HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — After months of speculation, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have finally been announced as the new judges on American Idol.
Host Ryan Seacrest confirmed the news Wednesday at a press conference held at the Los Angeles Forum. The deal with Lopez is part of a larger agreement between her and Fox that also includes Twentieth Century Fox Films.
"Jennifer is a true entertainment powerhouse who has made a tremendous impact on pop culture," said Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Filmed Entertainment. "Whether as an actress, singer, songwriter or producer, she is a fantastic creative talent, and we're thrilled to be in business with her."
"We're incredibly excited to have Jennifer join the Fox family," added Peter Rice, Chairman of Entertainment for Fox Networks Group. "From the worlds of dance and music to television, films and fashion, she is a global superstar with iconic and captivating style, along with impressive insight on how to reach and move audiences worldwide."
Lopez also expressed her excitement over the deal, saying, "As an artist and producer, I am excited to call Fox my home, and I am looking forward to working with Tom, Jim, Peter and the entire Fox team to create and produce the kinds of film and television projects that reflect my passion for entertaining audiences and telling great stories."
Lopez and Tyler will join holdover Randy Jackson, who has been with the show since its inception in 2002. They replace former judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi.
The announcement ends a long period of speculation that saw several celebrity names mentioned as potential judges, beginning with shock jock Howard Stern. Others who were rumored for the show including singers Chris Isaak, Elton John, Harry Connick Jr. and Shania Twain.
Idol will return for season 10 in January 2011.
- Comment
