Report: Steven Tyler Definitely an ‘Idol’ Judge

Filed under: American Idol,Ellen DeGeneres,Simon Cowell,Steven Tyler

It looks like one “American Idol” judge rumor is true — Steven Tyler is taking one of the spots on the panel this season, reports the Associated Press.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AP the Aerosmith frontman confirmed his involvement. The source said Wednesday, “there is no reason to refute” Tyler’s account.

The official announcement has yet to come from the show’s producers, however, leaving the guessing game of who will replace Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres.

Returning producer Nigel Lythgoe told “Extra” he wants a three-judge panel, with minimal drama.

“As far as I’m concerned, I would like the attention to go on the kids, because it’s about the talent that comes on this show to sing.”

As this debacle unfolds, I can’t help hearing in my head REM’s “It’s The End Of The World American Idol As We Know It”.

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Cowell’s Rep Dismisses Love Split Rumours

Filed under: Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell’s representative has dismissed rumors the reality TV judge has parted ways with his fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy - following growing speculation of a split.

The music mogul hasn’t been seen in public with his partner for several weeks and he has appeared at a string of high profile events, including a recent outing to Britain’s famed Ascot racecourse, without the make-up artist on his arm.

But Cowell’s longtime spokesman, public relations guru Max Clifford, is adamant the couple hasn’t broken up – they have just been parted by their hectic work schedules over the last two months.

He tells Britain’s Metro newspaper,

“They’ll be together again this week. She is flying over (to Britain). Although they have been apart, they have been speaking every day on the phone.”

Guess we will be getting official word of a split any day. Whenever a PR person says it isn’t true it IS!

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Former ‘American Idol’ Producer Nigel Lythgoe Criticizes Season Nine

Filed under: American Idol,Ellen DeGeneres,Kara DioGuardi,Paula Abdul,Simon Cowell

The ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ judge says ‘Idol’ was more worried about the judges than the talent this year.

Nigel Lythgoe doesn’t produce “American Idol” anymore, but that doesn’t mean the “So You Think You Can Dance” judge/ executive producer doesn’t have an opinion on the troubled ninth season of “Idol.”

Though it retained its title as the most popular show on television, Lythgoe told The Canadian Press that “Idol” show-runners lost a bit of their mojo this year.

“The team took their eye off the ball a little bit and was more worried about the judges and what was happening with them than it was regarding the talent last year,”

he said.

“It became about Kara (DioGuardi) joining and making the fourth judge; Paula (Abdul) leaving; Ellen (DeGeneres) joining and Simon leaving — and much more about them and concentrating on that than on the talent that they were finding.”

In general, Lythgoe said, he wasn’t much of a fan of the season, which ended with former paint salesman Lee DeWyze winning out over earthy Ohio single mom Crystal Bowersox in the lowest-rated “Idol” finale since season one.

“It wasn’t a vintage year,”

he said, adding that he doesn’t believe departed lead judge Cowell should be replaced on the panel.

“It’s never been my opinion that four judges work on that program because it should be about the talent,”

said Lythgoe, who was one of the executive producers of “Idol” for the first seven seasons.

You know, Nigel is DEAD ON here!

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Piers Morgan To Replace Larry King On Talk Show?

Filed under: Larry King,Simon Cowell

America’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan is reportedly in talks to take over Larry King’s talk show.

The veteran broadcaster’s program, Larry King Live, has experienced a slump in ratings over the last year (09/10) and bosses at the CNN network are said to be discussing a replacement for the 76 year old.

And Morgan – who fronts his own series, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, in the U.K. – is reportedly in negotiations to take on the role.

A source tells Britain’s Daily Mail,

“CNN bosses have been desperately searching for somebody to revamp the show. Larry’s ratings are massively down year on year – and Piers is just the chap (man).

“Piers is utterly thrilled by the prospect of the deal and knows that taking over the Larry King show means that something will have to give. America’s Got Talent finishes in mid-September, so it seems Larry will be moved to a weekend show then and be ousted from his nightly prime-time slot.

“Piers has discussed it all with Simon Cowell, who gave him his big break on America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent, and has his blessing.”

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Simon Cowell ‘So Sad’ About Cancer Patient’s Death

Filed under: Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell has paid tribute to a five-year-old cancer patient who died just three days after she fulfilled her dream of singing for the music mogul.

Bethany Fenton, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor last year, was thrilled after meeting Cowell on Saturday and performing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for him.

The little girl’s condition later deteriorated and she died on Tuesday at Helen House hospice in Oxford, England.

And Cowell, who met Fenton in his dressing room ahead of the final of his U.K. TV contest Britain’s Got Talent, insists he is “so sad” following her untimely death.

