News

Exclusive: America’s Got Talent is losing one of its longest-tenured talents.

Jason Raff, who has served as showrunner of the long-running NBC hit for 19 seasons, has left the show.

After 482 original episodes including 140 hours of live episodes, Raff told Deadline that he was informed that he was being let go the day after season 19 finished at the end of September due to budget cuts.

Raff also developed and served as showrunner for all of the show’s spinoffs including America’s Got Talent: The Champions, AGT: Extreme, America’s Got Talent: All-Stars and America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.

Sam Donnelly, who has served as showrunner alongside Raff, will continue as solo showrunner on Season 20 show, which is produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment, and will likely air in May 2025.

Raff told Deadline that nearly 20 years ago, he was handed a DVD of a presentation for British broadcaster ITV called Paul’s O’Grady’s Got Talent.

Ryan Seacrest revealed he was initially considered to be a judge on American Idol before becoming the longtime host of the singing competition show.

During his appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show Friday, The Kardashians executive producer told Clarkson, who won the first season of American Idol in 2002, that then-producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick originally heard him on the radio in Los Angeles when they were planning the show and “thought that I might fit the panel to be up there with whoever else was already on.”

“I guess Simon [Cowell] was already on board, and I don’t know who else at that point,” he added. “And I was like, ‘Well, wait a minute. I would love to audition to be the host.’ And so I auditioned eventually to be the host. And I got the job. So I’m happy to still have the job.”

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From reality TV to winemaking, American Idol creators Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick are ready to move on to their next venture.

After purchasing a 164-acre Paso Robles farm house in 2005, the producing duo tore down the old structure, thus creating what now stands as Villa San-Juliette (Vsj). Reminiscent of Italian wine country, Vsj is tucked away into the renowned Paso Robles region in Central California — a three-hour drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles, respectively.

Following his work on American Idol, Lythgoe went on to co-create the dance competition show So You Think You Can Dance, which recently wrapped its 17th season. Earlier this year, it was announced that Lythgoe would not be returning as a judge.

Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe

With five-star lodging accommodations, private pool access, wine tasting room and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyard, Villa San-Juliette has...

Loads of love — and London accents — filled Hollywood Boulevard on Wednesday, Aug. 22, for Simon Cowell’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star dedication ceremony. The “America’s Got Talent” creator and judge, whose credits also include launching “The X Factor” and serving nine seasons on “American Idol,” was welcomed by scores of fans – not coincidentally, “Agt” was taping its semifinal round feet away in the Dolby theater – but it was the constellation of stars from music and beyond that made it something other than Wednesday in Hollywood.

As Cowell took the podium, he cracked, “Why did this take so long?” And offered: “If anyone says fame is a bad thing, I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s the best thing in the world.”

There was plenty of humility too, however as Cowell, visibly moved by the ceremony, honored his late parents and thanked friends, family and colleagues...

Following on last week’s announcement of its feature slate for the 2018 edition, the Sundance Film Festival has announced the selections for its indie episodic, shorts and special events selections. In that middle category Filmmaker readers will spot two of this year’s 25 New Faces of film, Robin Comisar and Alexa Lim Haas. Indie Episodic America To Me / U.S.A. (Director: Steve James, Segment Directors: Bing Liu, Rebecca Parrish, Kevin Shaw) — This limited series captures a year-long look at one of Chicago’s most progressive and diverse public schools, located in suburban Oak Park. Unprecedented in scope, the series is both […]...

Just call him an American Idol.

Recently, a fan called in to Ryan Seacrest’s Tell Me Something Good Segment on his radio show, On Air, telling the story of how her rescue dog Romeo ruptured two ligaments in his hind legs, and the injuries had had devolved into arthritis. With a limp and pain, the vet gave Romeo’s owner Mercedes two options: amputate, or fork over $8,000 for a procedure to fix the issue.

A brokenhearted Seacrest made her decision simple: he said he’d cover the bill for Romeo’s surgeries.

According to the On Air website, Mercedes...

Chicago – The season finale of TNT Network’s “The Last Ship” was this previous Sunday (Sep. 11, 2016), and as finales tend to do, there were surprises. One of these shocks was the death of the character Roberta Price, the regional leader of the Deep South. The actress who portrayed her, Lucy Butler, was a surprised as anyone else, and talked to HollywoodChicago.com regarding the transition.

