After the long-rumored additions of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and actress-singer Jennifer Lopez were officially announced, some "Idol" fans took to the show's website to express their displeasure.
"This is 'American Idol'!" host Ryan Seacrest said after the new judges joined him on stage at the Forum in Los Angeles, where the final national audition for next season's televised karaoke contest was held yesterday."This is 'American Idol'!" host Ryan Seacrest said after the new judges joined him on stage at the Forum in Los Angeles, where the final national audition for next season's televised karaoke contest was held yesterday.
Tyler said he wanted to join the show because "it's being a part of something much bigger than yourself. . . . I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster and show if you've got the heart, the talent, the feeling to do this you could be the next American Idol."
Steven Tyler, for one, is excited about the upcoming season. "Richter scales are going off here in LA.!" he told the audience. "After last night having dinner and today on the stage, the excitement and energy is tangible. I can feel it between the three of us...and if that's any indication of what's up and coming, look out."
That sort of takes you to the heart of Tyler's problem with Aerosmith. He seems to think that group wasn't bigger than he was.
"I'm so excited," said Lopez, who scored a reported (and insane) $12 million to join the show. "I'm looking for the next Michael Jackson."
Then you're probably in the wrong place, Jennifer.
The show also has a valuable newcomer in Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, which this season is replacing Sony Music as the label that develops, distributes and markets "Idol" finalists.
Lopez, who was never much of a singer herself, made it clear she has no plans to become the new Simon Cowell (although viewership might be helped if she wore a tight, V-neck, white T-shirt each week.
"I believe in tough love, but I'm an artist myself," she said. "I could never be cruel to another artist."
Fraternities have drinking games and so does Tattle: Anytime someone says "but I'm an artist myself," we take a shot of Mylanta.
If they say it with regard to judging karaoke, we drink the whole bottle.
Besides, singing off-key doesn't make someone an "artist."
Producer Nigel Lythgoe, an original "Idol" producer now back on the show, also took a swipe at some of the winners who emerged during his two-year absence. After early idols Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, he said, "Then we start running out of idols."
"We've got to go back to creating an American idol," he said.
Among other changes this season, contestants won't be forced to stray from their favored genre, and there are no plans to have celebrity mentors.
hey do you like me?'" she said
