Idol Watch

Ellen DeGeneres bows out of Idol; JLo in?

Take a longing last look at that picture, Idol/Ellen fans, 'cuz it's a sight you won't see again. Ellen DeGeneres is officially out of Idol. She reportedly met with producers and Fox months ago and told them she wanted out, that it wasn't "a good fit" for her and she wanted to give them a chance to find a replacement before going public.

Sounds kind of her and might well be true. It's not unlikely that she would have faced the boot, anyway, along with those other two on the panel and that she has been allowed to save face.

 Reports say that original producer Nigel Lythgoe is close to coming back and he's said he'd like to replace the entire panel because there is no chemistry among the judges anymore. Without Simon, there's no point keeping any of them. Ryan should go, too, and since Fox insists on keeping this tired show going for another year, an all fresh start is the way to go.

So who's replacing Ellen? Some are buzzing Jennifer Lopez has inked a deal to sit in a judge's seat. But not Simon's. THAT seat might be warmed by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.

 I'm hearing that on the Twitter universe.

 Might not be true. But if it is, I can see Tyler bringing some needed 'tude to this panel but it'll be the death knell for Aerosmith. Nothing says hip rock n rollers like being a judge on American Idol. Look for Aeromate Joe Perry to walk this way -- in another direction, if it's true.

In the meantime, we could find out on Monday who makes it onto the panel as Fox is supposed to discuss its fall lineup with TV critics in Beverly Hills, AP reports.

FRIDAY UPDATE: Idol appears heading back to a three judge panel and the news is good for Randy Jackson, who, it appears, will remain. Lopez has reportedly inked her deal according to TMZ and Tyler is in town with Fox peeps, but tight lipped (given his lips, that's a feat). Odd woman out? Kara DioGuardi, axed after two seasons. We'll know shortly.

For more, follow Howard on Twitter.

 

Official Adam Lambert press release for Hard Rock Live concert

I've been bombarded with queries and concerns ever since I broke the news that Adam Lambert is to perform in concert Sept. 19 at Hollywood's Hard Rock Live.

To good to be true, worried fans fretted. "Is it CONFIRMED?" my Twitter twittered as many Glamberts promised to buy airline tickets just to bask in all that Adam has to offer in South Florida.

Just to make it official, I'm going to show everyone the press release, just issued moments ago:

American Idol Fan Fave Adam Lambert Goes Solo at Hard Rock Live on September 19

 

Tickets on Sale Friday, July 16 at noon

 

Hollywood, Fla. – American Idol fan favorite Adam Lambert goes solo at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, September 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 16 at noon.

 

Before becoming a front-runner in the eighth season of American Idol, Adam Lambert made his name in the theater world. Since 2004, he had regularly performed at the Upright Cabaret and the Zodiac Show, which was co-created by Carmit Bachar of the Pussycat Dolls. He also performed alongside Val Kilmer in the debut production of Ten Commandments: The Musical and landed an understudy role in a touring production of Wicked. The California native then parlayed his theater background into a multi-month run on American Idol in 2009. Lambert's flair for neo-goth clothing and eclectic arrangements made him a critical favorite, as did his dramatic tenor vocals.

 

Although Lambert didn't win the Idol competition, he received far more attention than his castmates during the following months, during which he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone and was signed by RCA. His debut album, For Your Entertainment, sold close to 200,000 copies during its first week, outdoing new releases by Rihanna and Lady Gaga in the process. A single from the album, "Time for Miracles" was also featured on the 2012 film soundtrack. Another album of previously recorded material was released as Take One and is available on iTunes.

 

Since Idol, Lambert has won two awards - the Young Hollywood Award for Artist of the Year and the Teen Choice Award for Reality/Variety Star. He also participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009 with his fellow Top 10 contestants.

 

Tickets cost $60, $50, $45, & $40.* All seats are reserved and available at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, open Tuesday – Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and on Sunday & Monday – only open on event days at noon. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.

Adam Lambert to perform at Hard Rock Live in September

Photo: Getty Images
South Florida Adam Lambert fans can stop envying others who have caught his Glam Nation Tour. We're finally getting a date with Idol's best and last worthy contribution to pop culture. The glam popster performs Sept. 19 at Hollywood's Hard Rock Live. Tickets are going on sale at noon July 16.

Really looking forward to this one. Finally, an Idol-related show worth getting excited about.

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