Music

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have left American Idol; is Randy next?

by Claire Ward-Beveridge

Yesterday, in something that only vaguely resembled a coherent statement, Burning Man mascot Steven Tyler explained that he’s decided to end his two-season run on American Idol. His reason? A decision to re-commit to Aerosmith: “After some long … hard … thoughts … I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit.”

For those of you that took the above sentence for a quirky Stevenism, it’s actually a reference to the movie Fatal Attraction in which [SPOILER ALERT] Glenn Close murders Michael Douglas’ daughter’s pet rabbit.

Tyler further explained, “I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I’m back — but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”

This announcement was followed by speculation that the two remaining judges, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, have been expressing desire to move on to other things as well. In a recent phone interview, Lopez had this to say about it: “When I started Idol… I signed on for one year. I didn’t even think about doing it for two years, let alone three years. To make the decision to go back a second year was a big deal for me.”

As of today, it’s official. Jennifer Lopez is also quitting her judging duties on American Idol. On Ryan Seacrest’s radio show this morning, she said that “just can’t fit the show in her schedule anymore.” Is Randy the next to fall? Will the show just be Ryan Seacrest and three empty chairs? Also, would the show really be much different if that were the case?

After we’ve gone through the seven stages of grief, the bigger question remains – who will replace those that leave? One source at US Magazine hints that it could be none other than Mariah Carey (who is managed by ol’ Randy Jackson himself) who would then move into more of a mentor role à la Jimmy Iovine.

Other names that have been floating around over the last day or two include Adam Lambert, will.i.am, Fergie, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj. On Tuesday, TMZ reported that Jerry Lewis and Charlie Sheen were added to the mix, which HAS to be a joke.

I can’t in good conscience write about this, and not mention my fantasy picks for the new Idol judges. I’d love to see R. Kelly, Kanye West, and Adele sit on the judging panel. Kells and Yeezy might get a little too insane at times, but ol’ Adele would be able to diffuse things and just charm the shit out of everyone.

The most we can ask for is for the Idol producers to pick a group of judges who will provide equal parts weirdness, insight, and harsh criticism. Considering Idol’s recent ratings troubles, it seems unlikely that they would take any interesting risks. We can only live in hope.

[via CBC]