. He’s looking for ways to give the audience “more of a sense of the singers, so we care a little more” during the earlier, pre-Top 24 phase.
What do you think? More or less “getting to know” the early stage singers?
Source: E! Online
In all fairness, Randy should be the judge to take control. He's been around long enough to know the routine…..Yes, we should get to the know the contestants but I think it should be the top 24 not the whole audition group.
Totally agree Phyllis G. Randy has the "seniority" so to speak and in all fairness take the lead. Nigel is right…Simnon is Simon…enough said there. I would also like to see a more up close and personal look at the top 24…I think it would be overkill if they did that for all contestants…Looking forward to the new season.
Me too Rose…….then we'll really have a lot to say…(-:
I think randy should take over he has been there from the beginning.he is more experenced and he is the man.so Randy go for it
Randy is the greatest…but I think all the judges should be on an equal basis. I am excited to watch season 11 in Thailand
I'm not very excited about any of the judges.
I just hope the contestants are outstanding and not just middle-of-the-road pop singers.
I am excited about the start of the season!
@jini, I do agree with you about the contestants, I also hope they're outstanding, I'm hoping to see great talent!
I tune in to hear the singing talent, I do not like to learn more about the contestants.
It seems to me that Nigel is willing to do anything EXCEPT fix the real problem which is the unlimited texting. If they don't change that we'll just get one more mid-twenties, cute guy as the Idol.
@ Stormy….that seems to be a major bone of contention for all of us…(speaking for myself) non-teeny boppers….The voting system does need to change…I would like to see another Idol along the same caliber lines of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Adam Lambert…and I do not see this happening if the voting system remains the same. Still looking forard to a new season and will continue to watch Idol (my guilty pleasure)
@Rose @Stormy……I agree with both of you. I just wish the powers that be would agree with us. Like you Rose I will be watching AI as usual in spite of the voting system….We can only hope that it changes and soon…….
I don't want to see any of their stories. I just want the time to be used showing their talent. Everyone has a story and it shouldn't factor into who wins and who loses.
I would love to see u present people who have talent. I don,t think u should bring so much of their family lives in to the program…..u r a talent show. I think some people would vote for contestan's who have very sad stories. We all have problems but I only want to find the person who can represent the American Idol with the best talent. Why do u put these people that have no talent for anything on I just don,t know. When i see those I just mute my t.v. Get back to talent >>>>>>>please!