MORE The Latest / POSTED BY: KINGSOFAR

1368102795_mariah-carey-randy-jackson-nicki-minaj-keith-urban-lg

“American Idol” is going nuclear for Season 13.

None of the four judges on the singing competition will be asked to return next season, an individual with knowledge of Fox’s plans told The Wrap. Longtime producer Nigel Lythgoe is expected to get the boot. And despite reports to the contrary, Fox isn’t even considering bringing former judge Jennifer Lopez back as a lifesaver for next season.

Like we said: nuclear.

“All four are gone,” the insider told TheWrap. “They feel they’ve lost their core audience and they want it back.”

Driven by this belief and the need to attract younger viewers, Fox is set to make major on-air changes to “Idol,” the most notable of which will be an entirely new judging panel. New judges pop icon Mariah Carey, rapper Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban won’t be back. Even original judge Randy Jackson won’t survive the blood bath this time around.

A Fox spokesperson declined to comment for this story.

All four judges have options to return for another season, but Fox won’t be picking them up, according to the knowledgeable individual, who said: “No more big checks for divas.”

The network has resolved to stop paying the huge salaries it has been shoveling out for its big name talent, i.e. Carey’s reported $18 million package, Minaj’s $12 million salary and former judge Jennifer Lopez’s $15 million.

The show’s format will also change. Its look will be redesigned and the dated tribute nights will be a thing of the past. But the show’s trademark audition episodes will continue.

Fox’s meltdown has everything to do with the talent competition’s declining viewership. Its ratings are already down 22 percent this season and it hit a series low for ratings last Thursday, when it attracted only 11 million viewers and a 2.4 rating/7 share in the ad-coveted 18-49 demographic. The ratings slide is especially problematic during May Sweeps, where ratings numbers are used to dictate advertising rates.

Viewing has been in decline for several seasons now. At its height during Season 6, “Idol” attracted about 30 million viewers an episode.

So, why not just cancel the show?

“Idol” is still a huge revenue generator for Fox, bringing in $836.4 million in ad revenue last year, according to Kantar Media. Plus, it has nothing to replace it. Simon Cowell’s “The X Factor” is far from being “Idol’s” heir apparent after failing to meet ratings expectations over its first two seasons. It, too, is undergoing another round of changes for Season 3, with pop star Britney Spears and record executive L.A. Reid not returning. Read more

Twitter
Facebook
Newsletter
Recent Posts
  • Carson Cruz Debuts with “Anything At All,” Blending Pop with Bedroom and Indie Influences
  • From New Zealand, August For Dawn Offers a Hazy, Textured Take on Classic Folk with “Methanol”
  • Plastic Harpoons Strike Gold: Reviving Rock ‘n’ Roll with Their Genre-Blending Sound
  • Faith Siwy Debuts with Emotional Ballad “Those Days”
  • Alec Hershey Shifts to Pop-Rock with New Single “Heart 2 Heart”
  • MC4D Drops New Folktronica Single “Travel On”
  • The Eiffels Release Energetic New Music Video for “Beautiful Life”
  • GRLwood Drops Defiant New Album TEARS Featuring the Bold Track “Fake”
  • Ella Vaillancourt Inspires with Uplifting New Track “Be The Dreamer”
  • Grace Winslow Captures Heartache and Reflection in Her New Track “Never Mind”
  • Jeremy & The Harlequins Deliver Haunting Western Rock Anthem with ‘How Long?’”
  • Matilde G Captures The Raw Pain in the New haunting piano ballad “Cold”
  • Lauren Presley’s “People Live” – A Haunting Anthem About Trauma and Its Impact on Future Relationships
  • Matt Zaddy Reflects on Burnout and Balance with New Single “Far Too Long”
  • Tuesday Madison Shines with Debut Track “Ms. Missunderstood” – A Raw Indie Rock Anthem for the Misunderstood
  • Tori Lange Draws Global Inspiration for a Fresh Sound
  • Sam Hel Wilds Debuts with Weekend Blues – A Perfect Blend of Nostalgia and Connection
  • Cali Tucker Releases New Single “Urban Cowboy,” Blending Pop, Electro, and Country
  • Noah Derksen Reimagines Macy Gray’s “I Try” on Upcoming Album Stolen Serenades
  • Maudlin Strangers are back with their new track “Under My Skin”
  • Melanie MacLaren Drops Haunting Folk Track “Bloodlust
  • Don’t Believe In Ghosts Unveil New Single “Brooklyn Baby” — A Tribute to NYC Dreamers
  • Anjali Gabriella: Emerging Artist Blending Catchy Melodies with Raw Storytelling
  • Leah Wilcox Drops “Blue” — A Blend of Indie Rock and English Countrygaze
  • Nick de la Hoyde Releases New Single “Monster,” Exploring Inner Demons
  • Estella Dawn Unveils “Detached”: A Mid-Tempo Anthem Redefining Breakups
  • Listen to “Whiplash” by Tessa Dalton – A Perfect Mix of Pop and Alt Rock
  • Christa Lee’s “Mosaic”: A Genre-Bending Journey Through Dreamy ’60s/’70s Vibes and Modern Pop
  • Izzy MacArthur’s “Landmines”: A Haunting, Stripped-Back Track
  • CATBEAR Releases New Track “Carry On” – Perfect for a Haunting, Atmospheric Mood
  • Follow

    Home

         

    About

         

    Contact

         

    Daily Readership

    Copyright 2024 Kings of A&R     Website Design by PaleBird