“The Last Ship” is a popular action-drama show on TNT, and has been renewed for Season Four in 2017. The premise is in the title, when a worldwide epidemic has wiped out 80% of the world’s population, a lone naval destroyer floats with 218 souls on board, working on a cure. “The Last Ship” features Eric Dane as Captain Tom Chandler, Rhona Mitra as Dr. Rachel Scott and Adam Baldwin as Captain Mike Slattery. Lucy Butler portrayed tough-as-nails regional director Roberta Price on the ship, a politician with an agenda.

With all that could go wrong with an ambitious undertaking like ABC's “Rising Star,” who would have thought to prepare for a late judge? ABC's “Rising Star” executive producers Ken Warwick and Nicolle Yaron were beside themselves after their East Coast test of the show's app and voting seemed to pass with flying colors. “We just went to the digital trailer and everything worked really beautifully, perfect, and we're so happy,” a giddy Yaron told TheWrap and other reporters at CBS TV Studios on Monday afternoon after the East Coast test. See video: ABC's ‘Rising Star’ Judges Explain Why This Singing Competition Will.

Since ABC first bought the stateside rights to hit Israeli singing competition Rising Star, the looming concern has been how the format of real-time viewer voting will translate to the U.S. and its four contiguous time zones. A month out from the June 22 premiere, executive producers Ken Warwick (American Idol) and Nicolle Yaron (The Voice) spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about how they're handling the quandary, and the biggest part of the solution is that the show will be airing live in a vast majority of the country. Eastern (9-11 p.m.), Central (8-10

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I’ve learned that country star Brad Paisley has become the first musician tapped for a judge seat on ABC‘s summer singing competition reality series Rising Star. Paisley has a long association with ABC and the gig stems from his successful stint on the network’s Country Music Awards, which Paisley has been co-hosting with Carrie Underwood for the past six years. The other two judges are expected to be locked in soon. ABC had no comment. Based on the Israeli format, Rising Star, from Keshet Dcp, a joint venture between Keshet International and dick clark prods. parent DC Media, is a live talent show that incorporates real-time voting by viewers via an App. Contestants are separated from the studio audience and the judges by a translucent floor-to-ceiling Led screen where images of voters at home appear live, and the singer can see how the vote tally is growing during the performance.

Unlucky 13?

American Idol returned Wednesday night to once again post its lowest premiere rating ever. The 13th season of Fox’s veteran reality series delivered 15 million viewers and a 4.6 adults 18-49 rating, down 23 percent from last year — even though new judge Harry Connick Jr. is getting glowing reviews from critics and fans.

The performance continues an overall downward trend for the series since 2006, and the show’s premiere ratings have dropped consistently since 2010. It’s a testament to how massive the show’s ratings were in its early years that Idol has managed to fall in the Nielsen numbers for...

For the past 12 years, the "American Idol" finale has been held in Los Angeles. But the show's new producers are apparently planning something different for Season 13: According to a new report, the finale will instead be held live from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the rumors circulating on "Idol" blogs are true -- sources tell THR that the last two episodes, scheduled for May 20 and 21, will take place from the recently refurbished Msg.

At the end of Season 12, original executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were booted from the show, and Fox hired Swedish "Idol" producer Per Blankens to spice up the aging reality competition. This could be one of the big changes he has in store to get "Idol" ratings to stop their downward spiral.

Fox had not yet responded to Zap2it's request for comment at the time of publication.

From marriages to births to Glee guest-starring roles, 2013 was certainly a busy year for American Idol alums and judges. The year began with a new judging panel featuring Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey -- and ended by welcoming back departed judge Jennifer Lopez and adding the affable Harry Connick Jr. into the fold. Other changes? Randy Jackson stepping away from the table for the first time in the show’s 13-season history, the departure of longtime producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, and the end of the show’s Wgwg (white guy with guitar) winning streak. But despite the drama,

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Bali, Sep 28: Megan Young from Philippines was crowned Miss World 2013 here Saturday. The second place went to Miss France Marine Lorphelin and third to Miss Ghana Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter.

The 23-year-old defeated 126 contestants including Miss India Navneet Kaur Dhillon, who could only make her way to top 20, to clinch the crown.

