It was a struggle for the producers of American Idol to find a judge to replace the duel departure of Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. They lucked out in finding former child prodigy Harry Connick Jr. The New Orleans native loves his new gig on the reality TV show.
The show's producers have been scrambling to fill the judge’s seat, since the feuding fury of Minaj and Carey nearly derailed the shows momentum last season.
After weeks of negotiations with musical icon and renowned producer Dr. John, the deal fell apart thanks to a contradicting contractual obligations between Fox, Sony Music and Universal Music. At the time, there were fears that the start of the new season might even have to be postponed.
It wasn’t until a few weeks before the show was scheduled to start shooting, that the lineup was even officially announced (via 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.”
Now, it seems, the near miss was actually a blessing in disguise. The new judge is taking to the format like a fish to water. He couldn’t be happier with his current job reports In Touch:
“It’s the easiest gig in the world; it’s three people who are having a frinkin’ ball--it’s real fun.”
Let’s just hope that the fun doesn’t stop. Or does.
