AMERICAN IDOL Execs Considering All-Alumni Judges' Panel

American Idol execs are reportedly mulling over an all-alum judges panel for next season.

Vulture reports that Fox, FremantleMedia, and 19 Entertainment have approached many of the stars churned out of the IDOL machine - including Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson - 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.

But as Vulture's Josef Adalian notes, "After several seasons in which FOX shelled out crazy money for singing superstars for whom IDOL often seemed to be just part of a larger publicity tour, bringing back former contestants sounds like a good way to reconnect the show with its roots (and a core audience that might have been turned off by all the carpetbaggers passing judgement)."

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.

For the original report, head on over to Vulture.

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. Please visit www.americanidol.com for submission rules and terms and conditions.

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