The 63rd edition of the beauty pageant was judged by prominent faces like British television executive producer and director Ken Warwick and chairman of Miss World organisation Julia Morley. Vineet Jain, managing director of India's media group Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., was also.

Yo, check it out: A familiar face may be returning to American Idol before he ever really left.

Departing judge Randy Jackson is in talks to stick with the long-running Fox competition series for its revamped Season 13 — but now as an in-house mentor, our sister site Deadline reports. Jackson would thus replace music producer Jimmy Iovine, who is reportedly leaving Idol after three seasons of advising contestants.

Related | American Idol: 10 Bold, Completely Original, Randy Jackson-Free Fixes to Revive Season 13

Jackson first announced his Idol departure in May. His new position is just one of several changes for the show’s upcoming run.

A familiar face will still be around when American Idol returns in January! Keith Urban is officially set to return to the Fox reality next season, network president Kevin Reilly announced at the 2013 Summer TCA Press Tour on Monday. The country superstar is the only judge returning for its 13th season, with Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson all exiting the series, as well as executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. Reilly also confirmed that  Fox is in talks with Jennifer Lopez, who had been a judge for two seasons, to return to the judging table. "I will confirm one thing: That Keith is going to return to the show," Reilly said. "Keith did a great job last year, the...

Though 10 former "American Idol" contestants who are African-American are trying to sue the show for $25 million, minimum, a piece, Season 11 finalist Jermaine Jones doesn't think they're going to get very far. In a new interview, he calls the former contestants' attempts to justify "Idol's" alleged racism "ludicrous."

"I think they are going a little overboard," he tells The Hollywood Reporter. "Some of these cases are over 10 years old. What have you been doing since the show that you feel you deserve $25 million?"

The lawsuit alleges that the producers of the hit Fox reality show are conducting a "cruel and inhumane plot" that dredges up old arrest information to make the African-American contestants look like "violent criminals, liars and sexual deviants." Those involved in the case are Corey Clark (Season 2), Jaered Andrews (Season 2), Jacob John Smalley (Season 2), Donnie Williams (Season 3), Terrell Brittenum (Season 5), Derrell Brittenum (Season 5), Thomas Daniels (Season 6), Akron Watson...

Nigel Lythgoe admits that being fired from his post as executive producer for "American Idol" was "tough, without question," but his primary concern now is the future of the show.

Lythgoe and fellow executive producer Ken Warwick were fired in June as part of the show's quest to freshen things up and attract new viewers. Despite being upset about his termination, Lythgoe told HuffPost Live's Caitlyn Becker that he recognizes the show's ratings woes and hopes it won't descend into an eventual cancellation.

"It has been dipping in the ratings, and if the people who now own the show ... if they feel the show is going to be better without Ken and I there as executive producers, fingers crossed that they're right, because you don't want to lose that show," he said.

One reason for the ratings challenges, Lythgoe suggested, is the proliferation of similar singing competition shows that pull viewers away from "Idol.

American Idol continues to assemble its team for the upcoming 13th season as part of a major overhaul. Unscripted/event producing team Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager, who go by Den Of Thieves, are joining Idol as executive producers, joining fellow new exec producer Per Blankens. Under Fox’s agreement with FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, each of the two producing companies appoints an executive producer who oversee the series in tandem. Their most recent choices were longtime EPs Nigel Lythgoe (19 Entertainment) and Ken Warwick (Fmna), who both recently exited the show. Blankens, brought in by Fmna, comes from the Swedish version of Idol, which he executive produced for five seasons. Meanwhile, Ignjatovic and Prager, appointed by 19 Entertainment, bring extensive experience in producing live events having done the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Cmt Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and VH1 Divas. “To take an iconic show like...

American Idol has gone out of the country to find a new showrunner. Fox confirms that Per Blankens, executive producer of the Swedish version of Idol, has closed a deal to serve as executive producer of the Fox series, replacing ousted bosses Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. The move comes on the heels of announcements that Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson are all off the show, while Keith Urban revealed to us last week he still has not been told whether he will return. Though the initial plan, per sources, was to replace all four judges with Idol alums (Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and either Clay Aiken or Adam Lambert), we are told that plan is being reconsidered due to the changing of the...

After releasing longtime producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, American Idol has hired a new executive producer for its upcoming thirteenth season.