He says,

“Bethany was a beautiful girl and very special. It’s very sad and my heart goes out to her whole family. I am thinking of them and so sad for them.”

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Ratings: Idol Finale Hits Lowest Rating Ever

Filed under: American Idol,Simon Cowell

American Idol’s Season 9 finale delivered its weakest numbers ever for a season-ending show — though it was still strong enough to lead Fox to a Wednesday night ratings win.

The finale, which saw Lee DeWyze defeat Crystal Bowersox for the title and marked Simon Cowell’s last night as a judge on the show, drew 24.2 million viewers. The viewership was down 16 percent from a year ago (28.9 million viewers) and was the second-lowest ever behind the debut season’s 22.8 million viewers.

Idol’s 18-to-49 rating declined 18 percent from last year and was the lowest ever for a season finale.

Stick a fork in it, this show is done!

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Paula Abdul Has Finally Picked a Post-Idol Reality Series

Filed under: American Idol,Paula Abdul,Simon Cowell

CBS has won the Paula Abdul lottery:The former American Idol judge, who has been mentioned in connection with countless new shows but up until now committed to none, has signed a deal to join the Eye network’s future reality contest, Got to Dance. She’ll be lead judge and executive producer of the mash-up of So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Got Talent, which is based on a show of the same name that aired earlier this year on Britain’s Sky TV.

It’s expected CBS will make the news official as early as Monday. Abdul’s interest in the project had been speculated about before, but as Paula watchers know, there’s a big difference between Abdul being talked about for a show and actually signing a contract. She had also been in deep talks with ABC for a new Star Search; there was talk of a deal with NBC for a Bollywood-style dance spectacular series; and, of course, she’s forever being mentioned as a possibility for Simon Cowell’s The X Factor.

But after all this wooing, she finally picked a suitor. Is it because her guest appearance on the Idol finale is fast appearing, and she wanted to show the old gang that she was employable? More likely it’s because, in addition to being named exec producer and lead judge of her new show, she’s also expected to be positioned as a creative partner, mentor and coach; essentially, she’ll be Got to Dance’s Simon Cowell. Translated, this means you can probably believe all those reports about Abdul’s reps making serious demands of anyone requiring her services (like needing a private jet to guest star on Ugly Betty).

CBS has ordered at least eight episodes of Got to Dance, an insider said. But the show — which differs from SYTYCD in that it allows amateurs of all skill levels and ages to participate — is unlikely to be ready before midseason 2010-11, in part because CBS’s other unscripted shows (including new hit Undercover Boss) are doing so well. Shine Group’s Reveille (The Biggest Loser) is producing, and Elisabeth Murdoch — Rupert’s offspring — is taking an executive producer credit.

But Paula finally settling on her first big post-Idol reality series deal doesn’t mean that the X Factor chatter will stop. Vulture has heard that at various points in her discussions with other networks, Abdul’s camp (which, as of just a few months ago, now includes high-powered agency UTA) made it clear the star needed to have the flexibility to serve as a coach/judge on X Factor, should she be asked to appear on that show. Such cross-network duties are very rare, however, so it’s unclear whether CBS actually agreed to such a provision.

[Thanks MysteriosoMan.]

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Simon Tells ‘Extra’ His ‘Idol’ Prediction

Filed under: American Idol,Simon Cowell

The “American Idol” showdown is steadily approaching for Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze — and Simon Cowell is telling “Extra” who he thinks is going to win.

“I’m going for Lee,” Simon tells “Extra’s” Terri Seymour.

Of course, they never want the one with most potential to win as that wastes a spot.

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Will Paula Abdul Return For The ‘Idol’ Finale?

Filed under: American Idol,Christina Aguilera,Paula Abdul,Simon Cowell

It’s no secret that the producers of “American Idol” like to keep the names of performers on finale night under wraps.

But two things are certain — Crystal Bowersox or Lee DeWyze will be crowned the season 9 champ on Wednesday, and fans will see the last of Simon Cowell before he jumps over to “X Factor” in 2011.

But a source says that a special send-off planned for the cranky judge will feature some “Idol” alums, including a special appearance by Paula Abdul.

And among the superstars taking the stage? Watch for a great performance by Christina Aguilera.

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‘Idol’ Judges to Guest Star on ‘Simpsons’ Finale

Filed under: American Idol,Ellen DeGeneres,Kara DioGuardi,Ryan Seacrest,Simon Cowell,TV News

The “American Idol” judges are getting animated on “The Simpsons” 21st season finale.

In the episode, “Judge Me Tender,” Moe discovers a talent for judging contests and is invited to appear on “American Idol” with host Ryan Seacrest and fellow judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson, all guest-voicing as themselves. Rupert Murdoch also makes a guest voice appearance.

The episode airs Sunday, May 23 on FOX at 8:00 pm.

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