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May 27, 2012

Was Jennifer Lopez Second (or Third) Best for 'American Idol'?

by PopEater Staff, posted Aug 3rd 2010 1:00PM


-- By Rob Schuter, Popeater.com

Could mega-star Jennifer Lopez be on 'American Idol's' B-list? Sources tell me that thespot on the judges' panel only became hers after several big-name celebrities said "thanks, but no thanks."

"J.Lo was definitely not the first choice," an 'Idol' insider tells me. "In fact, she wasn't even the second or third choice."

My source tells me that before they approached Lopez, producers first asked Elton John and Barry Manilow to join the hit -- but starting to struggle -- show. Both are undeniably great singer-songwriters who have mentored contestants in prior seasons, so it wouldn't have been a stretch.

Alas, neither Elton nor Barry wanted to start a whole new career as a TV judge.

"It became clear that neither performer was ready to stop doing what they did best, writing and performing," the 'Idol' insider says. "Plus, they are international legends. They certainly don't want their legacy to be [as] the guy that replaced Simon Cowell on 'Idol.'"

Once producers realized it was going to be impossible to get an artist who was still selling millions of concert tickets and CDs to join the show, they started to look at celebrities whose careers were basically stuck in neutral. They settled on artists who needed the exposure of a national TV show as much as the troubled show needed them. That's when they turned to Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lopez.

â–º Earlier: How J.Lo's Manager Snagged Her the Job

"Let's face facts," one insider tells me. "Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lopez's careers are in a slump. They are still big names, but haven't sold out solo shows or had hit CDs in a long time. I think we can all agree that both ladies' movie careers are dead and the offers are not pouring in."

The job could have been Jessica's, but a little thing got in the way: Joe Simpson.

"This was definitely Jessica's to lose and that's exactly what her dad-manager did. Once it became clear it was going to be impossible to negotiate a deal with papa Joe, J.Lo was snapped up. Convinced being on the show would relaunch her performing career, she accepted the new job right away."

Be careful what you wish for Jennifer: Paula thought 'Idol' would send her back to the top of the charts too.


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Scott

Clay Aiken really looks old in that picture.

August 03 2010 at 1:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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