Kelly Clarkson will not judge American Idol 13; Jennifer Lopez, will.i.am rumored - Report
Credit: FOX
Fresh off the news that Jennifer Hudson has officially joined the season 13 judging panel, and despite rumors of an all-alumnae panel for next season, a rep for Kelly Clarkson has told The Hollywood Reporter that the former winner will not be joining the judging panel for season 13 of American Idol.
With Clarkson having turned down the spot, many feel that the possibility of an Idol all-stars judging panel may be in jeopardy. Of course, recent stories of an all-alumnae panel have invariably ignored the comments made by country star Keith Urban, who told reporters at the season 12 finale that he would love to return next year. That said, willingness to return doesn't always guarantee that a panelist will be asked back. In addition, FOX might be able to save a few bucks by cutting Urban loose and going with a name that's just as recognizable to the Idol audience, such as Adam Lambert, who told THR on the red carpet at last week's Idol finale that he would be thrilled to join the panel. "Where do I sign?" said the season eight runner-up.
However, Lambert's representatives have reportedly not yet heard from Idol producers regarding a possible seat at the judges' table. In fact, one source claims that talk of an all-alumnae panel is premature, as the producers' first choice is to bring back Jennifer Lopez and secure will.i.am for the third spot (though a source close to will.i.am says it's "doubtful" the rapper-producer/current The Voice UK coach would be able to find time in his schedule for the commitment).
All this speculation is, of course, premature. In most cases, deliberations into who might fill the judges' seats continues well into the summer, and are generally not made until questions of format changes and other behind-the-camera issues are ironed out.