Just when you thought American Idol had narrowed down its selections for the Season 12 judging table to a few names… According to TMZ, producers have reached out to Kanye West about sitting alongside Mariah Carey on the Fox juggernaut – and the rapper has expressed interest in the gig. West, of course, would bring major legitimacy and name recognition to the show. Although he’s really only been in the news these days because he’s dating Kim Kardashian for some reason. Insiders say Kanye is “on the fence” because he isn’t sure if Idol would be a solid fit for his brand, while those behind the program would need to consider writing another huge paycheck. West would not take a penny less than Carey’s $17 million/year, sources say. Nicki Minaj, meanwhile, is considered a near lock for one of the judging positions, much to the chagrin of Mariah . Would you want to see Kanye join them?
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced today that House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan is his pick for Vice President. The Wisconsin Congressman will be introduced as the V.P. nominee as “The Romney Plan For A Stronger Middle Class” bus tour kicks off in Virginia. Romney is expected to speak at 8:45 a.m. in Norfolk, Va., with a retired military battleship as a backdrop … fittingly the U.S.S. Wisconsin. Two others high on Romney’s short list of VP contenders – former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio – were informed in recent days that they would not be on the ticket. Instead it will be Paul Ryan, 42, already considered a rising star in the Republican Party, is currently the chairman of the U.S. House Budget Committee. He’s been in Congress since 1999 and is best known this session for his controversial budget plan this term that includes an overhaul of Medicare. Democrats have persistently claimed his plan would “end Medicare as we know it,” but the GOP considers Ryan a leading voice on fiscal issues. Both well-versed and telegenic, Ryan has stood by his plan as a solution to an ever-growing deficit and out-of-control entitlement spending. Ryan has made fiscal discipline the touchstone of his tenure; with Ryan at his side, Romney is doubling down on his perceived economic strengths. The choice promises a fierce debate over the size and role of government in America, and Democrats are relishing the chance to take on that fight. Paul Ryan: Good choice by Romney?
The X Factor find not have a Season 2 host. But it now has a Season 2 poster. With a pink background and the incredibly witty use of the letter X, the Fox competition has unveiled the following promotional shot of L.A. Reid, Simon Cowell, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato : These four comprise the judging table, of course, but producers are still on the lookout for one male and one female judge. Khloe Kardashian has made it clear she’s interested in the gig, while Kevin McHale of Glee has become a popular choice on the boys’ side. All we know is that the series better make a selection soon: Season 2 kicks off on September 12. Are you excited for The X Factor? Will you be tuning in?
The X Factor carousel has stopped spinning on Fergie. At this exact moment, at least. This member of The Black Eyed Peas is reportedly the latest big name under consideration by Simon Cowell and company , as sources tell Life & Style “there have been some conversations” between the singer and producers, but: “It’s in the early stages.” Other possibilities for the judging panel – which we know will include Cowell and L.A. Reid – reportedly include Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Britney Spears. George Clooney’s girlfriend, Stacey Keibler, is supposedly a candidate for one of the two hosting gigs available. If nothing else, the massive layoffs of Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul have certainly kept The X Factor in the news.
Fellow ‘Idol’ judge Jennifer Lopez dishes to MTV News about working alongside ‘most positive’ person. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello Jennifer Lopez Photo: MTV News As season 11 of “American Idol” chugs along, it’s clear that Jennifer Lopez , Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler have found their footing and place with one another. The threesome is already into their second season as the show’s brain trust, and J.Lo is revealing just what makes sharing the judging panel with “Idol” vet Jackson so great. “He has all different kinds of sunglasses. There was one pair where I was like, ‘Those are too big … those are just too big!’ and he’s like, ‘I love these,’ ” she laughed to MTV News during a recent chat about the Fox reality singing competition. “The thing I love about Randy is he’s always so positive, even when he gives negative criticism on the show, ’cause he’s the hardest of all of us.” While Jackson is straight up when it comes to his feelings about the contestants’ talent — or lack thereof — it’s his cool “dawg” demeanor that makes his criticism a much easier pill to swallow. “He’ll straight-out tell you that was awful. We won’t say it,” she said, adding that she and Tyler don’t verbalize their feelings as straightforwardly. “Even though he’s that guy, he’s the most positive and the most great-energy person ever. He can laugh at himself so genuinely at the same time. He’s just an amazing person.” As amazing as his judging style is Jackson’s aforementioned sense of style, which reaches far beyond spectacles. “And he loves crazy sunglasses and I love them on him. Without the glasses, it’s not really Randy — that and the shoes. He has a crazy taste in those things, like a little bit out there,” she said. “Not mad at that.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Jennifer Lopez Related Artists Randy Jackson Jennifer Lopez
I’m not a judge on The X Factor. You’re not currently a judge on The X Factor. No, I am not. But that’s all I really think I should say. And, with that exchange between Anderson Cooper and Janet Jackson yesterday, the singer made it sound very much like she’ll be a panelist on season two of Simon Cowell’s singing competition. Over the last couple weeks, a variety of names have been bantered about for the judging gig, from Beyonce to Mariah Carey to Kelly Rowland. But Janet appears to be the most likely possiiblity yet. Do you think Janet Jackson would make a good X Factor judge?
Up to this point, he’s only been known for covering other artists, most notably Justin Bieber and also this version of ” All I Want for Christmas .” But now nine-year old MattyB – yes, he’s nine years old! – has come out with his very first original single. It’s titled “That’s the Way” and it’s available now on iTunes. This is no Rebecca Black situation. This is a young, legitimately talented artist. Listen to the track now and react: MattyB – That’s The Way
Simon Cowell may not have offered Beyonce $100 millon, but he made it clear in a recent interview that he’d love for the former Destiny’s Child singer to sit at the judging table on season two of The X Factor . We wonder if he’d settle for another ex-member of that group, however. Speaking to CNN this week, Kelly Rowland – who served as a panelist in Great Britain – made it clear she’d embrace the same role here on Fox. “It would be awesome to be a judge over here for The X Factor ,” the artist said . “I really enjoyed my time over in the U.K. being a judge. That was a great opportunity and a great experience, and I would love to do it again.” But is Rowland a big enough name to help Cowell boost the ratings of a series he swore would outdraw American Idol ? We doubt it. Stay tuned. [Photo: WENN.com]
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