Jessica Simpson Rumored To Replace Simon Cowell As 'American Idol' Judge

via MTV News

Today's "American Idol" rumor about the potential replacement for Simon Cowell has reality TV veteran and pop singer Jessica Simpson possibly stepping in to replace the cantankerous British judge who split after season nine.

According to Entertainment Weekly, an unnamed source close to the "Newlyweds" star said Simpson has had several meetings with "Idol" brass about possibly joining the show for the upcoming tenth season, which kicks off in January 2011. A representative for Simpson told MTV News she had no comment on the report.

"I'm not sure whether her people approached 'Idol,' or if it was the other way around," according to the source, who noted that the "Dukes of Hazzard" star is just one of "dozens" of candidates who have reportedly been considered for the gig. Simpson joins a list that does not, however, include Elton John or Justin Timberlake, who were rumored to be in contention for the slot before their reps denied that either would be considering the spot on America's #1 show. Meetings between "Idol" producers and John and Timberlake reportedly took place several months ago and were non-starters.

The spate of rumors comes on the heels of reports that former "Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe is expected to return to the show for the upcoming season and that the "So You Think You Can Dance" judge/producer might be considering major changes to the remaining judging panel to give the show a boost. An "Idol" spokesperson has offered no comments on the Lythgoe, Timberlake and John rumors and could not be reached for reaction to the Simpson news at press time. Fox had no comment on the Simpson rumors, either.

The show's producers have not announced when they would reveal the name of Cowell's replacement, but the unnamed source told EW that "Idol" network Fox's "dream scenario" would be to make a big announcement at its event at the 2010 Television Critics Association Press Tour on Monday (August 2). Among the other names reportedly in contention for the gig are singers Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr.

A Return At ‘Idol’ Could Mean More Changes

via The New York Times

Signaling that changes might be coming to “American Idol,” one of the original executive producers, Nigel Lythgoe, is expected to return next season, four people with knowledge of the negotiations said this week.

Mr. Lythgoe’s imminent return renewed speculation in the television business about who will be cast to replace Simon Cowell, the British judge who bid farewell to the singing competition last May.

Mr. Lythgoe’s return also suggests that the changes will not stop at Mr. Cowell’s chair. Amid a gradual decline in the franchise’s ratings, the show’s producers, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, and its distributor, the Fox network, appear willing to implement sweeping changes.

“Everybody is looking at everything right now, which I actually think is really healthy,” said one person involved in the show’s production. “It’s about making the whole show better.”

The people insisted on anonymity because Mr. Lythgoe’s return had not been announced and because other changes to the show had not been decided upon. There is likely to remain a veil of silence about the future of “Idol” for several more weeks; Fox is eying early September for an announcement about the judges panel.


America’s No. 1 reality show, “Idol” pulled in 25.2 million viewers on Tuesday nights and 23.6 million viewers on Wednesday nights during the ninth season, which ended in May. But like most aging television shows, its audience is eroding and the median age of its viewers is getting older. A desire to turn around the ratings is adding pressure to the deliberations by the “Idol” producers.

Mr. Lythgoe helped to bring the “Idol” format to America from Britain in 2002. He was an executive producer on the series until 2008, when he departed, saying at the time that he needed to concentrate on another Fox show, “So You Think You Can Dance,” which he produces and judges.

His return — which is expected to be finalized later this week — is tied to the long-simmering tensions between FremantleMedia, which handles the TV production, and 19 Entertainment, which administrates the singing careers of the “Idol” stars. He and the “Idol” creator Simon Fuller are a part of 19 Entertainment, a unit of a company called CKX.

The other executive producers, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick, work for Fremantle. They will remain in their positions.

Mr. Warwick did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday night, but he told The Wrap that Mr. Lythgoe “will return as CKX’s representative on the show.” Seeming to counter initial reports that Mr. Lythgoe would take charge and reboot “Idol,” Mr. Warwick added, “he will most certainly not be taking over the ’reins’ of the production.”

One person involved in the show’s production likened the return of Mr. Lythgoe to a “very dysfunctional family reunion.”

The show’s other judges are currently Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres. Rumored replacements for Mr. Cowell have included Elton John, Chris Issak and Harry Connick, Jr., The Hollywood Reporter, which broke the news of Mr. Lythgoe’s return Tuesday night, said Tuesday that Justin Timberlake was also on Mr. Fuller’s “wish list.”

Fox, Freemantle and 19 Entertainment all declined to comment Wednesday.

With changes probable on the horizon, the mini-industry that has crept up around “Idol” is trying to re-assert itself heading into the tenth season. Fox said in a news release last week that 16,000 people attended the first “Idol” audition in Nashville on July 17. The network said “more than 10,000″ attended the second audition in Milwaukee on July 21.

