The third judges seat on "American Idol" is still up for grabs after talks with Dr. Luke fell through and a deal could not be struck with the songwriter and producer. The FOX reality show is scheduled to begin taping next week with confirmed judge Keith Urban and returning judge Jennifer Lopez. With no set personality set to fill the void, production could be delayed. Harry Connick Jr.'s name has been thrown into the mix as a possibility to join the panel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Connick is no stranger to the musical talent show as he has mentored Idol finalistas during the 2010 and 2013 season.
Insiders at FOX also confirm to the trade publication that they had hoped to add an industry professional to the judges table and have been reluctant to add a woman to the panel as they are afraid she would cause friction with J.Lo. Producers do not want another Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj repeat, they want the judges to play nice and go back to its good vibrations roots. THR also confirmed that Luke was highly interested in the gig, even forking over to Sony half of his reportedly $12 million salary to stay on the panel. CEO Doug Morris was said to be not to keen on the idea of having the songwriter help out a show that is backed up by Sony's competitor, Universal Music Group, as they hold exclusive rights to "American Idol" recordings.
As of now the network has been quiet about any casting decisions, but a final decision should be expected soon. After the decline in ratings last season, producers are reverting to a three-judge panel and keeping things simpler for the 2014 season. Their key older female demographic abandoned the reality show after the Carey and Minaj debacle as it was more focused on their personal feud than the showcasing of talent.
Do you think Harry Connick Jr. will be a good addition to "American Idol" next season?
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