While Mariah’s star power could definitely raise the show’s profile, the question remains if she’d be the right choice. Rival talent judge Randy Jackson told reporters, “She’d be amazing.” Could this be a sign of things to come?

“I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen,” Randy said, putting a smackdown on the rumors. “Look, Simon’s one of the smartest people I know. I’m sure he he’s got some very interesting ideas up his sleeve.”

Mariah Carey Sports Curve-Hugging All-Black Ensemble in London

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Simon Cowell has worked on both shows, but is no longer associated with Idol. 

As for Mariah — who Randy manages — getting with the competition, he says, “She’s her own person. She can of course do whatever she wants and she always will do that.”

Who Should Replace Paula Abdul & Nicole Scherzinger?

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Would you like to see Mariah on X Factor? We’re kind of dying over the idea. We’d love a regular dose of Mimi on TV! 

Jennifer Lopez signed back on after a tumultuous summer (she announced her divorce from Marc Anthony in July), but JLo is ever the professional when she is working.

“The vibes [on set] are great,” Randy told Celebuzz on the carpet.

“Really great,” he added. “You know what, what’s funny about being back season 11 is I had no idea how much Jennifer and Steven [Tyler] loved me. It’s weird, I know people love me, but God guys please- come on.”

Randy told reporters that he wasn’t relieved Jennifer and Steven signed back on as judges, because he knew they would all come back together:

jennifer at 'idol' finale

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“We had an amazing run last year, we’ll have an amazing run this year. The talent has been amazing, and we had great instant chemistry. We are all performers and all industry people, so it’s great. Fruitful and flavorful!”

As for former Idol judge Simon Cowell‘s new show X Factor? Nothing wrong with some competition!

“Listen, he’s going to be truly successful he’s a dear friend of mine, love him to death,” Jackson told E! Online. “Wish him Paula, L.A Reid, Nicole much success. You know, they are our dear friends. It’s nice to have a little friendly competition Simon Cowell!”

Can’t wait to watch them both!

Taking the night’s highest ratings in its timeslot, the popular show earned 26.1 million viewers. That, however, compared to other Idol seasons, was it’s biggest ratings drop between seasons. It appears that viewers were hesitant to tune in to watch a Simonless Idol, but were pleasantly surprised by the new judges, established artists Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

Tyler brought a great mix of heart and craziness to the judges’ table. If he keeps it up, he will definitely become a viewer favorite. Lopez brought sweetness and performance knowledge, reminiscent of original judge Paula Abdul, and returning judge Randy Jackson showed up energized and ready for a new season. As the performance phase of Season 10 approaches, these judges will surely draw in more viewers.

Did you watch the season premiere? Give us your thoughts on the premiere in the comments.

The new season of Idol, which kicks off Jan. 19, sparkles with a number of changes show producers hope will engage loyal Idol disciples and bring in a new generation of fans. Idol contestants will be living together, as they did in earlier seasons, the contestants will be mentored by influential music exec Jimmy Iovine and the age limit was dropped to 15. The show will also feature sudden death elimination rounds and there will no longer be gender separation throughout the competition, which means the most promising talent will move through each round regardless of gender.

Show producers have also traded the condescending snipes and silver-tongued swipes of Simon Cowell and the dazed and confused fancy of Paula Abdul for triple-threat diva Jennifer Lopez and rock icon Steven Tyler. Jackson gushes that the chemistry was automatic:

We got along like a house on fire. I admired both of them for a long time, and they all come from the same side of the music that Ryan [Seacrest] and I come from. It’s been amazing. They’ve become great judges. What surprised me a little bit is that they actually really care about these kids. They actually really want them to do well.

Jackson does admit, however, that the he doesn’t always see eye to eye with the new judges. “That naturally happens,” says Jackson. “It always happens when you’re passionate about who you love or who you want to champion in a competition.”

Known for his laid-back critiques that often lead to head-scratching catchphrases, Jackson confesses that he may be stepping into Simon Cowell’s surly shoes this season. “He’s [Simon] irreplaceable…one of my dearest friends,” says Jackson. “He’s got his own show coming later that I’m sure will be successful. I don’t know if anybody really replaced him. You will probably see me be a little more assertive.”

Although the show boasts winners (and losers) such as Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert, the most recent crop of Idols have yet to breakthrough. This has lead many critics to skeptically concede that Idol’s early star-making magic has vanished. Jackson believes that will all change this season.

“I don’t think it’s the make or break season,” says Jackson. “I think what has to happen is that we have to discover an amazingly talented unique person that goes on to do well.”

The veteran judge assures that there is no secret to what the Idol judges are looking for this time around.

