‘American Idol’ season 13: Could Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson really be judges?
In our “13 suggestions to fix ‘American Idol'” article a little bit earlier in the week, one of our top ideas was to potentially have a panel that included former contestants as the cornerstone. Well … wouldn’t you know it? This is something that Fox may have already been considering.
According to Vulture, there has been some discussion already among executives about having a panel that features former contestants from and center, and some names tossed around include Kelly Clarkson (who did a good job on ABC’s short-lived “Duets”), the always-honest Adam Lambert, Clay Aiken (who guest-starred on “The Office” playing a reality TV judge), and Jennifer Hudson, fresh off of her gig from the god awful series “Smash.” We’re surprised somewhat that Carrie Underwood is not listed here, but she is a touring artist and has not expressed much interest being a judge.
So could this idea work? If the panel was Adam, Kelly, and Jennifer, our answer would be “yes.” We personally put Adam over Clay, given that his fame is more prevalent today and he was at least briefly considered for the job last summer. (The show is looking to go back to three judges.)
However, save for these four contenders, is there really anyone else who could work well as a judge? You could say “maybe” to newly-minted “Dancing with the Stars” champion Kellie Pickler, and Melinda Doolittle who does an awesome job co-hosting “Idology,” but you really cannot put anyone post-season 8 on here, given that many of them just have not been in the real world long enough after the show. Adam, Jennifer, Kelly, Kellie, Melinda, and Clay are all people who know that the show is not the end-all, be-all, and that there is a lot of work that comes before and after it to be a star.
What do you think: Could an “American Idol” panel consisting of former contestants really be a successful idea? We want to hear your thoughts below! Also, be sure to check out or latest show notes featuring Lee DeWyze and Kree Harrison here.
Photo: Fox
Yvette
May 24, 2013 @ 1:19 am
THE ONLY CONTESTANT that turned American Idol upside down. Blew Everyone’s mind like never seen before,..with Unprecedented Exhilarating performances, Incomparable Vocal Skills leaving everyone Jaw-Dropped week after week is Adam Lambert… and Adam is the Only Reason all the other competition shows even exist, ….to find the MAGIC OF ADAM LAMBERT AGAIN…AND THEY CAN’T…and have not even come close to finding another Singer/Artist/Performer as Unique,Transcendent and Extraordinary as ADAM…IF They want to try and find another Extraordinary idol, Adam would be the one to coach, teach and advise.
Rhosan
May 24, 2013 @ 12:57 am
I don’t know if having a panel consisting only of past Idol contestants would be a good thing. I think that would be totally jumping the shark. One former contestant would be great and I am behind that 100%.
I would like some industry insiders, not just artists. Simon’s knowledge of the other side of the business helped make the show fun to watch. He was used to judging talent in the ‘real world’ and brought his brusque attitude and comments to the table.
jo
May 23, 2013 @ 6:19 pm
The fact that you didn’t mention Clay makes me wonder why, as he is possibly the most qualified. He has been judging singers since 2006, when he judged the singing competion called David Foster’s Star Search. Last year he judged singers at Carnegie Hall, and just about a month ago conducted his Master Class, which included judging singers and answered questions on what to do in singing competions.
I think it is important that a singer need not only be a singer, but, in order to be a star, must be able to perform in many phases of show business, and Clay is the most experienced in the most of those phases, all with success. In addition to selling about 7 Million CDs, he has sold about $35 million dollars worth of tickets to his solo tours. About 100 individual TV appearances from Saturday Night Live to Face the Nation and 30 Rock, Kimmel, Leno and Letterman, etc. He is currently riding high on the respect meter, due to his incredible acting reviews from the very recent “The Drowsy Chaperone”, and from the Celebrity Apprentice last year.
There are many other impressive sides to Clay, from UNICEF Ambassador to CEO of his own respected and successful charity the National Inclusion Project, and awards from several organizations.
I believe he would be admired, respected and welcome by contestants and audiences alike, as a judge on American Idol or, for that matter, as a Senatorial candidate from North Carolina.
Luke
May 23, 2013 @ 8:28 am
Yes! Awesome idea it may revitalize the show, Adam would be awesome. Adam and Kelly are prob the king and queen of idol, maybe kellie pickler and Jhud if they go four again.
roro
May 23, 2013 @ 4:44 am
Adam Lambert should be a shoe-in!! Kelly, Kellie and yes – bring back Paula!!
Dee
May 22, 2013 @ 7:57 pm
Adam Lambert, & kelly Clarkson Jennifer Hudson and bring Paula back