newsmakers

newsmakers

Who will replace Lopez, Tyler on ‘American Idol’?

LOS ANGELES

Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Mary J. Blige are among the heady names being tossed around as potential judges for “American Idol” after Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez skipped out on next season.

Star power, after all, is what judges add to TV talent shows that otherwise feature unknowns whose performances can range from surprisingly good to stunningly awful.

But Fox’s “American Idol,” trying to right itself after shedding viewers in its 11th season, also may need to play a numbers game — as in the age of the judges brought in to revitalize a show whose audience is getting smaller and older, neither a plus for advertisers.

“They need judges who will resonate with young people,” said media analyst Brad Adgate.

Associated Press