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By Michael Lopez

As former American Idol meanie Simon Cowell prepares for his new FOX music competition, The X Factor, rumor has it that he may snag singing sensation Enrique Iglesias as one of the show's judges.

Iglesias doesn't exactly need the exposure — his Euphoria album went double platinum and several new singles, including “I Like It,” have topped the Billboard Dance charts. But, as new Idol judges J. Lo and Steven Tyler, have already proven, joining a top-rated reality show can help generate new fans. Jennifer’s "On The Floor" video was seen by more than 20 million viewers.

Will The X Factor generate the same kind of ratings as Idol? International versions of the series have done incredibly well in England, France and Spain. Plus, its inclusion of both bands and solo singers will help broaden its fan base. Enrique hasn’t “officially” been offered the gig yet, but we'll be watching to see what he does.

Do you think Enrique Iglesias would make a good judge? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags American Idol, Enrique Iglesias, Hot Stuff, Simon Cowell, Television, The X Factor

By Simone Hilliard

We now know what Jennifer Lopez looks like alongside Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson at the American Idol judges' table. But how does she feel about judging the would-be talent? Well, don't expect Lopez to be as harsh on the contestants as former "Idol" judge Simon Cowell.

Image: Frank Micelotta / PictureGroup for FOX

La Lopez told the New York Daily News at an audition stop in New Jersey:

"I don't want to let anybody really great [not make it through] because they're nervous, and not get to see what they could have did. They're going to come in here and be a little bit nervous in the beginning, and then you realize, 'Wow, that person is really talented.' So we work them a little bit more than maybe you've seen in the past. We've given them more of a chance."

Describing her judging style as "tough, easy and fair," JLo said she understands the emotions that go through auditioners' heads.

"We know what it's like to be out there. I was energized by all of their spirit when they come in here, and they're so hopeful about what could happen and how it could be."

Lopez said she is also looking for a singer's sense of style.

"It's definitely part of the package when you're going to be an artist.  [It's important] that you have your own image, and that it's very unique. What we're looking for, I don't know. It's individual for each person."

Sounds like JLO's reign as reina of the judging table will mirror Paula Abdul's position. Is this what you expected from the Bronx-born critic?

Weigh in on Lopez's judging style below or @MTV3.

Tags American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Steven Tyler

By Michael Lopez

We’re not sure what’s more dramatic, the "American Idol" eliminations or figuring out the people who pick them! First it was Paula, then Simon, Ellen, and Kara…all taking a hike from the judges seats. Which leaves us wondering, who’s left to fill the void?

A few weeks back, all eyes were on J. Lo, but now there are reported conflicts within the "A.I." camp. According to several unnamed sources, Jennifer’s diva-esque demands were a little too steep for FOX producers, so they began looking elsewhere for contenders.

But then, over the weekend, producer (and "So You Think You Can Dance" judge) Nigel Lythgoe was quoted as saying, "These people don't know Jennifer Lopez. She's a wonderful woman. I've never seen her be a diva in her life!"

Rumors of Mariah Carey stepping in began swirling too…Thanks in part to what hubby Nick Cannon told the Hollywood Reporter:

“She talks about it. She says ‘I would love to do that. She is one of the greatest singers of our time; she would be great.”

But if “A.I.” is supposedly nervous about J. Lo being a diva, chances are they’ll have a hard time keeping up with Mimi's high demands. So who else does that leave?

Now, all eyes are focused on Shania Twain (who’s already done guest judging and mentoring) and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

Whoever they pick, these execs better make up their mind quick! “American Idol” season 10 is set to premiere in January and the hype machine is already kicking into gear.

Producers, if you’re reading this, why not just save us all a lot of hassle and go with Team Blogamole’s picks?

Source: [Boston Herald]

Do you think Shania and Steven would make good “A.I.” judges? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags American Idol, J. Lo, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Música, Nigel Lythgoe, Shania Twain, Simon Cowell, Television

Tuesday (January 12) night's "American Idol" season nine kick-off had everything we've come to expect from the series' early audition episodes: Sob stories, delusional wannabes and Alicia Keys covers. Everything, of course, except Paula Abdul.

Producers shrewdly addressed the Paula Issue with the very first audition of the season: A walking Boston stereotype named Janet McNamara whose sole purpose — aside from saying "wicked" and conveniently promoting the "American Idol" video game — was confusing "new" judge Kara DioGuardi with Paula. "See?" the TV show said to its devoted fanbase. "This random girl who can't sing didn't notice Paula was gone. Neither should you."

Well, okay then!

Guest judge PoshBot-2000 (also known as Victoria Beckham) was on hand to play the role of Pop Culture Relic Who Wears Funny Clothes, and she did a fine job of sitting in a chair and blinking. Based on that criteria alone, she's already proven to be a more efficient judge than Paula circa season six. Four points to you, PoshBot-2000!

