Jennifer Hudson May Be Coming Back To American Idol … As Judge, Kelly Clarkson Too: Reunion in the Works?
“American Idol” Season 13 is shaping up to be a reunion. Jennifer Hudson may return to “American Idol.” The season three finalist who went on to win an Academy Award and a Grammy is in talks to join “American Idol” as a judge for Season 13. There are also rumors that Kelly Clarkson is mulling an offer to judge “American Idol.”
Jennifer Hudson appeared last week on the "American Idol" finale. Hudson came in seventh place when she competed on the show in Season 3.
Someone close to the negotiations said, "She got the offer and her reps are currently negotiating with [the show's production company] Fremantle." The insider said of talks could go on for as long as six months to complete.
The insider continued, "The show's producers feel they've lost their core audience. And they want to bring back former contestants in order to tell their core audience, 'We love you.' They know they've made some major mistakes over the past few seasons and they want to make it right with their fans."
“American Idol” may be overhauling the show and bringing in a fresh new panel. Randy Jackson recently announced that he won’t be coming back. The other judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, have not yet announced whether they will returning. But Kevin Reilly, the entertainment chairman of Fox has said "Everything is on the table," including getting rid of theme nights. Reilly also said “American Idol” may go back to its original format of having three judges.
The ratings for the reality show’s twelfth season fell 20 percent from the last season, but the series is still one of the highest rated shows on broadcast TV.
A representative for Kelly Clarkson, who still ranks as the show’s most successful contestant, tried to dispel the rumors by saying that Clarkson won’t be joining Season 13, but the rumor mill says Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken have also been shortlisted.
Fox hasn’t made any comments yet on Hudson’s negotiations.