Report: ‘American Idol’ to fire all four judges
“American Idol” might be singing a lot of farewells when this season ends.
Fox’s hit singing show is planning to boot its entire judging panel -- Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- when the show returns next season, according to a new report. Even longtime executive producer Nigel Lythgoe will get the hook, according to the Wrap, citing an unidentified insider.
Contacted by The Times late Wednesday, spokespersons for Fox and producer Fremantle had no comment.
Fox will formally announce its 2013-14 schedule to advertisers next week and may address the issue then.
PHOTOS: ‘American Idols’ -- where are they now?
If the changes are coming, they might not surprise fans. “Idol” has endured back-to-back seasons of double-digit ratings declines. Fox, which was rendered bulletproof for years thanks to “Idol,” is struggling to right the ship.
Tensions behind the scenes have spilled out onscreen. Carey -- whom many critics have seen as a bland presence on the show -- recently began offering feedback on one contestant by archly noting that the producers had criticized her performance as a judge.
Earlier this season, Minaj caused frayed tempers by showing up nearly 15 minutes late to “Idol’s” first live show of the season.
Meanwhile, NBC’s “The Voice” has done a better job hanging on to its core audience -- despite the addition of new judges Shakira and Usher this season.
What do you think of “Idol” and the reported judging shakeup?
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