The news release included a statement from Mr. Fuller that “these attendance figures are significantly up on the last few years, and there is clearly renewed excitement and interest in the show, which is great to see.”

Bikini-Clad Carrie Underwood Kisses Mike Fisher

via US Magazine

You may now kiss the bride -- again!

Carrie Underwood and new husband Mike Fisher are definitely enjoying quality alone time at Tahiti's Le Tahaa Resort for their honeymoon.

In newly-released snapshots from Monday, singer Underwood, 27, showed off her impressive beach bod in a lacey red bikini, as she relaxed with hockey star Fisher, 30, on the deck of their suite overlooking the water. The newly minted spouses clinched their love with an intense smooch.

The couple wed last weekend at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga. in front of 200 guests; the bash reportedly cost $500,000.

"The wedding was romantic and spiritual -- perfect Southern wedding," a hotel employee told UsMagazine.com.

"Sometimes weddings can be stuffy, but this one wasn't," a bartender at the event added.

American Idol Stardom Keeps Idol's Lee DeWyze Single — For Now

via People

Is Ms. Right out there? If she’s the one for American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, she better be patient. The single singer can’t quite focus on mingling these days.

“I am single, yes. I think a relationship right now will be pretty hard,” DeWyze tells PEOPLE, saying his demanding American Idols Live! Tour schedule could keep him from starting a relationship.

“That kind of stuff takes a lot of time and patience, and I know right now I just don’t think it’d be fair to anybody,” he says. “When I meet the right girl I’ll definitely have no hesitations to a relationship.”

In the meantime, DeWyze is enjoying his stardom and reveling in the opportunity to meet fans face-to-face.

“The absolute best part of this whole process is to being able to see people who have supported me,” he says. “I’m excited to put out an album and go on tour and meet the fans and that’s why I did this.”

Trust us, they are excited too!

Carrie Underwood Marries Her Canadian Cowboy

via E! Online

No more cowboy casanovas for Carrie Underwood.

The Grammy-winning singer swapped vows Saturday evening with NHL player Michael Fisher in a lavish ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, in Greensboro, Ga., E! News has confirmed.

More than 250 guests were in attendance, including country supercouple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

"We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us!" the newlyweds said in a statement to People.

During the ceremony, which reportedly featured the couple's favorite Bible verses and classical music, The 27-year-old blushing bride walked down the aisle in a Monique Lhuillier chantilly lace gown. Her bridesmaids donned dresses by the coveted designer as well.

Security was tight all over the property, which was closed off to anyone who wasn't either employed by the hotel or instrumental in making the Underwood-Fisher nuptials happen.

Even the road leading into the hotel was closed to traffic Saturday, making it necessary for eager-beaver shutterbugs to shoot the ceremony from boats on Lake Oconee, which borders the hotel.

Speaking of privacy, the newlyweds were scheduled to spend their first night together as husband and wife in the Ritz's 5,400-square-foot Presidential House.

Here's hoping Underwood never finds a reason to undo it.

Crystal Bowersox Sinks Her (Newly Fixed) Teeth Into Hollywood

via Reality Rocks

Well, apparently Crystal Bowersox really is through to Hollywood. The lovably scruffy hippie girl's post-"American Idol" makeover is already well underway, as she has signed to Jive Records (label home to Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Pink, and Usher); is reportedly working on songs for her upcoming album with Jordin Sparks/Natasha Bedingfield/Beyonce collaborator Wayne Wilkins; and now has finally fixed her oft-criticized teeth in order to obtain a camera-ready, A-list smile worthy of an Idol.


The "Idol" runner-up recently tweeted a photo of her cosmetically corrected, blindingly whitened grin, with the message, "What's NOT missing in this picture?????? Yeah. That's right" (referring to her former gummy gap). The smiley snapshot was a bit of a surprise, since although Crystal's imperfect chompers were often the target of nasty blogosphere criticism and debate during her "Idol" run, she always seemed impervious to such shallow slams, even ignoring one shamelessly opportunistic celebrity dentist's press release-dispensed offer to fix her teeth free of charge.


But considering how happy Crystal appears in her Twitpic above, it seems she's had a change of tune, or of tooth, so to speak.

So, does this dental makeover signify the introduction of a sparklier, more polished Crystal? Possibly. Looking at Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, and Jennifer Hudson's post-"Idol" weight loss; Allison Iraheta's braces removal and hair extensions; Kellie Pickler's sexy style update and rumored surgical enhancements; and even Elliott Yamin's own dental improvements, Crystal would hardly be the first Idol to glam it up after leaving "AI." And Crystal's folksy sound may soon undergo a makeover too, not only because of her aforementioned new collaborator, but because she also recently mysteriously tweeted to fans, "Would you all hate it if I sang a pop song?"

