‘American Idol’ season 13: Reports indicate Dr. Luke in, will.i.am out

Has there been a real changing of the guard when it comes to the search for the third and final member of the “American Idol” judging panel? It all depends on whether or not you believe the current rumors that are coming out on the internet today.

According to a report from Us Weekly, record producer Dr. Luke, the man behind such hits as Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” and Flo Rida’s “Right Round,” is now the leading contender to take the spot of third judge on the show’s panel next year. What happened to will.i.am? The tabloid’s source claims that talks broke down over money, and the show is looking for a more cost-effective option.

First of all, we don’t really see this as any real sign at all that Will is actually done with the show. These sort of rumors surface every year as some sort of negotiation tactic, and after seeing this report, the Black Eyed Peas frontman may come back and give a different list of demands that Fox and the production company are more okay with.

With that being said, we find the dichotomy of opinions on Dr. Luke hilarious. While hardcore fans were complaining about having celebrities there to take attention away from the contestants, casual fans are bemoaning the record producer as “boring” and incapable of bringing entertainment … even though they have never seen him on the show. Were they screaming these things about Simon Cowell prior to his time on the show? Don’t think so. If you’re not going to get a former contestant, we’re more than happy to see an industry type on the show to give some perspective about how difficult the industry can truly be.

This news follows the reveal via Casper Smart that Jennifer Lopez will be returning to the show, and joining a panel that also includes Keith Urban.

Photo: Fox