With FOX’s Upfronts this week there were a few tidbits for the American Idol 2012 season. First off we know when the show will return (January 22, 2012) along with its weekly schedule (Wednesdays and Thursdays, post-auditions). Now we also have word on who will be sitting behind the Judges’ table.
Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson both signed multi-year contracts ahead of the 2011 season so that should guarantee they’re back (contracts in Hollywood don’t seem to mean the same thing as contracts in the rest of the country, so it seems). Jennifer Lopez, however, did not sign a multi-year contract and instead went with a single season that had the option for renewal. So far it seems that renewal has not been confirmed and no details on if either side is leaning away.
Lopez recently said in an interview that she hasn’t made up her mind about another season:
“I don’t know if I will do another season [of American Idol]. I’m taking it day by day at the moment and we’ll see what happens,” [Lopez] said.
I was suspicious of Lopez’s return next season when she announced her Latin talent search show “The Chosen” along with her sudden renewal of music presence. Remember her album floundered after Sony/Epic dropped her but was finally completed and released after she joined the American Idol machine. Now Lopez has the chance to go on tour, get in the studio, and explore what every other musical interests she may have. Will she have time to do all that and be a judge on American Idol 2012? As soon as we know, we’ll make sure you know.
Two questions: Would Idol 2012 be better or worse without JLo? If Jennifer Lopez does not return for next season then who would you like to see in her seat?