The same thing that made people great 100 years ago is the same thing that still makes them great today. What we’re really looking for, more than anything, is somebody that can have a career. I think a lot of the artists that are out today will be here for a year or two and then you’ll never hear from them again. The Holy Grail of Idol always is unbelievable talent, unique and a star. So whether it’s Bieber, Gaga, Muse, Bono, Brandon Flowers from The Killers, I don’t know. Whatever dynamic star that it is, that’s what we’re looking for.

Catch Randy, Jennifer, Steven and Ryan Seacrest when American Idol Season 10 premieres Jan 19 on FOX.

New American Idol judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, along with their colleague Randy Jackson, descended on Pasadena, California, on Wednesday for the Hollywood auditions. According to Idol‘s newly implemented rules, winners will move on directly to the Top 12.

Do you have high hopes for Idol‘s revamped format? Let us know in the comments section—after hitting up the photo gallery, of course.

Two new promo videos have been released, featuring Lopez and Tyler working side-by-side with Randy Jackson and sifting threw a slew of auditions by aspiring singing sensations.

Check out Lopez and Tyler in action below. Do you think they have what it takes to inherit the reins from Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi? Sound off in the comments section.

So, what’s the scoop?

Our insiders say Simon and Ellen aren’t even trying to hide it. Ellen can’t stand what she believes is Simon’s cruelty toward contestants. And, we’re told, Simon actually enjoys pissing Ellen off with his blistering critiques.

It all started badly when Simon showed up late for Ellen’s first week of “A.I.” taping and made her wait around. Producers separated the two — who began the season sitting side-by-side — but the tension has gotten worse.

But business is business. “A.I.” is beating the Olympics, and ratings for Ellen’s show skyrocketed last week. In Hollywood, contempt has its upside.

Umm, wait… did Ellen just realize that Simon was mean towards the constestant? That’s not exactly new information. But it does seem that he is a little more bitter this year, doesn’t it? Perhaps Ellen should get a pill popping addiction or something.

Readers, what do you think? Are they really fueding…or is this just a clever stunt to get more viewers tuning in? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

Photo Source: Courtesy FOX

Simon‘s reaction? “I have a horrible feeling that song could be a hit,” he grumbled (with an all-too-knowing smirk on his face). Immediately after, the hilarious song was a trending topic on Twitter, merchandise already getting ready for sale, with remixes spreading like wildfire on YouTube. 

Turn your volume up as high as it will go, watch the original below, and then check out our favorite covers (so far) of “Pants On The Ground.” Spoiler Alert: this may be the best song in the history of life.

Acoustic Cover:

Little boy dancing:

And the dance remix, obvi:

What do you think about “Pants On The Ground?”

People magazine reports that members of the Jackson family, including Michael’s brother Randy and sister La Toya, arrived at the Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries at approximately 7 p.m. last night.

According to People, mourners were delivered to Forest Lawn last night in about a dozen cars. La Toya, wearing a straw hat, displayed no emotions, according to witnesses.

Jackson’s body will reportedly be transported from Forest Lawn to the Staples Center for his memorial service, following a private ceremony this morning.

Only a few days ago, Kara DioGuardi shared the news that she was almost 100% sure that this would be her first and only season as the fourth judge on American Idol. However, Simon appeared on an episode of the The Ellen DeGeneres Show that airs today, and told the audience that, Kara will definitely be back.

Not that he’s entirely happy about it. Cowell went on to express his distaste for having four judges.

“There’s less time for us to talk. One week literally we couldn’t talk, so 10 minutes before the show started they said, ‘Oh by the way you can’t talk for half the show,’” Cowell said. “It’s rather like saying in a singing competition to the singers, half of you can’t sing. It was just crazy.”

Oh, that Simon; always one to accentuate the negative.

We want to know your opinions: Do you like hearing the opinions of four judges, or do you wish they’d just stick to Simon, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson? Have your say in the comments section!

After becoming the controversial, fourth judge for the current season of American Idol, Kara DioGuardi is confirming that her time is almost up.

She tells TV Guide Magazine, “I’m only here for one season. That’s what we’ve discussed. So we’ll see what happens. Hopefully they’ll keep me on.”

She continued, “My life has become extremely exciting and I am so excited for this opportunity. I feel grateful to America that they let me grow and they let me find my groove on the show and that they were patient. And hopefully I haven’t disappointed them. It’s been a scary experience at times.”

Rumors of DioGuardi not getting along with the other judges have been rampant these past few months. When asked about DioGuardi’s return, Simon Cowell didn’t sound too keen on his fellow judge.