Overall, as an "Idol" junkie who generally dislikes the heavily-produced audition shows, the "Idol" premiere was a pleasant experience. We met a few contestants who will be fun to root for (I'm looking at you Leah Laurenti, the girl who grew up fifteen minutes away from my childhood home yet somehow lived in "Footloose" because she wasn't allowed to listen to secular music). We saw a lot more of the behind-the-scenes setup in the audition room, and we discovered that Posh Spice had a hard time remembering the lyrics, "I really really really wanna zigazigah." (Seriously. She legit consoled a nervous singer who spaced on the words by saying, "That happened to me all the time." Amazing.)

But since the show is supposed to be all about the contestants, let's take a look at some of the stand-outs — both good and bad — from the Boston auditions.

Maddy Curtis was a well-spoken 16-year-old with eleven siblings, three of whom have Down Syndrome. (The Curtis Family will have a TLC reality show by the time my recap is published.) While Maddy's performance jitters during Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" were endearing, she should get that in check before the live shows begin. Simon liked her quiet confidence and her rich, deep voice, but I give it two more performances before he starts complaining that she's not happy-go-lucky enough.

Because this was a two hour extra-long premiere, we were treated to not one but two husky-voiced 16-year-olds with a heavy home life. Connecticut native Katie Stevens opened up about her Portuguese grandmother struggling with Alzheimer's. After impressing the judges with a Fiona Apple-esque "At Last," Katie got the chance to call her ailing grandma with good news. Lucky for the producers, Grandma Stevens was in a particularly lucid frame of mind that day. It would have been really awkward if Katie had called and grandma responded with a pizza order.

"Idol" also gave us Justin Williams. But it wasn't his fashion sense (or his confusing "alternative pop soul" aspirations) that had me weeping — it was his "I survived cancer" story. Even more of a bummer? Despite the judges treating Justin like a newbie, he made it to Hollywood week last season. In fact, he was in "White Chocolate," the group number alongside Matt Giraud and Kris Allen. Whoops! Apparently, "Idol" assumed viewers had the memory of Grandma Stevens. (Too soon?)

That scenario was far less harrowing for Amadeo DiRocco. The only obstacle Amadeo ever faced was being painted as an Italian stereotype by "American Idol" producers. Perhaps I'm biased, but the way "Idol" portrayed DiRocco and his homemade-wine-and-sausage-and-cheese-consuming family was far more problematic than anything broadcast on MTV's "Jersey Shore."

Amadeo seemed like a nice enough guy, but the dude's "Hoochie Coochie Man" was so offensively loud that even Danny Gokey would ask for ear plugs. Shockingly, the judges dug him, with Simon saying, "I like the idea that a show like this can give people like you a break."

In other "People I Would Rather Hang With Than Hear Sing Again" news, 18-year-old chin-strap-facial-hair-afficinado Mike Davis worked on a stunt/tour boat called Codzilla.  His otherwise uninspiring audition was noteworthy because he not only asked DioGuardi out on a steak dinner but also inspired Simon Cowell to sigh, "I'm gonna take a break. I say yes," while strolling off the set. Given the news that has transpired in the past two days, watching Simon dismiss "Idol" on the air was a sad reminder that the dude checked out years ago.

For a big chunk of the viewing audience, the "Idol" audition shows are good for one thing and one thing only: Freak shows! So far, the ninth season has delivered plenty. Hyperactive teen Pat Ford spasmed his way through an odd "Womanizer."  Cocky Lisa Olivero (who sniffed, "I think I'm better than most people on this show," before butchering Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love") sounded like a mangled audiotape recording. Playing at the wrong speed. Underwater.

Perhaps the most buzzed-about reject was Andrew Felton. Part evil Clark Kent, part Rain Man when "The People's Court" is on, Felton walked into the "Idol" room pissed that he had to wait all day for his moment in the sun. In a flare-up called "Showdown in Beantown" by producers, Kara DioGuardi stepped up her game with an angry tongue-lashing. "You just told me that you're a little bit annoyed that you had to wait three hours to come in here and get your shot when there are people who would wait years to do so. So I am now angry. At you. Who I don't like. At all." Go Kara! Too bad she ruined it by flirtatiously threatening him with spanks moments later. (Ugh!) It's even more of a shame that his attitude got him booted because his "House of the Rising Sun" wasn't half-bad.

For those of us who enjoy following the actual competition, I'm not sure we've met any breakout stars just yet. The only contestant I can picture in the Top 24 is Tyler Grady, the dude who broke his wrists after falling out of a tree.  His soulful-but-slightly-skeevy "Let's Get It On" was quirky enough to work.

Do you think any of tonight's auditioning contestants will make it to the finale? Did you miss Paula last night? How did Poshbot-2000 do? (MTVNews)

Photo via Google Images

Tags Alicia Keys, American Idol, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Victoria Beckham