Kelly Clarkson reportedly preparing for American Idol season 16 gig
According to the latest report from TMZ, the original winner of the Fox series is currently working on clearing her schedule in order to serve in the role. She’s been a guest judge in the past, and has experience both working with fellow guest judges on the show and also with ABC thanks to the short-lived series Duets. Getting her on board is a move to appeal to the nostalgic American Idol fans, and she probably loves that it is both a generous salary and a chance to promote some of her music at the same time.
There will be presumably a three-judge panel yet again, and we wonder if ABC is going to try to assemble a last-minute group of talent to present at the upfronts next week. If so, we feel like their best move now would be to find another current singing star and then pair them with someone who has either management or recording experience. What always made American Idol different than the other singing shows is that you had criticism that meant something. Simon Cowell’s effectiveness was that he told people the truth, and that kept everyone from getting their egos out of control. He pushed them to be better.
We don’t see any of the judges from the last season of the show returning. Harry Connick Jr. is in the process of doing a daytime talk show, while Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban may be more expensive than what ABC is looking to spend (J.Lo in particular).
One other interesting news item that is coming out now is the report that the show is considering having the bulk of its auditions at Disney World and then Disneyland as a way to lower some costs. Plus, it does also promote some properties that share the same parent company at ABC. Given that the audition shows never were that authentic (it’s not like contestants walked off the street and got to meet the judges), we’re fine with scrapping them in favor of something more centralized.
What is your dream American Idol panel for the upcoming season on ABC? Is Kelly Clarkson one of the ideal people? Share below!
Also, be sure to head over here in the event you are interested in some other news regarding the revival right now. (Photo: Fox.)