Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Taylor Hicks To Judge American Idol?

Posted on July 21st, 2012 at 8:00 am

Now that American Idol has lost superstar judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, show producers are scrambling to find two new lucky people to fill their place.

Stars like Mariah Carey, Fergie, Miley Cyrus,Niki Minaj, will.i.am, Charlie Sheen, and Adam Lambert are only a handful of names that have been rumored to fill the hot seat. But now a source close to production tells RumorFix exclusively that head honchos for the show have been in some ‘preliminary discussions’ with some previous winners of the talent competition.

Our insider reveals that fan favorites like Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks have all been contact by the hit Fox show.

Clay seems to be openly lobbying for the job, he’s retweeting comments from fans including this one from his Celebrity Apprentice co-star Arsenio Hall:

“@clayaiken <—– there is ONLY one logical and perfect choice for a new IDOL judge! Especially when it comes to IDOL alumni!!!”

Taylor would love the multi-million dollar job as well — when a fan tweeted, “you would be a great judge on @americanidol,” he responded, “agreed.”

Idol’s first winner thinks Carrie would make a great choice, saying “When asked if Carrie would make a good judge, Kelly Clarkson said: ”She would! Didn’t she major in journalism or something?

As for some of the other folks reportedly up for the gig — here are their reactions:

Adam Lambert — “If they were to approach me and if they were to say, ‘We want you to be a judge on the show,’ I would love that. I would jump at the chance.”
Charlie Sheen — “Seriously, tell him (Nigel Lythgoe) I’m genuinely interested. It’s so different, it could be radical.”

UPDATE: Deadline Hollywood reports Mariah Carey is finalizing her deal to be a judge. No confirmation from FOX yet.

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judy

Clay would be great. As we saw him on Celebrity Apprentice, he is honest, truthful. He would not sugar coat his opinions. Being a former teacher, he would be such an asset to the show.
- Jocelyne Bertin
  
  Clay will be oky if he return like a teacher, because I dont think he will fit there like a juge on American Idol ..because the show are already not great since Adam Lambert dont win the show the season 8 and each year the peoples dont want to see AI again. They lost there first place tv reallity show to Dance with the Stars and they will lost more than that if they took Clay Aickens…for me I dont like him and I dont like Taylor Hicks.
  
  Carrie Underwood have already a huge career and she need to make her own thinks so…American Idol will be died if they dont took Adam Lambert who many many peoples love him. He prouve many times he will make a great job, He is the only American Idol to be a Mentor in that show they ask him and he accept so, I think the quote of listening will be up if they ask Adam if not? The show will died im sure of that.
anon

NOT a fan of Carrie she comes off very cold & calculating. Needs a personality adjustment. Just something about her gives off a bad vibe & its not shyness as she thinks we should believe.
AnyonebutClay

There are very few people on that list I would tune in to watch. A definite NO for me would be Clay, Taylor, Charlie and Niki. Just…please, no.
CAROLLE WESCOAT

TAYLOR TAYLOR TAYLOR
Sandi

Clay Aiken
jenna

Clay Aiken
Lorenejnorris

Absolutely, CLAY AIKEN, 100%, he would be fantastic. There is a need for Clay to return to
Idol. He had a huge fan base and everyone on Idol knows this , they , owe it to Him to bring
Him back , it seems that in the past few years Idol has rejected Him and for no reason that
anyone knows. He is greatly MISSED!!!!!!. He along with season 1 contestants , brought
American Idol to the forefront of Reality TV. Give HIM a chance, He deserves it!!!!!!!
Amy

Charlie Sheen, Niki ?????? what are you thinking!!!!!! these people don’t have a clue about
music. In the past, the judges only wanted to hear screaming and yelling, no singing
Steven Tyler, does he actually sing and actually carry a tune, OH My God, are you kidding
me!!!!! That is actually a shame to let someone like that make a decision on who can
actually sing—Please American Idol, get someone that actually knows music. People are
sick of the yelling and screaming that is suppose to be taken as actually singing. This a
a Talent Show for Gods Sakes–call it for what it is
http://twitter.com/Nancymunchkin Nancy Paonessa

Taylor Hicks would be a great choice to be a judge on American Idol He knows what the Judges are looking for in the contestents. He is funny, charming and could be a smart “butt” LOL like Simon was at times but he is never as mean. He would be a fun addition to the show
http://twitter.com/PFlowerstone Peg

Taylor.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=677275924 Anonymous

Clay Aiken would be perfect. He is charming, witty, has perfect pitch, is a former teacher, is a multiplatinum touring machine and he’s been in their shoes. It doesn’t get any better than that.
- Carlene001
  
