Big Casting Changes At American Idol
Ellen DeGeneres announced on Thursday that she was leaving the show after just one season. Now sources are reporting that Kara DioGuardi has been fired! Add in Simon’s departure earlier this year, and that leaves 3 empty seats on the judge’s panel.
We’ve been told that the show will be going back to a three-judge format and assuming all deals are finalized, the judge’s panel will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.
Will this change work for AI, which has seen declining numbers in recent years? (And let’s not even talk about how cheap American Idol tickets are for this summer’s tour!)
Honestly, I think it’s too little too late. Simon was the reason people watched the show, and even Paula to some degree. I lost interest in AI back in Season 4 or 5, and I’ve heard that I didn’t miss much. The show became too commercialized and too long. If they want to shake things up, they should replace their sponsors – AI contestants drinking Pepsi, eating Krispy Kreme, and driving Hyundais. 
