‘American Idol’ Judges: Who Can Replace J.Lo, Steven Tyler?

By DARIAN LUSK

The hit TV singing competition show “American Idol” has turned into the entertainment world’s biggest game of musical chairs with news that judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will not return next season. That officially leaves two empty seats at the judges' table for season 12 and many celebrity names have been buzzing around the blogosphere as possible contenders. Here’s the latest roundup. Who do you want to see take on the job?

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Aretha Franklin
With Steven Tyler and J.Lo officially leaving, the Queen of Soul has officially thrown her hat in the ring. Aretha Franklin sent CNN an email over the weekend expressing her interest in judging “Idol,” telling them, "Yes I am interested as a judge!" With 18 Grammys under her belt, Franklin would bring some serious “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to the table, but there’s one issue: she “still doesn’t fly.” The star’s phobia of flying could be a ... more
Aretha Franklin
With Steven Tyler and J.Lo officially leaving, the Queen of Soul has officially thrown her hat in the ring. Aretha Franklin sent CNN an email over the weekend expressing her interest in judging “Idol,” telling them, "Yes I am interested as a judge!" With 18 Grammys under her belt, Franklin would bring some serious “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to the table, but there’s one issue: she “still doesn’t fly.” The star’s phobia of flying could be a problem, even if she could help rescue “Idol” from its ratings nosedive. less