However, considering that Crystal's trademark dreadlocks and chin piercing seem quite intact in her toothy Twitpic, let's just assume that the "Holy Toledo" singer won't forget where she came from now that she's gone Hollywood, and that fans of Crystal's granola-girl charm will still have lots to smile about when her album comes out this fall. And hey, if the whole music thing doesn't work out, with a mouthful of pearly whites like this, now Crystal could always get work as a spokesmodel for Rembrandt.

Country singer Julianne Hough spied kissing Ryan Seacrest

via Fox 411

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and "Dancing with the Stars" ("DWTS") dancer Julianne Hough can no longer act so coy -- they were spotted kissing on Seacrest's yacht while on a romantic vacation in Portofino, Italy, the New York Post reported Thursday.

Sources said a set of sensational photos now making the rounds show two-time "DWTS"-winner Hough, who is also a country singer, wrapping her legs around Seacrest as she greets him on board after jetting in from Atlanta.

It was believed the lovebirds set sail for Monaco.

Although the New York Post first reported that the two were dating two months ago, both refused to confirm they were an item. A rep for Seacrest did not answer the Post's request for comment.

America is voting no on 'Idol' Live tour

via The Scoop on Today

This past season of “American Idol” is widely regarded as one of the show’s worst, and the corresponding Idol Live! tour might be the last nail in season nine’s coffin.

The tour, which features the final 10 contestants, has suffered poor ticket sales (example: at press time, Wednesday’s show at Jones Beach, right outside New York, featured front-row seats still available for just $13). Seven shows have been cancelled, and nine shows have been rescheduled.

Is there an explanation for the lack of interest, or worry on the part of the “Idol” brass? Reps for “Idol” won’t say, other than to comment, “At this time, other than confirming that some shows on the IDOL LIVE! 2010 tour itinerary have been moved and/or canceled, we are not issuing any comment or statement.”

A source close to the production had a little bit more to say about the sad state of the Idol Live tour.

“No one was very optimistic about the success of the Idols tour this summer,” said one well-placed “Idol” source. “They knew they didn’t have big stars on their hands, and really, ‘American Idol’s’ focus isn’t about creating a successful tour, it’s about creating a successful show, week to week. But unfortunately, the tour (not doing well) reflects badly on the show, especially since there’s the ‘who will replace Simon’ situation to contend with this year.”

A tepid tour won’t halt progress, though. “American Idol” begins auditioning for new hopefuls, as scheduled, July 17 in Nashville, Tenn.

4th of July Sale

Idol Shirts is having a special 4th of July sale for our "Beleeve Buttons & Bands" package. The package has been reduced from $14.95 to $9.99 this weekend only! If you order one, you'll receive one "Beleeve Button," one "Beleeve Band," plus free shipping to anywhere in the United States. Place your order this weekend to save almost $5! We only have a limited number, so order now!

www.americanidoltourshirts.com

American Idols Become Wedding Crashers

via Reality Rocks


You know, there was a time when one of the biggest insults an "American Idol" contestant could receive was to be compared to a wedding singer. But this week, Season 9 finalists Casey James, Michael Lynche, and Andrew Garcia were proud to moonlight at the Detroit-area wedding of lucky couple Michelle Ricketts and Bobby Belke.

According to an Andrew interview with Fox Detroit, the three Idols were in Michigan this week rehearsing for the Idols Live Tour (which kicked off Thursday, July 1, at Detroit's Palace Of Auburn Hills), and were dining at the Royal Park Hotel when wedding guests approached them and invited them to the Ricketts/Belke reception taking place in the hotel's ballroom.

One thing led to another, and before long, the Idols were actually jamming on Motown oldies with the wedding band (luckily, Casey didn't play the buzzkill song "Jealous Guy"). And judging by the delighted expressions on wedding guests' faces in the reception photos, not a single spectator in the crowd seemed to think these surprise performers were "pitchy," dawg.

Michael reportedly seemed especially at home onstage, having sung in wedding bands professionally before his big "American Idol" break. "I just know that scene so well. It was surreal," he told Fox.

"Michelle's a big 'Idol' fan," maid of honor Katie Avesian told Fox. "She and Bobby were up onstage dancing with [the Idols]. I think they might have even hit up the dessert bar."

Sweet--literally. No wonder Big Mike told Fox that he loves to crash weddings.

So congratulations to the newlyweds, and here's hoping the audiences on the Idols Live Tour are as appreciative and excitable as those wedding guests. I guess the only question left to ask here is...are the Idols also available for birthday parties, quinceañeras, and bar mitzvahs?