Randy Jackson is Now Simon on American Idol
. The new season of Idol, which kicks off Jan. 19, sparkles with a number of changes show producers hope will engage loyal Idol disciples and bring in a new generation of fans. Idol contestants will be living together, as they did in earlier seasons, the contestants will be mentored by influential music exec Jimmy Iovine and the age limit was dropped to 15. The show will also feature sudden death elimination rounds and there will no longer be gender separation throughout the competition, which means the most promising talent will move through each round regardless of gender. Show producers have also traded the condescending snipes and silver-tongued swipes of Simon Cowell and the dazed and confused fancy of Paula Abdul for triple-threat diva Jennifer Lopez and rock icon Steven Tyler. Jackson gushes that the chemistry was automatic: We got along like a house on fire. I admired both of them for a long time, and they all come from the same side of the music that Ryan [Seacrest] and I come from. It's been amazing. They've become great judges. What surprised me a little bit is that they actually really care about these kids. They actually really want them to do well." more on this story
Preview and Purchase American Idol CDs |
On The Record: The dB's- Rick Monroe and the Hitmen- Atlas Maior- Stoned Jesus
Hot In The City: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Opens in Surprise, Arizona
What's Doing With Dave Koz? Christmas Carols and Cool Cruises!
On The Record: Craft Recordings Announces Record Store Day Exclusives
Live: T Bone Burnett Rocks Phoenix
Three Days Grace Share First Adam Gontier Reunion Song 'Mayday'
Twenty On Pilots Share 'The Line' From Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 Soundtrack
Motley Crue Dr. Feelgood Pharmacy Independent Retail Takeovers Start Today
Nothing More Scores 3rd No. 1 With 'Angel Song'
Frontiers Rock Festival Returning After 6-Year Hiatus
Bury Tomorrow Unleash 'What If I Burn' Video
Converge Added To Fire in the Mountains Festival
Pop Evil Take Fans On 'Deathwalk' With New Video