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'American Idol' ex-producer Nigel Lythgoe: 'I would replace the entire judging panel'
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As Simon Cowell gets ready to leave "American Idol" for his new baby, "X Factor," an original "Idol" producer, Nigel Lythgoe, says he thinks the show should do a major overhaul of the judges table. "I would replace the entire judging panel," Lythgoe tells Zap2it. "I don't think it really works replacing one person. They don't have a great deal of chemistry at the moment. Ryan [Seacrest] and Simon have fallen out. It's uncomfortable to watch. Ellen [DeGeneres] hasn't worked out as well as we would have hoped."
Not only does Lythgoe think they should return to three judges, but proposes two new names and one old as well. So who would he pick?
"Elton John, Usher and Paula Abdul," Lythgoe says.
But does the "So You Think You Can Dance" judge and producer have any say in matters Idol?
"Absolutely none."
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Because Usher is going to devote half the year to judging this show? Forgetting that for a moment, I think its all but official that Paula is headed to X-Factor. The solution here is letting Simon and Ellen leave, the former by his own volition and the latter because it simply hasn't worked. Then, they need to hire a big personality to round out the panel. At first I thought Perez Hilton was a terrible idea but now I think he might be their best choice.
This may be Nigel's best observation ever. He is spot on.
Actually, Elton John would be a great choice. At least for once we'd have a judge with real bona fides in the stardom department. Paula has lots of expertise, but her last hit record came out when the first Bush was in office, I've no idea what Jackson's qualifications are, Ellen isn't a huge singing sensation, and as far as I'm concerned Simon's claim to fame is hosting and producing, well, shows like American Idol. Bring in someone like Elton John (someone of his ilk - Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, etc) and I'd even start watching.
I support this idea. I love Ellen, but she's better suited to her talk show. However, I wouldn't replace Kara. I've grown to like her, especially after hearing her sing on Lopez Tonight. She's an amazing talent. She deserves to be there. She just needs to be more original with her judging comments. She pretty much says the same thing every night.
And JettaJameson just said why Kara needs to be replaced: "She just needs to be more original with her judging comments. She pretty much says the same thing every night." I agree with Nigel Lythgoe -- 3 seats, 3 new judges.
Perez Hilton, Wesley??? Yeah, lets get someone with zero talent or musical experience, who's famous for no reason.
replace the judges with Metallica.
It's time to bounce kara and the degenerate with new fresh faces with something positive to say for once. Maybe a new host wouldn't hurt either. For once, Nigel hit the nail on the head. well stated.
KARA says the same thing every night?
They ALL say the same thing almost every night. Always have. Kara sounds the most intelligent out of all of them. She may be repeating herself, but it may be because some of these contestants aren't listening...
Get rid of all 4 judges. Get only 3 new ones. Even Paula would be better than Kara, Ellen and Randy.