Jennifer Hudson To Return To American Idol As A Judge
It’s an American Idol reunion! Amid reports that all four season 12 judges will be replaced, sources have confirmed season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson has been brought aboard — and she’s not the only former contestant in talks for a judges seat.
Multiple sources confirm to E! News that Jennifer has already signed a deal to appear on season 13 and that she may be sitting next to the likes of Kelly Clarkson, and either Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken. Kelly is close to inking her own deal but sources claim that producers haven’t yet decided on which male will be best for the third spot. For season 13, producers are expected to keep the judges panel to just three judges.
When the show first began, there were just three judges but after eight seasons, Kara DioGuardi was brought aboard and from that point on, there had been four.
At this point, producers are scrabbling to find a way to regain the viewership they had during the first several seasons of the show. Following the debuts of shows such as The Voice and America’s Got Talent, millions have lost interest in Idol and the “superstar-alum” theme is aimed at getting those viewers back.
“It’s Idol alums bringing in the next generation,” a Fox source told E! of the show’s new dynamic.
Although Jennifer didn’t win her season of Idol, she’s definitely been one of the more successful of the show’s contestants. In 2006, Jennifer won an Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls alongside Beyonce and Eddie Murphy, and earlier this year, she appeared on Smash’s second season.
Randy Jackson, the only remaining original judge, announced that season 12 would be his last earlier this month. Nicki, Mariah, and Keith have yet to comment on their future with the show.