Is American Idol going to fire all four judges? That's what some sources are saying.
No one may be safe when this season of American Idol ends. According to the Wrap, which spoke to an anonymous insider, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson may all be getting to boot from the judges panel. But that's not all. Longtime executive producer Nigel Lythgoe may also be getting fired. Sources saw low ratings are to blame.
"All four are gone," an insider is quoted told the Wrap, adding that rumors of former judge Jennifer Lopez's return are false. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."
The show has brought in its lowest ratings this season for FOX. On Thursday it hit its lowest ratings ever as only 11 million fans tuned in to the once number one TV talent show.
According to the source, producers don't want to spend so much money on judges when they try to replace the panel. "No more big checks for divas," the source told The Wrap. Mariah Carey was given $18 million for this season while Minaj got $12 million. Last season, Jennifer Lopez received $15 million.
This season has been full of on-screen feuds between the judges, which may also play a part in their being fired.
The Wrap tried to reach the reps for Jackson, Carey and Minaj but they did not reply. The reps for Fox and Urban refused to comment on the issue. Producer Fremantle also had no comment.
Fox announces its 2013-2014 schedule next week to advertisers, so this issue may be addressed at that time.
The newer singing competition, The Voice on NBC also added new celebrity judges this year. Shakira and Usher joined the panel this season and the show had managed to hold on to its core audience.
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