American Idol Judges Fallout: Dr. Luke's Label Forbids Judging Gig, Harry Connick Jr. Possible Replacement, Will Taping Be Delayed?
"American Idol" is set to begin filming Tuesday, but it seems Dr. Luke will no longer be a part of the judges panel.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the judges panel decision are coming down to the wire now that Dr. Luke is no longer joining the rumored confirmed judges Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban.
Reportedly, Dr. Luke's label at Sony Music is forbidding the producer to work on "American Idol," due to Sony Music's competition with Universal Music Group, which holds the exclusive rights to "American Idol" recordings.
It appears Sony Music CEO Doug Morris is personally stepping in to restrict Dr. Luke from working on the judges panel on "American Idol," and thus, the judges panel remains unraveled and unconfirmed.
With filming that supposed to start next Tuesday, it seems singer Harry Connick Jr. is not the frontrunner replacement for Dr. Luke's absence, even though the producers of "American Idol" are reticent about the choice.
Previously, Fox president Kevin Reilly already confirmed Keith Urban as the only returning judge from the previous season.
"I will confirm one thing: That Keith is going to return to the show," says Reilly during the 2013 Summer TCA Press Tour.
"Keith did a great job last year, the fans really liked him. With a new panel, you are going to see that Keith is a really funny guy."
But the word is still out on Jennifer Lopez, despite heavy rumors saying that the former "American Idol" judge will come back to the judges panel.
According to E! Online, Jennifer Lopez's beau Casper Smart accidently let it slip that J.Lo is returning to the judges panel during an interview about his new show "A Step Away."
"Returning to 'American Idol' makes sense for Jennifer this season," says a source.
"As the show's schedule will allow her to focus on new film and TV projects. And, of course, her twins are starting school this year and she will have time for her family."