The Fox singing show has nabbed Sweden native Per Blankens to resurrect the show from its lowest average ratings since the show's first season in 2002 and lowest finale viewership in its history.

Pics: The Complete List of 'American Idol' Winners

The Swede produced the Swedish version of Idol from 2007 to 2011.

"Per is a creative and experienced executive who has been the showrunner on the blockbuster Swedish 'Idol' for more than five seasons," Trish Kinane, Idol executive producer for FremantleMedia North America, said of Blankens. "He is extremely passionate about 'Idol' and I'm very excited about his ideas and vision for keeping 'Idol' creatively vibrant."

Lythgoe and Warwick were confirmed to have been axed from the show on Sunday. Lythgoe, who also produces his talent-show creation So You Think You Can Dance, released...

New York -- One day after dismissing its longtime production pair, "American Idol" has a new executive producer.

Freemantle Media has named Per Blankens to head the troubled Fox singing competition. The company said Monday that he has been the showrunner for the Swedish edition of "Idol" for more than five years.

On Sunday, Fox had confirmed that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick are leaving the show.

Their exit followed the departures of judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and original panelist Randy Jackson. Carey and Minaj joined this season, and their on-air bickering proved uncomfortable for viewers and contestants.

The fate of Keith Urban, the lone remaining member of the judging team, is uncertain.

The 12th season of "Idol" ended in May with a record low-rated finale. Its 13th season premieres in January.

New York (AP) — One day after dismissing its longtime production pair, "American Idol" has a new executive producer. Freemantle Media has named Per Blankens to head the troubled Fox singing competition. The company said Monday that he has been the showrunner for the Swedish edition of "Idol" for more than five years. On Sunday, Fox had confirmed that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick are leaving the show. Their exit followed the departures of judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and original panelist Randy Jackson. Carey and Minaj joined this season, and their on-air bickering proved uncomfortable for viewers and contestants. The...

Update 1:45 p.m. June 10: Lythgoe has released an official statement, which reads in part:

Over the years, I believe we have changed the face of American television forever and eventually created a true global  phenomenon. It has been inspiring to find and launch the careers of artists ranging from Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Phillip Phillips and many more, spanning all musical styles and genres. I am truly saddened to be leaving a great team of friends and colleagues. However, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to maintain this incredible platform for America's young talent. This will only happen with the success of the program. If the executives that are now in charge of "American Idol" believe that the ratings will improve with my departure, I have no complaints. It has been a great ride and I've loved every moment of it. After dedicating over 12 years to "Idol,...

"American Idol" has named a new executive producer for Season 13 of the reality singing competition. Per Blankens will take over from Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick when the show returns in January 2014.

Blankens may not be a big name in American television yet, but he is one of the most successful producer of competition shows in Europe. He has been in charge of the Swedish version of "Idol" for several seasons and also runs Scandinavian versions of other reality properties like "MasterChef" and "The Biggest Loser."

Fox and Nigel Lythgoe confirm Warwick and Lythgoe are leaving "Idol."

Unlike "American Idol," which saw ratings plummet in its most recent seasons, the show's Swedish counterpart was a major hit under Blankens, pulling in an average of 51 percent of the country's viewers.

"Per is a creative and experienced executive who has been the show runner on the blockbuster 'Swedish Idol' for more than 5 seasons,...

Has the Tardis found its new navigator already?

Skyfall and Quantam of Solace actor Rory Kinnear is reported to be the frontrunner to succeed Matt Smith as the titular star of Doctor Who, at least according to The Telegraph.

Related | Doctor Who‘s 50th’s Anniversary Special: Why John Barrowman Won’t Appear

“We are waiting to hear if he will accept,” a source tells the London-based paper. “He is the perfect choice.”

Update: The BBC on Monday morning seemingly cast aspersion on this rumor, saying via Twitter that the search for Twelve “has only just begun.”

Ready for more of today’s TV dish?...

American Idol went out of the country to find its next executive producer.

Per Blankens, who was in charge of the Swedish version of Idol, will now replace Nigel Lythgoe for the show’s 13th season that kicks off in January. Blankens was also head of programming for Meter Television, one of Scandinavia’s production companies that made overseas versions of Idol, Master Chef and The Biggest Loser. Blankens served as the producer of Idol in Sweden from 2007-2011.