“The only say I have is about Ryan, Randy and Paula. I’ve always made it clear that I wouldn’t like to do the show without them. So that’s all I’m really concerned about.”

Ouch.

What do you think? Is this the end of DioGuardi? Let us know in the comments!

Source: Jack Guy/FOX

“Once again, it’s really, really unfortunate,” the American Idol judge tells Black Voices magazine. “I saw them together at Clive’s [Davis] party on the night of the incident and just two very young talented people. Hate to see it go down that way.”

(Brown was arrested on February 8, following a reported early-morning argument with Rihanna that allegedly got physical. Prior the incident, the couple had attended music-biz honcho Clive Davis‘ annual pre-Grammys party.)

Even though he believes the situation is regrettable, Jackson reserves a degree of sympathy for young stars like Brown, who live every moment of their lives in the public eye.

“Every move is documented and the pressures for a young kid, being in this today,” Jackson reflects. “Man, I can’t even imagine.”

That’s a fairly diplomatic viewpoint. But then, Jackson has been working side-by-side with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul for the better part of a decade. The man’s no doubt learned to tolerate all sorts of objectionable behavior.

Altogether, the 17-year-old tenor will hit 20 stops on his North American trek, which stretches from February 24 to March 21.

Meanwhile, on his MySpace blog, Archuleta let fans know that he’d taped an episode of the Nickelodeon hit iCarly, which is set to air on February 7.

The “Crush” singer also gave his followers another juicy tidbit, about his whereabouts last weekend.

“This Saturday was another extremely exciting day, because I got to go to Senior Ball at my high school,” David writes.

“I didn’t think I’d ever get another chance to go to a school dance, but I asked management and they gave the ok and made time in the schedule for me to go. I had soooo much fun!”

Shake a tailfeather, David!

Below are the dates for Archuleta’s upcoming tour. Will you be attending? Let us know in the poll below!

• February 24 — Sandler PAC, Virginia Beach, VA
• February 25 — The National, Richmond, VA
• February 26 — Starland Ballroom, Sayerville, NJ
• February 28 — The Chameleon, Lancaster, PA
• March 1 — Crocodile Rock, Allentown PA
• March 2 — Pearl Street, Northampton, MA
• March 3 — Infinity, Clarence, NY
• March 5 — Newport, Columbus, OH
• March 6 — Barrymore, Madison, WI
• March 7 — DECC, Duluth, MN
• March 8 — House of Blues, Chicago, IL
• March 10 — Diamond, Oklahoma City, OK
• March 11 — Scout Bar, Beaumont, TX
• March 12 — Scout Bar, San Antonio, TX
• March 14 — Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
• March 16 — The Marquee, Phoenix, AZ
• March 17 — Glasshouse, Pomona, CA
• March 18 — Grand Sierra Theatre, Reno, NV
• March 20 — Civic Auditorium, Idaho Falls, ID
• March 21 — Knitting Factory, Boise, ID

As Randy put it last night, Season 8 of American Idol is shaping up to be “very weird.”

Meet Naomi Sykes and her friend Jessica. A nervous Naomi, completely convinced of her talent, rolled into the audition in Jacksonville, Florida with the intention of blowing the judges (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and new judge Kara DioGuardi) away.

That’s sort of what happened but not in the way she wanted.

Sykes brought along her best friend Amanda, who desperately wanted to meet Randy.

Randy invited her to perch on his lap during her friend’s tryout. Which caused pop music inspiration Paula to leap onto her arch-enemy Simon Cowell‘s lap. And then Kara DioGuardi invited AI host Ryan Seacrest to bounce on hers.

It was a really weird audition. That got weirder.

Naomi proceeded to try to sing Minnie Ripperton’s “Loving You.” Badly. Very badly. Even her friend Samantha made a face.

The judges tried to help her with a sing-a-long near the end. But it was to no avail. And when Simon lowered the book on her, there were the usual tears.

Weirdness yes, but hey – the judges found love. With each other!

On Wednesday night’s episode of American Idol, the 46-year-old former “Straight Up” singer found herself unnerved after a seemingly innocuous farewell from a rejected contestant.

Mark Mudd, who performed George Jones‘ “White Lightning” for the panel of judges at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, was roundly, and fairly cattily, rejected by all four arbiters. Simon Cowell suggested that the 25-year-old would be better off competing on Wheel of Fortune.

“All right. Take care and be careful,” Mudd muttered as ambled off the stage.

At which point Abdul freaked out.

“What?” a seemingly shocked Paula replied.

“Be careful in whatever you do,” Mudd repeated, his voice an uncanny re-creation of Billy Bob Thornton‘s in Sling Blade.

