IDOL Report: JLo Returning as Judge? Entire Panel to Be Replaced for Next Season?

According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, FOX executives had considered the idea of replacing new judge Mariah Carey with Season 11 panelist Jennifer Lopez midway through the current season. The plan however, was cut short after members of Carey's entourage threatened legal action.

THR reports that the idea was a desperate attempt to halt the rapidly declining ratings for the singing competition and 'jumpstart' it with the return of Lopez. While no longer under consideration, Idol producers are still in negotiations to have the popular judge return for the season finale this May.

According to sources close to the show, Carey will most likely not be returning for Season 13. In addition, a search may already be underway to replace the entire judge's panel before the show returns to the air next January.

In response to the reports, a FOX spokeswoman told THR in a statement, "This is just another ridiculous Idol judge rumor, likely started by talks of Jennifer performing on the finale." While a representative for Carey denies the allegations, Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe told THR: "I have not been included in any conversation regarding replacing Mariah with Jen this season."

Although IDOL began with relatively strong ratings this season, delivering a 6.0 rating with adults 18-49 and 17.9 million total viewers in its January premiere, the show has proven to be a ratings disaster for FOX. Last Wednesday's show averaged a 4.3 rating with adults 18-49, its worst performance since its debut season back in 2001.

Adding salt to the wound is the success of competing series The Voice on NBC. With the addition of new judges Shakira and Usher, the singing competition has seen an increase to a 5.2 rating in the all-important 18-49 demographic.

According to sources, FOX executives are highly concerned about this year's ratings slide and plan to 'shake-up' the judges' panel next season. Their hopes that Grammy winner Carey would spark viewer interest have not materialized. In fact, despite her eight-figure salary, Carey's appearance has been described as "passive and disengaged in her comments on the show, failing to generate the kind of fan following that Lopez had when she judged."

Who may producers have in mind for next year's show? A source tells THR that they may be searching for "not necessarily a star" to sit on the judges' panel. Perhaps a professional in the music industry with strong credentials may be the way to go.

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