“Per is a creative and experienced executive who has been the show runner on the blockbuster Swedish Idol for more than 5 seasons,...

Rumors of Nigel Lythgoe’s imminent departure from American Idol were realized yesterday when the high-profile producer tweeted the news that he’d been fired from Fox’s flagship music-reality competition. “It’s not a personal thing,” added Lythgoe, who will remain with So You Think You Can Dance. “They just feel Idol needs new leadership after 12 seasons.

just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad! Monday we choose our top 20. I'll smile again.— Nigel Lythgoe (@dizzyfeet) June 08, 2013

Yes, don't worry I'm on #Sytycd. Fox still loves me. It's not...

Confirming a recent report and surprising nobody, Nigel Lythgoe on Saturday confirmed that his reign as an American Idol executive producer has come to an end.

Lythgoe shared and qualified his ouster in a Twitter message to fans, while also assuring So You Think You Can Dance viewers that he’s not stepping away from that Fox gig.

just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad! Monday we choose our top 20. I'll smile again.—

Nigel Lythgoe (@dizzyfeet) June 08, 2013

Yes, don't worry I'm on #Sytycd. Fox still loves me. It's not...

Update: Veteran American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe tweeted the news of his dismissal today. He’s departing Fox’s long-running competition show, heading into its 13th season, but will stay aboard the network’s dance program So You Think You Can Dance, which he co-created, exec produces and serves as judge on. ” Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain everyday,” he Tweeted. ” I get back to the States and get fired. Sad! Monday we choose our top 20. I’ll smile again… Yes, don’t worry I’m on #Sytycd. Fox still loves me. It’s not a personal thing they just feel Idol needs new leadership after 12 Seasons.” In response, Fox released a statement addressing both Lythgoe and fellow long-time Idol executive producer Ken Warwick’s exits. “The passion and dedication that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick brought to American Idol guided the show to become a true cultural phenomenon.

Amid much flux in the wake of alternative programming chief Mike Darnell's exit, News Corp's senior executive vice president David Hill will oversee production on "American Idol" and "The X Factor." According to a network representative, Fox Networks group chairman and CEO Peter Rice and Fox Entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly asked the veteran to take oversight on its talent competitions. The rep emphasized that Hill is not a replacement for Darnell, as the company is continuing its search for candidates. Also read: 'American Idol' Chaos: Top Producers Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick Out In a...

News

Wendy Williams is doing quite well, her talk show will will air until 2017.

Hm. Justin Theroux and HBO. Remember him on Six Feet Under?

Justin Theroux has joined the HBO pilot The Leftovers. Based on a book by Tom Perrotta, it follows the people of earth after the Rapture. That sounds a lot like Left Behind, but since this is HBO I’m hoping this book loses the uncomfortable bigotries.

Theroux isn’t the only hottie joining an HBO pilot, Bobby Cannavale has joined a Mick Jagger-produced pilot about a record executive in 1977 New York City. Don’t they know all the cool period dramas are set in the 1980s, these days?

And while we’re on the topic of HBO dramas getting their leading men out of their clothes,

there’s Bobby Cannavale‘s Boardwalk Empire role.

Ugh. In today’s I-hate-people news, Jezebel writer Lindy West...

With three judges confirmed as gone and one who might as well be, American Idol announced another major shake-up today:

Executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, who have overseen the Fox competition since Day One, are leaving.

No word from the network or anyone affiliated with the program, but The Wrap has confirmed the news and it does not come as a shock.

Idol dropped to record-low ratings on Season 12, with many believing theme nights such as Motown and British Invasion made the series feel dated when compared to The Voice.

Jennifer Hudson is reportedly on her way as a judge, with Kelly Clarkson not far behind, as the competition does all it can to reverse a troubling popularity trend.

The mass exodus from "American Idol" continues. Two of the show's executive producers, Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, are now set to leave the show before "Idol" returns for Season 13. It seems that low ratings are shoving almost everyone out the door.

According to a report published by The Hollywood Reporter, a source at "Idol" claims that the two veteran producers "will be leaving the show" but that formal decisions and discussions have not yet happened.

