Following the rumors that rapper Nicki Minaj might take a judge’s seat alongside Mariah Carey on “American Idol,” reports are swirling that Enrique Iglesias may round out the judge’s panel on the Fox hit show.
As America’s favorite singing competition heads into its 12th season, controversy has all but ensured that the upcoming season will be the hottest to date.
Following Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler’s highly public departure from the show earlier this summer, the 42-year-old Carey was recruited to join “Idol” for a salary reportedly worth between $15 and $18 million. And as show producers and Fox executives shape up this year’s panel in time for a January 2013 premiere, Latin singing sensation Iglesias has emerged as their No. 1 choice, The Hollywood Reporter is reporting.
Jackson – the last remaining original “Idol” judge – is reportedly debating taking on a different role when the show next hits airwaves and may transition from judge to mentor, US magazine reported in July. It is unclear whether the judge’s table will only have three seats, or will expand to four judges: two women and two men.
However, no official deal has yet been signed and it looks like the 37-year-old Iglesias may face some fierce competition for the final judging slot on the judge’s panel, as country crooners Keith Urban and Brad Paisley are also reportedly being considered for the position.
Coincidentally, Iglesias is currently on tour in North America with ex-“Idol” judge Lopez. Iglesias even gave his friend the single “Dance Again” – a track which Iglesias had originally written for himself – and hasn’t been shy about wanting to work with Lopez on new music.
“We’ve actually sang a few songs together in the studio. By the time we do it it’s going to be hopefully half way through the tour or as soon as possible,” he said in a recent interview with “Extra.”
“Even if it doesn’t happen during the tour, I want to work with Jennifer for a long time.”
