Getty Images
Posted on 08/31/2013 6:26:07 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Edited on 08/31/2013 6:58:39 PM PDT by Sidebar Moderator. [history]
Harry Connick Jr. is returning to American Idol -- this time, in a judge's seat.
The singer, who has appeared on the Fox reality competition multiple times as a mentor and performer, is inking a deal to serve as a judge alongside Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez on the upcoming 13th season, a source close to the show tells The Hollywood Reporter.
PHOTOS: 'American Idol' Season 12 Finale in Pictures
The news comes one week after THR revealed that Dr. Luke, previously considered a frontrunner for the position, dropped out of negotiations due to a conflict with his label at Sony Music. (Sony rival Universal Music Group holds exclusive rights to American Idol recordings.)
Earlier this week, THR reported that Connick was a contender for the gig as Fox was reluctant to bring another woman on board after last season's friction between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, which did not play well with the show's key older female demographic. While the network had hoped to bring an industry professional into the mix, time is of the essence. Had the show not signed a third judge soon, production could have faced a delay.
On Thursday evening, Idol producer Simon Fuller hosted a small party in the champagne room of Los Angeles hotspot Bouchon with series mainstay Randy Jackson (who will move from judge to mentor in the upcoming season), Urban, Lopez and Connick on hand to toast the forthcoming announcement.
Friday morning, Ryan Seacrest set fans' tongues wagging with a tweet: "Got some @AmericanIdol news for you coming very soon…"
Fox declined to comment.
Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun had been widely reported as the show's next likely candidate after Dr. Luke was officially out, but Braun reportedly passed on the opportunity.
Well I always thought that Nicki Minaj was Valerie Jarrett with a wig. Maybe this confirms it.
Pinging Silent Jonny for the thread.
I’m glad my dawg will be back, and I do admit to liking Harry Connick Jr.
I want Paula back
Harry C should call it as it is.
The singer that I believe most personifies the sense in which 'American Idol' will continue on the air for many years to come is Vanilla Ice.
Idol needs a villain... someone people can BOO with gusto.
Unfortunately with Simon Cowell gone, they haven’t found one yet.
“Aw, brilliant! Brilliant! I’ve got nipples, that’s great! You could hear me play the music your parents fell in love to, but, instead, I got nipples! Are you done now, man?! Come on!”
The fourth judge, which is one too many, will be of the negro persuasion
Corrected your post to my understanding of that "reality".
I didn’t think it was coming back. I gave up on it when Simon left.
~ When It's For The Fans Only ~
It was apparent last season Connick was a contender and I’m so happy he’s an addition. Nothing could be worse than the train wreck last season with the two divas. Jennifer and Harry are known worldwide and I’m looking forward to the new season. That being said, I wish Pauler and Simon would return.
You are kidding...right? Good grief!!! FReepers do not pay attention to this liberal democratic kiddie crap....do they?
I liked the “pants on the ground” singer.
About the only good thing that’s come out of that show.
Oh yes, some of us do. We sometimes need a diversion from BO and his regime tactics. However, anyone who would pay JLo $17 million a year to sit at a desk and look pretty needs their head examined.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.