Lythgoe and Warwick are longtime friends and have served as producers on "American Idol" since its debut in 2002. Their exit this summer is just one of many -- three of the four Season 12 judges (Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj) have formally exited, as has Fox chief of alternative programming Mike Darnell.

Who actually will come back at this point? Since there have been no rumors to the contrary, "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest is likely to continue on.

Don’t expect Bacharach, Motown and British Invasion themes for Season 13 of American Idol. That’s because executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick are exiting Fox’s reality behemoth amid sagging ratings and a planned overhaul of the program during its current off-season, The Wrap reported earlier today.

Related | Idol‘s Candice Glover on Rearranging Drake, Reading Internet Critiques and Learning From Harry Connick! Plus: A ‘Lovesong’ Deep Dive!

The duo have been with Idol since its launch in 2002 — though Lythgoe left the program during its eighth and ninth seasons, then returned in Season 10.

A Fox spokesperson declined to comment on the Lythgoe-Warwick news,...

And the changes keep on comin'. American Idol's longtime executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick will not be returning for the Fox reality singing competition's season 13, The Wrap is reporting. Lythgoe and Warwick's possible departures comes on the heels of the announcement that Mike Darnell, Fox's longtime president in charge of alternative programming, was leaving after 18 years with the network. Lythgoe and Warwick have been with the series since it debuted in 2002. Fox had no comment on their future with American Idol. But American Idol's behind-the-scenes folks aren't the only ones leaving: Judges Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have all...

In a move widely expected by industry insiders, American Idol executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick "will be leaving the show,” a source tells The Hollywood Reporter. However, formal exit discussions have not yet begun. THR noted in a May 8 story that the two longtime friends and showbiz pros would likely be shown the door, as the Fox series continues to weather a public beating due to sinking ratings -- the season 12 finale was down more than 40 percent when compared to Idol's closer in 2011. Photos: Mike Darnell's Greatest Hits: 'American Idol,' 'Kitchen Nightmares' and 'The Swan' As

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"American Idol" is firing longtime executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick in a continuing bid to win back viewers and shake up the show, an insider with knowledge of the show told TheWrap. Fox declined to comment on this report. TheWrap was the first to report in early May that there would be major changes next season, including the executive firings and a wipe-out of Season 12's judging panel. (Since our report, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey have announced their departures, leaving only, at this point, Keith Urban.) Lythgoe and...

We all should, really, for being so Lame. As rumored this week, Idol may shake up its entire judging panel next season in an effort to boost ratings. It’s getting beaten in the adult demo by repeats of The Big Bang Theory and a fresh-from-the-swamp ep of Duck Dynasty. Oof. Does the show even matter anymore? It’s, like, way existential.

Go right to Page 2 for our list of potential new judges, and suggest your own! I need to rant for a bit below.

Now, I am by no means a fan of this current low-chemistry judging panel. Keith Urban seems genuine,...

Gone are the halcyon days of American Idol auditions, in which the judges would put 50-plus people (of whom we viewers would get to meet at least… 10?) through to the next round. Tonight, the two-week “Hollywood Round” — guys this week, girls next — begins on Fox. “The minute we hit Hollywood, we go, ‘God, we’ve got 300 kids here,” executive producer Ken Warwick told EW in the midst of shooting Hollywood Round footage. “So the whole mental thing changes to ‘Who can we cut, and why?”

Below, Idol honchos Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe on what to expect.

As usual, the Hollywood...

Godzilla vs. Mothra. Batman vs. Joker. Coke vs. Pepsi. Michigan vs. Notre Dame. Randy Jackson vs. the English language. These are the rivalries that define the modern age. They’re long-standing. They’re heated. And pretty much everybody’s got an opinion on ‘em.

And now we’ve got…Nicki vs. Mariah? Divas, pleeeease.

On tonight’s episode of American Idol — centered on the Season 12 auditions from Charlotte, Nc — a pair of wannabe alpha judges stomped and roared in an effort to establish dominance. Show insiders trumpeted the imbroglio months before it happened. Fox’s promo department heralded it as must-see TV.

Fox’s American Idol team walked a fine line during its press tour panel in Pasadena on Tuesday, telling critics that, yes, the feud between new judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj is real. But producers and cast tried to convince reporters that their animosity isn’t personal and it was all about their passion for helping the show’s contestants.

