Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez Officially Announced as American Idol Judges
By Seraphina L.
See this dude in the photo above? Yeah, that’s Steven Tyler and he used to rock it out with his band Aerosmith but after numerous injuries and creative differences with his band mates, he is now an American Idol judge. Talk about downgrade.
We all heard the rumors of Tyler replacing one of the many judges leaving the hit show but even for someone who isn’t the biggest Aerosmith fan, this is some sad news now that it’s actually official. Jennifer Lopez got dropped by her label and her latest movie, The Backup Plan bombed, so it only made sense that even her diva-like tendencies would be compromised for a certain sum of money. However, will Tyler and Lopez – along with the only original member of the judging panel, Randy Jackson – cut it for audiences?
There’s no doubt that Simon Cowell kept bringing people back with is harsh but honest critiques and Paula Abdul was a pretty fun train wreck to watch (guessing what kind of medication that woman is on is always a challenge). Kara DioGuardi seemed out of place at first, but even she became a high profile judge after some face time on the screen. Ellen DeGeneres, the judge with the least experience in the music industry, even became likable due to her strong talk show host fan base. So are viewers outside of Lopez and Tyler’s fan bases remotely excited? If it’s anywhere near the level of my excitement, things aren’t looking too hot. However, we’ve got a season to see things develop so I guess I can save my sneering comments for later.
We all know Lopez got $12 million for her gig but the news of her becoming a part of the American Idol team wasn’t officially announced by the show itself until Ryan Seacrest and company held a live news conference broadcast on AmericanIdol.com today. Lopez’s cheesy statement, “You can do anything you want in this life [...] You just have to concentrate on the goal and do the best you can,” was followed by Steven Tyler walking out onto stage. Although it’s most likely viewers are ambivalent towards their feelings for Lopez and Tyler, both artists had very positive attitudes.
According to ABC.com, Lopez shared this statement after the broadcast:
“For nine years, I’ve enjoyed watching artists compete to get a meaningful chance to achieve their dreams. I know from my own experience how hard it is to succeed, and I’m looking forward to discovering and nurturing that spirit in the many ‘American Idol’ contestants I look forward to meeting this year.”
Tyler, seemed excited, but also slightly alluded to how he feels about Aerosmith members when he added:
“I’ve been on tour for most of my life in a band with four guys who judge me every day. Sometimes it hurt, but it only made me stronger [...] I want to give everybody a little love before I decide who goes home heartbroken. If you don’t like what I say, don’t get mad, get better. I’m ready to bring some rock to this ‘roller’ coaster and show these kids if they have the dream, the talent and the drive, they will be the next American Idol.”
I wonder if Tyler will provide some positive reinforcement with some high kicks and screams.
What do you think of the new judging panel for American Idol?
