The producers at Fox have finally announced the date for the premiere of American Idol’s thirteenth consecutive season. The show, which has been embroiled in negotiations with all sorts of members of the marginally famous to find new judges for 2014 , will open up with a set of two-hour episodes. The first episode, which airs January 15, will feature a few changes at the judges table. The forever-twerking Nicki Minaj has been fired from the show. Diva in her own mind, Mariah Carey has been dismissed as well, presumably for all the on-air strife between her and Minaj.
So who is new to the table this year? Well, Harry Connick Jr. is, but that is about it. The rest of the lineup is all laid out in Rolling Stone:
“Idol veteran Jennifer Lopez (who was featured on the show's 10th and 11th seasons). Country star Keith Urban will return...Randy Jackson, who served as a judge for the series' first 12 seasons, will now use his talents as an in-house mentor, replacing Interscope Records founder Jimmy Iovine.”
The producers have been scrambling for Carey and Minaj’s replacement for months with little progress. After weeks of negotiations with legendary producer Dr. John, the deal fell through due to a contractual conflict between Fox, Sony Music and Universal Music. Some feared that the new season would have to be delayed.
Thank the Lord, that 46-year old musical prodigy Harry Connick, Jr. was able to take time out of his busy schedule of doing nothing and save the season. God bless you, Harry!
