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Steven Tyler Quits American Idol

Steven TylerSteven Tyler has confirmed he is leaving American Idol.

The Aerosmith singer has been a judge for the past two series on the talent show - alongside Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson - but he has ruled out returning for the 12th season in order to concentrate on music again after he "strayed too far" from his band.

"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. 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," he said in a statement.

Steven admits he "loved every minute" of his time on American Idol after having "over-the-top fun," but he is now committed to "bringing rock back" with the "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" hitmakers.


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Jennifer Lopez Hints at American Idol Exit

Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopez has strongly hinted she could quit American Idol.

The 42-year-old singer has been a judge on the talent show for the past two series, and while she has "enjoyed" being a panelist on the program "so much," the brunette beauty admits it's "maybe time" to leave to free up her schedule for movie roles and a return to performing.

"The truth is ... I've just enjoyed it so much, but I am thinking it's maybe time for me to go and do other things I really love to do like films and ... performing. This has been a great journey, but then again I really love the show so, all I can tell you is what I'm thinking."

Jennifer - who is on the panel alongside Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson - admits it will be a "heartbreaking decision" if she does decide to quit American Idol, but she has been forced to put a number of other projects on hold to judge on the show: "[Returning to Idol has] been on my mind a lot, as you can imagine. You know, I signed on to American Idol to do one year, and ... I wound up doing the two years. And now it's like, 'OK, do we continue on this journey?' I've loved it so much. I enjoy the show so much. I enjoy just the whole process of the show and the whole thing. So it's a tough decision either way. But I have to say that there are so many other things that I do, and that I put on hold for that. At the end of the day, whichever way, it's a heartbreaking decision if I'm going to have to go."


Charlie Sheen Up For American Idol

Charlie SheenCharlie Sheen wants to be an American Idol judge.

The Anger Management star says he would consider joining the judging panel of the singing show if the money was good enough and program bosses donated part of his salary to charity, after producer Nigel Lythgoe said he wanted him to get involved.

"If the numbers move the needle AND Idol matches 20% of my weekly salary for Autism Speaks, JDRF, and the Boys and Girls Club ... then the hell with it. As we say, pour the smoke. (sic)" he said.

However, the gossip website reports that the actor would only agree to a deal if FX, which airs Anger Management, were happy with him appearing on Fox.

American Idol is currently judged by Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson and though there is speculation the panel is set for some changes, Katy Perry won't be anyone's replacement.


Adam Lambert to Judge American Idol?

Adam LambertAdam Lambert is set to join the American Idol judging panel.

The flamboyant singer - who came second on the talent search contest in 2009 - is said to have been in talks for a month with show bosses, who see him as the perfect addition to the programme because he has such a big fan base and would understand the challenges the contestants must deal with.

"He personifies the show, and will be a popular choice right from the start. He knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of the judges' comments, he has a human touch, and they know they can't go wrong if they bring him on. He would be able to bring a unique perspective to the show. People love him," a source told E! News.

The panel currently features Jennifer Lopez - who is rumored to be leaving to focus on her music career - Steven Tyler, both of whom joined the show two years ago, and Randy Jackson, who has been a judge since it began.

Click to continue reading Adam Lambert to Judge American Idol?


Kelly Clarkson: I Hated Life After ‘American Idol’

Kelly ClarksonKelly Clarkson says she hated life in the years following her American Idol win.

The original winner of the show in 2002 admitted that the show's makers were out for themselves as opposed to caring about her well-being: "I'm going to be completely honest - I had no one looking out for me. They were looking out for the show, and it was horrible. I was 19 years old. I was smart enough to know that it wasn't about me, but that didn't make it any easier. I'm all cried out about it, but my first four years, I hated my life; I almost quit a dozen times."

Now Kelly - who is dating her manager's son, Brandon Blackstock - says she is finally happy.

"Where's the kick in the ass? I told my assistant that today. I said, 'I'm just waiting for something to blow up.' She said, 'No, that's what happiness is.' I'm like, maybe I've never been happy! Because Brandon does - he makes me happy," she continued.


Snoop Dogg Blasts The Voice

Snoop DoggSnoop Dogg has blasted The Voice.

The "Sweat" rapper has laid into the singing show - where judges don't see what contestants look like before picking them - because he believes you need more than a good voice to be a star.

