“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 Warwick launched the show together during its inaugural season in 2002 and also worked on its predecessor, Britain’s “Pop Idol.” Lythgoe left “Idol” in 2008 then returned in 2010.
Their terminations from the show arrive amid flux for the talent competition after alternative programming chief Mike Darnell’s sudden Memorial Day weekend exit.
The new judging panel was aimed at assembling three former “Idol” contenders, including Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson, but that plan appears to be in a holding pattern since Darnell’s departure and a lack of someone at the top to make the final decisions, a senior executive with knowledge of the production told TheWrap.
Buzz Track: The Sight of Fire
New York City pop rockers The Jim Ivins Band have been making a name for themselves since their 2008 inception, scoring write-ups from publications like The Aquarian and Absolutepunk.net, sharing the stage with national acts like Rooney, Parachute, Carolina Liar, and The Rocket Summer. The bands latest single “The Sight of Fire” was produced by John Seymour (U2) and Mark Santangelo (Neon Trees). The track “Everything We Wanted” was just featured on MTV’s The Real World. The band will perform The Bitter End (NYC) on Saturday June 29th.
Contact: thejimivinsband@gmail.com
How indie artists can make the most out of Twitter
With Twitter, independent artists can gain visibility and connect directly with potential fans. Artists can also use Twitter as a tool to interact with the music community and stay on top of the latest advice from influencers (A&Rs, artists, record execs, etc.) Without major backing, performers everywhere can use Twitter as a lively platform to broadcast their content to the world for free and gain visibility to fans they could not have reached before. Music is the #2 subject discussed on Twitter in the U.S. and 50% of all active Twitter users follow at least one musician.
Tweet & @reply: Your Twitter profile can be a direct reflection of your personal brand, talents, and interests. A Twitter connection tells fans how much you appreciate them, and it also enables you to tailor your messages. Take the time to engage with your fans on Twitter to build loyal relationships. Fans also use Twitter to get a taste of artists’ personalities and life adventures.
For example: Lady Gaga recognizes the power of Twitter and used the platform to announce her collab with rapper Kendrick Lamar.
I am so excited to announce that a record I’ve been working on has now become a collaboration with @kendricklamar for HIS ALBUM.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 15, 2012
Even artists like Janelle Monae take the time to interact with their fans and personally @reply.
@janellemonae you inspired me like no other to think differently and maintain an open mind. the archandroid did that. thank you. — john zabala (@johnzabala94) May 19, 2013
Video: From The Get Go
Singer-songwriter Tess Henley recorded with Grammy-winning producer Dice Raw from The Roots and Grammy & Emmy-nominated producer/arranger Khari Mateen along with great musicians associated with Fun., Justin Timberlake, and Lauryn Hill. Her album High Heels & Sneakers which was just released has reached Top 10 on the iTunes R&B/Soul album charts
Contact: maggiejoy75@comcast.net
Buzz Track: The Fool
Solar Taxi are a 5-piece band from Ireland. Fronted by Aisling Browne, they have recently released their debut album ‘Broken Brother’s Secret Bells’ to critical acclaim, national airplay & licensing opportunities. The radio friendly album delivers an eclectic mix of sounds which makes it hard to pigeon-hole the band’s first long player. They have had songs deatured on MTV’s Awkward, E! Channels ,Married To Jonas’ and ‘Exit Strategy’ Movie Soundtrack.
Contact: info@solartaximusic.com
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