In a report that suggests major changes could be on the way for “American Idol,” THRFeed confirms that Justin Timberlake is on the short list for “American Idol” judge replacements.
The story lists Timberlake and Elton John as wish list contenders to take over the post left vacant by the departure of Simon Cowell. Interestingly, the story, which covers Nigel Lythgoe’s planned return as an executive producer, says that Lythgoe could have bigger changes on the mind, one of which could involve replacing some of the other judges at the table.
Randy Jackson is reportedly the safest, while Ellen DeGeneres, though not as beloved as a judge, does have a multi-year deal with FOX. Kara DioGuardi’s status is unclear, but for what it is worth, there has been no sign that she is leaving the show.
— Elsewhere, the idea that Steve Carell is leaving “The Office” is starting to look legitimate and less and less like an early negotiating tactic on the actor’s part. While one could certainly claim that she is just playing hardball in the event that Carell is hoping to net a big raise, NBC’s Angela Bromstad, per an article by the AP, reportedly confirmed that Carell will be leaving the show but that the show itself is not expected to conclude simultaneously.
