So is it true that Nick Jonas, the frontman for the Disney Texas trio that stormed the charts back in the late 00s, is up for a seat on the judges panel of "American Idol." According to the young man himself, he is. And while he was saying he was in the hunt for the position, another familiar young face said they were not -- "Idol" alum Jordin Sparks. So where do the negotiations stand?
The fact is: Nobody really knows. Fox Television isn't talking. The producers of "American Idol" aren't talking. Even veteran judge and not-yet-signed-for-Season-12 Randy Jackson says he knows nothing. The only people that seem to be talking are anonymous sources and, as far as that goes, for all fans really know, those secretive individuals might not actually exist.
Regardless, not-yet-20-year-old Nick Jonas confirmed that he was looking to be seated at the "American Idol" judges table in the next few weeks. "The rumors are true ... I am being considered to be a judge on American Idol, and it would be a dream come true if it happens. #nickonidol," he posted on his Twitter account.
Jonas' name popped up with a new crop of possibles in late July. Country star Brad Paisley was mentioned. So was Carrie Underwood. An entire country side of things was explored, especially after Toby Keith admitted that he had been approached by "Idol" to take the job. Besides, Keith Urban was doing Australia's version of "The Voice," Blake Shelton was on the American prototype, and Jennifer Nettles (of Sugarland) was featured on ABC's "Duets."
And it would be a good way to get some momentum going on a little positive publicity for the new Jonas Brothers album he and his siblings have been working on. The trio haven't had a new album out since 2010's Lines, Vines, and Trying Times, which was their last studio release for Hollywood Records.
He wouldn't be the first judge to use "Idol" as a publicity generator and career revamper (read: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler). But while Nick Jonas was confirming, Jordin Sparks was declining. When asked by Hollyscoop about joining "America Idol" as a judge, the 22-year-old Sparks (still the youngest Idol -- at 16 -- to win the competition) said it was something she wouldn't want to do. "No, no. I can say with complete certainty... I wouldn't want to be a judge.”
Sparks, who was attending the premiere of her new movie, "Sparkle," did say she thinks she would like to be a mentor on the show, though. So, besides Mariah Carey signing on as judge, is there anything in the negotiations that suggest a move to filling the remaining seats?
There was a rumor posted by the New York Daily News' "Gatecrasher" column that Grammy-winning producer/rapper/songwriter Pharrell Williams was talking up his new gig on "Idol" at his record label. However, if that were the case, Fox Television has had nothing to say on the subject, and it is usually an announcement from Fox that indicates a final or official seal of final approval.
Another also ran seems to have come in the form of Sean "Diddy" Combs. However, more anonymous sources say his participation on "Idol" is a "long shot."So what do we have lined up for Season 12 thus far? One definite judge in Mariah Carey. Two maybes (Randy Jackson and Pharrell Williams). And a couple more ain't-gonna-happens (Jordin Sparks and Sean Combs).
Before "American Idol" leaves the air, which may not come for at least another decade (it is the No. 1 non-sports show in the U. S., No. 2 overall, and was No. 1 overall for seven years prior to that) or so, it seems totally possible that anyone having even a peripheral connection to the entertainment business will have been mentioned as a potential judge for the hit show. Of course, the way things are going, that might happen before they seat a panel for Season 12.