  I agree 100%. Clay would also be totally honest with his critique and AI would win back Clay’s fan base…which is still huge. I haven’t watched AI since probably the 5th season but I’d be watching every show if Clay was there. He’d be a great asset to the show!!!
jerseyirish

Taylor Hicks without a doubt, he has the charm, music knowledge, great performing skills, he would be an asset to the show!
Anonymous

Groan!!! I would rather have Joan Rivers or Rush Limbaugh(or a poke in the eye) than Clay Aiken. He’s so, so, so, I don’t even know what word to use, and please fans of his, don’t supply any. And there may be a “need for Clay to return to Idol” from HIS point of view, but seeing that he hasn’t been invited back for a long time, I hope no one on the production staff agrees. I’ve heard Clay be a jerk too many times to deal with him. Taylor Hicks, hadn’t thought of him, but would at least tune in to see how he did. Carrie, I’m neutral, but she doesn’t exhibit much personality when not performing. There are plenty of other idols who are acceptable if that is the route they want to take, even crazy, hilarious Matt Giraud or Blake Lewis if they want someone who no one knows any more and who has slipped from the spotlight. They need someone with pizzazz and great personality along with judging skills.

TPTB do not need my opinion nor my (un)veiled threat, but if it’s Clay, AI, our relationship, which has been strained the last few years, is finally over. Pompous ass as a judge, nope, doesn’t work for me. I shall be residing behind my shield for the next day or so, so hurl your rocks as you see fit.
- Jonjeffries
  
  What a sad comment. It’s too bad you make up such trash!
  - Anonymous
    
    What did I say that was untrue? Just curious. If you’re talking about hearing him be a jerk, once it was to his fans about something and I could not believe they put up with it. It was year ago or so, don’t save things about him, but it was in some kind of interview where just see his face, not interviewers. Anyway, doesn’t matter. Everything else is my opinion, so I’m allowed to make it up. I’m very into nice, funny, humble people, both in real life and in entertainment, so they always get my vote for ANYTHING. Taylor may not be humble, and I’m not a fan fan, but he seems like a good guy.
    - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=677275924 Anonymous
      
      Clay Aiken is awesome and adorable. I hate when haters make up bad rumors. He nearly won Celebrity Apprentice a couple of months ago and he was warm and smart and funny and I fell in love with him. So did millions of others who got to know him.
      - Jocelyne Bertin
        
        Who do you see Clay Aiken are awesome? I dont see him like that he his not awesome he his a guy realy ordinary. Adorable who you saw that too? Jeez we dont have same feeling about him. BTW Im a Adam Lambert Fan’s and Adam are more that awesome and more that adorable he have all the package and his voice are so so powerfull he sing like the phonebooks. He just be the Queen Frontman in Uk for 6 concert and they love him more than ever…Brings Adam to be juge they will be up the quote off peoples to will look the Reality show again like before. After Adam will pass at the season 8 the show lost all the others years…because Adam dont won that season.
      - http://twitter.com/monidol Jacqueline
        
        Of course you wouldn’t like either Clay or Taylor because you’re an Adam L fan. WE GET THAT! but there’s no need to put THEM down in order to get your point across.
      - Anonymous
        
        What in my name says I’m an Archie fan? That is hilarious. Actually, truth be told, I’d take a bullet for Adam Lambert. Stayed up till 3:45am watching his crazy ass perform in Palm Springs last night, throwing caution to the wind, pissing off security when he jumped into the audience. But me liking Adam has nothing to do with disliking Clay. And I wasn’t being “nasty,” I’m not spreading rumors, just stating what I’ve seen and heard and disliked, and I’m certainly not a “hater” which in our fandom denotes dislike for race, sexual orientation, etc reasons. I just don’t like Clay as a person from what I’ve seen, I actually did not watch Cele Apprentice because of him. The one episode I started to watch, Medieval Times, he was being all pissy and “do you know who I am,” so I turned it off.
        Again, it all boils down to personal opinion. I like vibrant, crazy, sweet, smart, articulate people, and I defy you to find one interviewer who does not come away in awe of Adam as a talent and as a person.
        I keep saying I’m done with this conversation, but I’m gabby, as usual. Have a great day and I have to go re-watch the videos from last night. Only the fact that I’m bedridden for a few weeks kept me from flying 3000 miles to scream myself hoarse in the California desert with all the other crazies… but my day will come again and……….. well, never mind. Ha Ha
- Bevwebb
  
