Category Archives: Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez new American Idol judges

Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith leader Steven Tyler are joining the tenth season of American Idol. The reality television show is scheduled to premiere on January 12, 2011 on Fox. The producers just announced the signing of Lopez, (41) and Tyler (61) in Los Angeles. This announcement ended months of speculation over who would join the judging panel.

Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres will not be returning as judges this season. Randy Jackson remains the only original judge since the program debuted on Fox television in 2001. Ryan Seacrest will remain as host.

Also, the producers announced other big changes to get away from what they called the “karaoke” feel of the show when it returns to TV in January 2011 after a four year ratings decline.

Big record producers like “Timbaland” will work with the contestants, but celebrity guest mentors will not be used and contestants must dance more. The moves are a bid to find genuine talented stars like first champion Kelly Clarkson who went on to a Grammy-winning career.

American Idol Kara DioGuardi fired

American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi has reportedly been fired. Lead singer of rock band Aerosmith, Steven Tyler may be joining the show soon. Although Kara was given the pink slip, Ellen DeGeneres made the decision on her own to leave the talent show immediately, opting out of the remainder of a four-year contract.

Unlike Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi reportedly had a year-to-year deal, so it’s assumed that her option for a third year was not picked up. The news came amid further unconfirmed reports that one-time “Idol” mentor Jennifer Lopez would be joining the show as a judge. Lopez would take her seat alongside Jackson and another newcomer to the “Idol” table, Steven Tyler.