“Was that a threat?” Abdul replied. “That was a threat.”

Abdul went on to caution Mudd that his sign-off was “not a normal thing to say to people.” Check out video of the exchange below:

Maybe Abdul was over-reacting, and Mudd was merely warning her that starring in RAH! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl may not be the best idea?

Have your say in the comments section: Was Paula Abdul being over-dramatic, or was her fear justified?

Tuesday’s Season 8 premiere of AI scored the number-one rating slot with 30.1 million viewers, thanks in no small part to the 20-year-old, bikini-clad contestant.

Darrell’s version of Mariah Carey‘s “Vision of Love” wasn’t anything to write home about. Her method of delivering it, however, raised eyebrows both positively and negatively.

Male judges Randy Jackson and newly single Simon Cowell, unsurprisingly, granted the scantily clad songbird a quick pass through to the next level of competition in Hollywood.

Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi, on the other hand, weren’t quite as enthusiastic.

“She’s terrible,” the two simultaneously chanted after her performance.

New addition DioGuardi was particularly scathing in her criticism, telling the model/clothing designer, “you don’t have the chops to sing that song, sweetie” and performing her own version of the song for comparison.

To which Darrell shot back, “But your demonstration was not any better.”

Oh, goodness; could a bikini-clad catfight between Darrell and DioGuardi be in the cards for a future episode? Someone order the inflatable kiddie pool and chocolate pudding!

Check out the video of Darrell’s audition, with the sound turned off for your convenience, below:

Even Ryan Seacrest was blown away by Darrell’s skin-friendly presence. In a segment prior to her audition, the super-tidy AI host approached the bikini-clad beauty and took her hand, managing to sputter, “I didn’t even see your hands.”

Which, as it turns out, is somewhat ironic.

But while the series is now in its eighth run, this year boasts the added drama of fourth judge Kara DioGuardi being added to the mix.

DioGuardi—who’s penned songs for Hilary Duff, Céline Dion, Kylie Minogue and Pink—is said to have somewhat of a hard-hitting judging style.

In an interview with MSNBC, the 38-year-old songwriter says, “I’m a straight shooter, I’m going to tell it like I see it, but I’m also going to bring some heart to the show. I don’t want to make anyone cry. I’m not there to destroy their dreams.”

As for the perception that Paula Abdul may be unhappy about the addition of her onetime roommate to the judging panel, Kara understands.

“Paula found out pretty late in the game that I was coming on board, so if it were me, I would have been upset,” she explains.

That aside, Idol fans are just eager to meet the newest pool of hopeful, ambitious contestants.

Tune in tomorrow night for the season premiere, which kicks off at 8 p.m. with the first round of always-entertaining auditions.

Now the National Enquirer is claiming the 46-year-old “Straight Up” singer is planning to launch her own talk show in 2010 if Idol producers don’t double her salary for the show’s ninth season.

“Paula’s been dreaming about having her own talk show for three years, and she’s ready to make it a reality,” says an Enquirer source.

The new gig is supposedly being set up for Paula at CBS/Paramount Network Television.

Meanwhile, Abdul currently earns between $5 and $7 million each season on American Idol, but is allegedly demanding $10 million for the 2010 run.

“And if she does get her contract demands, Paula will attempt to negotiate a clause that states she can have other projects, including a talk show, and will juggle both,” says the tabloid’s insider.

“Paula is unpredictable and not afraid to speak her mind—but she also leads from the heart and really connects with people. Studio execs feel those are the kind of personal attributes that would make her perfect for a daytime talk show.”

Maybe, maybe not.  Let the video do the talking:

This would certainly be a good time for Abdul to bow out of Idol; the show has added a second female judge, Kara DioGuardi, 38, for the eighth season.

American Idol returns to the air January 13 on Fox. Do you plan on tuning in?

From further development of singers to the now-standard cost slashing of extravagant specials, Idol will have the same magic with modified trappings.

Such as:

• Return of the Wild Card: The popular gimmick gave voted-out contestants a shot at getting back in the game (Clay Aiken reentered and won runner up to Ruben Studdard in Season 2 thanks to a wild card).
• Fewer train wreck auditions: Producers will forgo more colorful (read: horrifying) contestants and focus on ‘aspirational’ singers, a memo said.
• More Horses in the Stable: The semifinals round will now feature 36, as opposed to 24, contestants.
• What ‘Gives’?: The hugely popular, and serious fundraiser, “Idol Gives Back ” will now appear every other season, and will not be held the coming time around.

Take our poll to the right and tell us what you think of Idol’s retooling.