Why Jennifer Hudson, Scooter Braun, and Benny Medina aren't judging 'American Idol' - Report
After the new judging panel was revealed for season 13 of American Idol, many fans wondered what happened to Jennifer Hudson, who was one of the top names bandied about for the new season. In addition, others wondered why Scooter Braun and Benny Medina, two sources of frequent speculation for the panel, didn't end up on the show.
Thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, we now have some idea of what happened, and how the three potential judges were compensated for being passed over. If the reports are to be believed, this entire season's judging fiasco has basically revolved around first getting Jennifer Lopez, and then doing whatever was necessary to keep her happy. Let's start with J-Hud...
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According to an insider, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson had a commitment from FOX to judge on season 13. The 31-year-old former Idol finalist basically had the job outright. However, producers apparently backed out once Jennifer Lopez came into the picture. As consolation for being unceremoniously dropped from the panel, Hudson was paid an estimated $2 million -- a fraction of what the network is reportedly paying J.Lo for her work this coming season (roughly $15 million). It's also considerably less than the $12 million salary offered to Grammy-nominated hitmaker Dr. Luke. However, a source for the show notes: "It's become standard operating procedure for talent reps to inflate salaries by 20 to 50 percent to make them and/or their clients look good."
A representative for Lopez claimed to have no knowledge of the pop star's salary for the new season.
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Meanwhile, despite being endorsed by Jennifer Lopez, Scooter Braun also missed out on a spot on the panel. Lopez is alleged to have gone to bat for Braun in order to prevent Dr. Luke from getting a spot, as one source claims, "She worried he'd show her up." The deal ultimately fell through when Braun, the manager of Justin Bieber, The Wanted and Ariana Grande, insisted on managing the winner, which Idol execs would not allow. Of course, while Braun didn't get the job, things ended up working out for Lopez anyway, as Dr. Luke was barred from joining the show due to his deal with Sony Music.
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Lastly, Benny Medina had been rumored for a spot once Lopez was confirmed for the panel. As Lopez's longtime manager, Medina was floated for the role once it became apparent that new series overseer David Hill "really wanted a noncelebrity industry professional" for the panel.
Whether Medina "made a pitch for himself," as one source relates, or was "approached and not interested," as another claims, neither side is talking. However, Medina apparently wasn't the only name floated for the "noncelebrity industry professional" role, as veteran music producers David Foster and Rodney Jerkins were also considered.
FOX has declined to comment on the allegations made in The Hollywood Reporter piece.
Auditions are currently underway in cities across the country with current judging panelists Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick, Jr. and Keith Urban. The thirteenth season of American Idol premieres January 2014 on FOX.