“It’s authentic,” said Fox reality chief Mike Darnell of the feud. “There’s a passion on this group. They disagree on a lot of the talent … it’s not the girls, it’s everybody.”

“This is a very passionate panel,...

"American Idol" producers are sending feelers out every which way as a "very preliminary" step in deciding what the make-up of the show will be for Season 12 ... sources tell TMZ ... but Nigel Lythgoe has laid it on the line -- he wants Charlie Sheen and Jerry Lewis on the judge's panel.There have been numerous reports that Adam Lambert, Katy Perry, Fergie, Miley Cyrus and others are being courted, but we've learned Fremantle -- the...

Jermaine responds to booting

Jermaine Jones spoke to Hln about his disqualification from American Idol on Wednesday’s show because of past run-ins with the law. The 25-year-old singer said that he had no idea what was going to happen when he was called into a room with producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe, where the two informed him – on camera – that he was being kicked off the show. He described it as a “very humbling experience” and said he was “very disappointed… it hurt a lot.”

Colton Dixon is keeping the faith

Idol hopeful Colton Dixon told the Today...

This week on American Idol, contestant Jermaine Jones was given bad news: He was dismissed by executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick for having outstanding arrest warrants in his home state of New Jersey. Despite his removal, the 25-year-old, dubbed a "gentle giant" for his resonant baritone voice and 6'8" frame - he was also a favorite of the judges (they brought him back after his initial elimination) - says he has already come to terms with his removal. "I'm doing very, very well," he says. "I'm doing great." Speaking to People on Thursday, Jones touched upon the elimination,...

Wednesday’s installment of American Idol was supposed to focus on Songs From the Year the Contestants Were Born, but in some cases, it felt more like Opposites Day: Steven Tyler woke up from a very long nap and started doling out crotchety critiques. Jennifer Lopez tried to give songwriting lessons (¡ay dios mio!) to Bonnie Raitt. And more than half of this week’s contestants picked songs that were not intially released in the years of their birth. Why the face?

In other news, Ryan Seacrest tried to make a pun about dreadlocks, while failing to recognize that’s...

Los Angeles, California (X17online) - American Idol contestant Jermaine Jackson was disqualified on Wednesday night's broadcast of the Fox singing competition for concealing his criminal past. Host Ryan Seacrest hinted at the beginning of the show that "one of our contestants" would be sent home due to "law enforcement" issues. Following the teaser, audiences were shown pre-taped footage of Jones being called into producer's offices and confronted with the news. Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick read aloud four standing warrants for his arrest, in which he was accused of giving false names to officers and getting into a physical brawl. Jones attempted to defend himself, saying the information was skewed and he never got into a violent altercation. "It wasn't a fight, I wasn't fighting," he proclaimed. Instead, he said it was a disagreement with one of his friends. Regardless of the explanation, producers explained it was forbidden for...

"American Idol" contestant Jermaine Jones met with the show's producers to talk about his previous trouble with the law.

In dramatic fashion, "Idol's" Executive Producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick sat down with the 25-year-old vocal instructor from New Jersey -- who failed to disclose his criminal history (as required of all contestants).

Jones was arrested multiple times in the last year and gave police fake names during each arrest. The 6'8" finalist also has outstanding warrants.

Jermaine Jones got a swift kick in the ass from reality last night ... when 'Idol' producers confronted the singer on tape and told him he's Fired from the show for lying about his criminal past. Jones took it well ... thanking executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick for the opportunity ... and then getting into the back of a waiting car ... not a cop car. TMZ broke the story ... Jones has 4 warrants out for...

A disqualified American Idol finalist was too "scared" to disclose his criminal past to producers over fears he would be penalised.

Jermaine Jones' troubled history was addressed at the start of the show on Wednesday as host Ryan Seacrest confirmed the singer would be given the boot.

Seacrest told viewers that TV bosses had received information that "left us with no choice but to eliminate one of our finalists from the competition".

Footage of executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick confronting Jones about his four outstanding arrest warrants was aired later in the episode.

When asked why he concealed his past, Jones admitted, "I just was scared, nervous. I didn't want to get judged. I didn't want to get penalised."

Three warrants were issued after Jones allegedly drove on a suspended licence and the fourth was for disorderly conduct.