American Idol is looking towards the past to move forward in season 13. The long-running singing competition had a rocky ratings year despite grabbing the likes of Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban as last season's judges. Now that all three — and Idol veteran Randy Jackson — won't be returning, the show is in talks to snag Jennifer Hudson to fill at least one open vacancy, a source told the Hollywood Reporter.
The 31-year-old was originally said to be one of three former contestants in line to become judges. The remaining two being season one Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and either season two runner up Clay Aiken or season eight fan favorite Adam Lambert.
Null of an official confirmation, rumors of former Idol castoffs becoming judges isn't sifting well with everyone, however. A writer for USA Today called the move "a horrible idea," in that it may appeal to some of its previous audience members, but is "not likely to attract new viewers."
Hudson was voted off season three and Fantasia Barrino became that year's idol, but the Chicago native has turned her loss into a major win. Aside from an endorsement deal with Weight Watchers, Hudson has won both a Grammy and an Oscar, the latter of which was for her performance in Dreamgirls, alongside Beyoncé and Eddie Murphy.
The 31-year-old was originally said to be one of three former contestants in line to become judges. The remaining two being season one Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and either season two runner up Clay Aiken or season eight fan favorite Adam Lambert.
Null of an official confirmation, rumors of former Idol castoffs becoming judges isn't sifting well with everyone, however. A writer for USA Today called the move "a horrible idea," in that it may appeal to some of its previous audience members, but is "not likely to attract new viewers."
Hudson was voted off season three and Fantasia Barrino became that year's idol, but the Chicago native has turned her loss into a major win. Aside from an endorsement deal with Weight Watchers, Hudson has won both a Grammy and an Oscar, the latter of which was for her performance in Dreamgirls, alongside Beyoncé and Eddie Murphy.
