Kelly Clarkson Will Not Return to AMERICAN IDOL as Judge; Jennifer Hudson Still Under Consideration?

Despite rumors that former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson was under consideration for one of the show's season 13 judging slots, the singer tells The Hollywood Reporter that she will not be returning to the program. Meanwhile, American Idol execs are reportedly still mulling over an all-alum judges panel for next season, including Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls).

Vulture reports that Fox, FremantleMedia, and 19 Entertainment have approached many of the stars churned out of the IDOL machine - including Hudson, who came in 7th place during season 3 - for the vacant judging positions. Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken are also being considered.

At this time, no deals have been struck - and FOX has plenty of time to decide if an all-alum panel is the way to go.

IDOL staple Randy Jackson announced recently that he would be exiting the show come next season. Reports have also arisen that IDOL execs are prepared to dump Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and long-time producer Nigel Lythgoe, as well.

IDOL crowned its most recent champ, 23-year-old Candice Glover. She joins the ranks of other winners including Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee Dewyze, Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips.

Audition cities and dates for IDOL Season 13 include Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 10; San Francisco, CA, on Tuesday, July 16; Detroit, MI, on Sunday, July 21; Atlanta, GA, on Friday, July 26; Boston, MA, on Friday, Aug. 2; Austin, TX, on Wednesday, Aug. 7; and Omaha, NE, on Sunday, Aug. 11.

IDOL hopefuls also can audition for the upcoming 13th season at www.americanidol.com, by submitting an audition video online. Entrants should demonstrate their stellar singing ability by performing a song of their choice a cappella. Videos are limited to one submission per person.

Hudson has also appeared on TV in NBC's SMASH and won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an NAACP Image Award for her performance in the film Dreamgirls.

To post a comment, you must register and login.