  Pompous ass would be Simon and they loved him…lol Clay would be very good having been there done that. He’s smart and funny too.
- Lovingclayaiken
  
  What the hell are you watching Moran!!!!!
  - Anonymous
    
    Did you mean M O R O N ??? Sorry, I used to be an English teacher so I’m a little anal about how people spell words when they are attempting to insult me.
    - Murkey
      
      Your not a moron by any means. Your plain old stupid
      - Anonymous
        
        There, there, honey, do you feel better now? You can’t have it both ways, they mean the same thing. And, I am not stupid, I’m actually frighteningly intelligent, as long as it isn’t math, though you may not agree with my opinions.
        I’ve found name calling isn’t very productive and in the past few years I have been tempted many times by the sad, prejudiced, fanatics who inhabit the anonymity of the internet to sink to their level. HOWEVER, our musical messiah has discouraged that type of behavior and encouraged us to use our time, money, and energy to do productive things like support charities, write our congressmen, and learn more about the world and its inequities.
        
        There aren’t many pop celebrities who can be as proud of their
        fans as ours is. He asks, we do, because it’s always something good and righteous. OMG, I sound like I’ve been drinking the Kool Aid, don’t I?
http://twitter.com/gator90 Cookie Dunker

Clay would be great as a judge. Smart, funny, and compassionate, without being mean.
- Jocelyne Bertin
  
  OMG! Not Clay I dont like this guy and I will never see the show if he comes there to make juge oh jeez NO!!
Suze

Clay can sing any genre – he really knows his music. He’s sharp, funny, can think for himself & say what’s on his mind. He’ll tell the singers what they need to hear…if he doesn’t have a panic reaction each time they play that AI theme song (just joking). He really stepped to the plate on Celebrity Apprentice and should have won it all, if judged on his task performance and creativity, rather than what was politically correct. It’s time for America to rediscover his multi-talents! Would love it if Jimmy Iovine judged, too – but would be satisfied if Jimmy continues commenting each week on each performers strengths and challenges. You go, Clay with your bad self!
JPMilne

I think that Clay Aiken would make an amazing judge. He is intelligent, has a great sense of humor, can make fun of himself and knows first hand about the good and bad of being a contestant on AI.

If he comes on board, I will return to watching the show.
Angela125

Clay Aiken would make an amazing judge. I watched when he was a judge on the Star Search in Canada. He was helpful and quick to say the right thing.

If Clay becomes a judge, I just might have to start watching AI again!
http://profile.yahoo.com/XJ5ZUW3SQTGTYPYIWBAQ4NN7B4 Mimi

I like both Carrie and Taylor but am not sure if they would be good at judging AI . I have seen videos on youtube of Clay in interviews , at charity events and being hilarious with his concert banter . I think he would be fair to the AI kids ( he seems to be a teacher at heart ) , and very entertaining for the viewers . Whoever gets the job , I am ready for a change .
Guest

Charlie sheen?? They wouldn’t dare due to the chance of viewers dropping the show! Yes he’s talked about a lot due to his poor choices, but seriously what music experience does he have?

I don’t think Simon is that obtuse to actually put him as one of the judges.

As for the other two…..meh.

They’re going to have to do better than them regarding star quality if they hope to keep high ratings next year; That is what is really comes down to.
Farquar

Clay Aiken? Well there’s another show I won’t be watching.
- Angela125
  
  I am sure that Clay Aiken and AI would not care at all. People with that kind of attitude are not important to fans shows….and I would bet that you actually would watch the show. You just had to pretend to be cool.
http://twitter.com/monidol Jacqueline

Clay Aiken would definitely make me watch the show again. He was part of making this show the success it is now and without a doubt he would be a fantastic judge.
http://www.facebook.com/mary.k.farmer1 Mary Kay Farmer

Absofrickinglutely Clay Aiken, he is smart, knowledgeable of music, funny, a great carig person wh would be so helpful to th kids witout beingasty.
Jersey737

Clay Aiken would be awesome. Best choice by far.
Kathi

Clay Aiken is the ONLY person who could lure me back into watching AI. I used to be a die-hard AI fan, but no longer have interest. Clay wouldn’t be afraid to offer CONSTRUCTIVE criticism that’s actually worthwhile. He’s also a good, humble man who has wrongly been made the butt of tabloid trash stories and late-night comedians. He always sings the praises of his friends such as Ruben and Kelly C., while rarely tooting his own horn. Besides all that, he has a voice like no other and is funny and witty! Aiken all the way!!!!!!!!
http://twitter.com/adamluv1000 adamluv1000

