When season ten of "American Idol" gets underway in January, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez will join Randy Jackson on the judges panel, ending months of speculation and rumors.
The announcement came in a live press conference.
It's been widely reported Lopez and Tyler would be filling in, at least for a season. But to my mind, it's not likely to stop the bleeding of viewers for long. I'm guessing folks tune in for a couple weeks, then lose interest unless the contestants present something special.
This may also mean a bit of a change in character for Jackson - he may have to become the "mean judge" to replace the voice of reason offered by the dearly departed Simon Cowell.
It's highly unlikely Tyler or Lopez will offer much in terms of brutal honesty. Would either one want to damage their respective reputations?
Tyler even released a statement indicating as much: "I want to give everybody a little love before I decide who goes home heartbroken," he said.
A nice sentiment, sure, but let's hope it doesn't turn into a milquetoast critique of every performer.
It's understandable why "Idol" producers would want to bring in big stars to fill out the judges' panel, but neither choice strikes me as that exciting.
For Tyler, it's a chance to get away from Aerosmith for a while. Recent reports indicate he's feeling strained in the group.
For Lopez, it's an effort to take another shot at that comeback that didn't go so well with her recent music and movie releases.
What do you think of the choices? Who would you have placed on the judges' panel?
