People.com reports that Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Fergie, will.i.am and Miley Cyrus are among the celebrities being considered for a spot on the AMERICAN IDOL judges panel when the show returns next season.
"There are going to be lots of names coming up now," Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe told CNN. "Everything's still up in the air, I have to say. Nothing is confirmed. Hopefully, I'm going to push for Charlie Sheen and Jerry Lewis as judges on American Idol. I'm not sure how far I'll get with that, but I think that would be fun."
According to the report, Minaj has expressed interest in appearing on the show as a permanent fixture. Last season she served as a guest judge during the early rounds of competition.
E! News reported on Monday that the FOX network is currently considering rocker Adam Lambert for a spot at the judge's table. A source told E!, "They have been talking about Adam for over a month. He personifies the show, and will be a popular choice right from the start. He knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of the judges' comments, he has a human touch, and they know they can't go wrong if they bring him on. He would be able to bring a unique perspective to the show. People love him."
Idol judge Jennifer Lopez has not yet signed on to return for next season and fellow panelists Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler are questionable as well. "Randy is great, but he's part of the old Idol," said the source. "They want to keep the soul of the show but have a new look, and for that reason he may well not be part of the new line up." A source close to Tyler confirmed that his future with the show is in question. "All up in the air," the source said. "We shall see."
Lopez has stated in recent interviews that she may abandon her post on Idol in order to spend more time with her twins, now 4 years old. However, multiple sources have confirmed that FOX has left the door open for her return. "I don't know if they can afford Jennifer, but they have let it be known that she has a guaranteed spot if she wants it," one of the sources said. "She appeals to everyone so the big bosses are in favor of keeping her on."
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