Fan Fare
Entertainment behind the scenes
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez — right fit for “American Idol”?
“American Idol” has finally announced its new judging panel, ending months of speculation about the future shape of the show.
But are Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and actress/singer Jennifer Lopez the right choice? And will star power be enough to keep old “Idol” fans (and hopefully millions more new ones) tuning in when the show returns in January?
Tyler, the volatile lead singer of America’s best-selling rock band, will certainly bring a rock edge to a contest that has specialised in producing middle-of the-road champions for an audience that ranges from 8 to 80 year-olds.
And J.Lo, as America’s leading Latina entertainer, may entice a whole new Hispanic audience to the show. (And as for her reported “diva” demands that made the rounds a few weeks ago – “so much rubbish”, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told 
journalists this week.)
Time crunch muzzles “Idol” judges
“American Idol” fans were robbed of one of the show’s biggest draws on Tuesday night, after the producers decreed that only two judges would evaluate each performance.
Calling the change “unfortunate,” judge Simon Cowell said just two judges would speak at a time because the show ran several minutes long last week. Many viewers with digital video recorders had complained because they missed the show’s final performance by Adam Lambert.