I THINK ADAM LAMBERT WOULD BE THE BEST JUDGE. TAYLOR HICKS WOULD BE A GREAT CORRESPONDENT AS HE HAS A FUNNY PERSONALITY. SORRY CLAY FANS, I AM NOT A FAN OF HIS. HE SINGS WELL BUT I DON’T LIKE HIS PERSONALITY. CARRIE HAS SO MUCH MONEY I CAN’T SEE HER EVEN CONSIDERING SUCH A THING.
jocelyne Bertin

First Clay Aiken never win the AI so he his not a winner like Carrie Underwood, and dont like Clay too he as a great voice but I dont able to see him singing I really dont like him. I dont like more the winner *Talylor Hicks * And for Carrie Underwood Im not sure to love her too..They are not intersting for me. Yes they have all talents but for me they will not be a good juges.

Adam Lambert wer perfect in that place and why not Fantazia Burrino I think thats her second name?She have the most beautiful voice in the categories of AI.
Jon

oh good lord no! Taylor is not known for being articulate and is very dull and boring (even though a very sweet person); and Clay would definitely make me not want to watch. I think Carrie would make a good judge as far as knowledge of both business and voice, but not sure her personality would be more than just sweet and pretty..but not opposed to her. They need some very outgoing judges who have the backgrounds of Clay and Carrie yet are still articulate and have had some experience with similar situations. I think Kelly Clarkson would be awesome…she was recently on Duets and did a great job of critiquing the contestants and gave good feedback to them for future performances, she’s very popular and would bring a lot of fans. I think Adam Lambert would also be good as he was great as mentor and is certainly not afraid of calling it as it is, yet giving constructive feedback too, and is quick witted…and he and Kelly have good chemistry and mutual admiration for each other and would work well together. Both have more fans than either Clay or Taylor who would tune in to watch. If they ever replace Randy (so tired of Dawg this, Dawg that and ‘In it to win i’t type comments) I would like to see them get someone outside of AI…I think will.i.am might add spark to the panel, bring in some non AI fans, he knows the business and talent and is articulate and has great sense of humor and would add a different, interesting component.
Kat

Clay Aiken? Taylor Hicks? American Idol needs to be retired and put out of it’s misery instead of dragging back out these lame has-beens. Idol jumped the shark years ago.
Joely

I saw Clay’s mean streak once, and for me, it rules him out as a possible judge. He was so nasty to Adam Lambert when he was a contestant on the show, and he went low, catty, and personal with it. I would fear for any openly gay male contestant coming on the show to get a fair shake from this guy.
- Lorraine
  
  I’m an Adam Lambert fan as well.
  
  You Clay fans can sugar coat it all you want, but Clay’s crap ass attitude turned me off waaay before he snarked all over Adam.
  
  Intelligent? Yep! Talented? Proven!
  
  But caring, playful, adorable & honest? Um – sorry ya’ll he ain’t none o’dat!
  
  Like when he was a guest host on Regis & Kelly he put his nasty hand over Kelly’s mouth, because she wasn’t letting him run the show. Hello “guest host”, as in you’re a “guest”, not the “star”. What a horse’s ass! Is that what you consider playful? adorable? funny? Who in their right mind would be so disrespectful & rude?
  
  Conversley, Adam has already proven that he’s an awesome mentor on AI and Majors & Minors.
  
  Did I miss Clay mentor on Idol? Nope! & neither did anyone else.
fairlyoften

Absolutely nobody know music better and could judge talent better than Taylor Hicks. Plus he has personality, energy and excitement about him. Go Taylor!!
Who’sWho?

Why is there no mention of Kellie Clarkson, the first idol? I wonder.
Rejenne

Clay Aiken. Please he’s very spontaneous and smart
Mary

Definitely Clay Aiken. Great mentor, sings all types of genre and is entertaining and funny.
Cocoa

This website is completely meaningless to the show’s hiring committee, just so ya know.
barb

You do realize that these articles are all just hype for AI and they really don’t give a ‘fig” about who “you”want. The more you throw out names , the more they will go look for someone else because people who respond to articles like these are not the people they need watching anyway. They don’t want to deal with people who threaten leaving…wouldn’t bother them anyway.They need people to promote the show…not one of the judges. They need judges who are part of the music business and established in their careers and willing to help the contestants reach their potential…not judges who want/need to perform on AI.
http://twitter.com/whistleblower14 whistleblower

LOl @ Clay Aiken being anywhere near this conversation. what a joke
Sandy

Clay would be perfect!!!!!!
Dina1694

Taylor Hicks is a multi-talented artist, has been in the music business for years and would be a great judge.

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