"The Voice producers don't understand that you need more than a voice to be an artist," he said. Referring to two acts who have come from other reality TV shows, he added, "You could have the best voice ever but be as boring as hell. I don't see it producing a One Direction or Susan Boyle."

The rapper has previously said he is keen to start his own talent search show, based around finding stars from underprivileged areas of the US. "The American Idol and X Factor shows, they're great shows. But I think I need to make a show like that, directed straight to the hood. To the artists that don't get the attention, that don't have the money to make themselves representable. This raw talent and ability. I'm looking for a deal from one of you TV networks to give Snoop Dogg his own hood TV show where I can find America's hottest hood artists," he said in 2011.


Britney Spears Demanded Equal Pay to Jennifer Lopez

Britney SpearsBritney Spears demanded her X Factor pay deal was higher than Jennifer Lopez's earnings for American Idol.

The "Toxic" singer eventually agreed to a $15 million payment for one season of the US version of the Simon Cowell-fronted talent show, $3 million more than the "On The Floor" hitmaker gained for her first season on the rival program.

"Britney's bottom line was no less than $13 million," a source said. However it is also believed she initially asked for as much as $20 million, before eventually settling on the final sum.

The deal is said to have made bosses on American Idol particularly nervous as they think Jennifer now may up her demands for the show despite ratings falling in the last season.

It is believed X Factor bosses were so desperate to sign up Britney for the second season of the show they gave her permission to do whatever she wanted, which she did at her first taping of the show in Austin, Texas when she walked out during four auditions: "Simon Cowell is a smart and shrewd businessman who knew Britney could make his show and he was willing to give her just about anything to come on board - and he did."


Is Jennifer Lopez Leaving American Idol?

Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopez is reportedly leaving American Idol. The "On The Floor" singer is to step down from the judging panel of the talent show after two years because she is too busy with other commitments, it has been claimed.

"There is just too much going on for her right now," a source told US Weekly.

Jennifer- who will embark on a 20-date tour of North and Latin America this summer and is currently recording a new album - is "forever grateful" for her time on the show and is upset about leaving. "She regrets she can't stay on the show. It's been an incredible experience and she is forever grateful that she did it," the source added.

Despite the claims, American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has insisted Jennifer's departure is not definite and he would love for her to stay on the show. "We want her back. I want her back. I know how much she loves doing the show and how much she cares for the kids. [But] It's a business. She has to weigh everything. I know she's gotten lots of offers to do movies and other things," he said.

Click to continue reading Is Jennifer Lopez Leaving American Idol?


Carrie Underwood Rules Out X Factor Gig

Carrie UnderwoodCarrie Underwood would never join the X Factor panel because she is too loyal to American Idol.

The "Good Girl" singer shot to fame on the pop star search show and although she has been linked to one of the vacant roles on the X Factor judging panel, she insists she is "an Idol girl all the way."

"I think it's great that Simon Cowell has The X Factor show, and I love seeing all of these shows giving nobodies a big opportunity. But I'm an Idol girl all the way. That's the one that I love and watch. I can't see myself being a part of any another show like that," she told Extra.

Carrie also revealed she and NHL player husband Mike Fisher - whom she married in 2010 - are too busy for kids right now but are enjoying spending time together: "I have my best friend around me all the time. Everybody's like, 'The first year is the hardest,' and I'm like, 'That's it? That was the hardest? Come on, you can do better than that!' It's great; he's wonderful. I'm good right now. As long as he's playing [hockey] and I'm doing this, it doesn't make sense. So no babies."


American Idol Launching Clothing Line

American Idol clothesAmerican Idol is launching its Authentic Icon clothing line.

The talent search show recently recruited Tommy Hilfiger as an image advisor, and is now planning to launch an exclusive clothing collection at Kohl's stores across the country. The line will debut in April and be in stores from June and will feature selections for both men and women.

"It was a natural extension to partner on a line of American Idol-inspired apparel that captures the essence of our rich music, style and performance heritage," said David Luner of FreemantleMedia Enterprises, the production company behind the show.

Contestants on the show will model the styles when they appear in the weekly live finals. "The American Idol collection will build upon the powerful influence of music and entertainment on today's fashion-conscious consumers," said Rick Darling, president of LF USA - which is helping create the clothes.


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