A report published by TMZ early Friday morning claims that, like Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi will not be on the “American Idol” judging panel next season.
FOX has yet to comment on the story.
When news first broke that “Idol” was considering a major overhaul to the judging panel that included more than simply finding a replacement for Simon Cowell, DioGuardi emerged as the strongest candidate to be dropped. Of last season’s three remaining judges–Jackson, DeGeneres and DioGuardi–Kara was the only one without any sort of deal extending into next season.
With Randy Jackson viewed as a near-lock to return for the upcoming tenth season and Jennifer Lopez having reportedly reached a deal to join the show as a judge, the belief is that only one slot remains. As part of the overhaul under the direction of Nigel Lythgoe, who is reportedly returning as an executive producer, the plan is to return to the three-judge format after two years with four judges.
The presumably-male replacement for Simon Cowell has not been named, although TMZ’s story suggests Steven Tyler is now a strong candidate.