News broke just before the weekend that rock 'n' roll legend Steven Tyler and everyone's favorite Latina big-booty superstar, JLo, will both be abdicating their pop-royalty thrones on American Idol.
Part of the Idol family since 2011, Tyler said in a news release that he was returning to his first love: Aerosmith. Back with the band, he'll be releasing a new album, Music From Another Dimension, in November. "Idol was over the top fun, and I loved every minute of it," Tyler admitted in the release, adding, "Now it's time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD." OMG indeed, Stevie.
Tyler's Idol counterpart, Jennifer Lopez, also decided to part ways with the show. In an on-air broadcast with tiny Ryan Seacrest -- which you can listen to here -- Lopez told her "dear friend" that "something has to give, and I think that's where I am right now." Yeah, Jen, those people at Fiat sure have you by the cheeks.
Amid speculation of who will fill the giant seats (and egos) of these dearly departed, we present our own list of ten guys and gals we'd love to see grace the Idol panel.
10. Mariah Carey
If there's one ass that can fill the seat Lopez left empty, it'd be Mariah's. Though Nick Cannon said Idol can't afford the new mom, we still have hope that the '90s bombshell will become a judge. It'd be a sweet, sweet fantasy come true.
9. Carrie Underwood
If there were a former contestant fit to return to the Idol stage, Carrie Underwood'd be it. This lil country mama started by charming Simon but has since conquered the world of pop music with pure American talent.
8. Janet Jackson
Janet, "Miss Jackson, if ya nasty" (which, by the way, we are), Jackson would be the coolest addition to the panel of judges. And, let's face it: She's been kind of MIA from the television world since her wardrobe malfunction, and we miss her (and her boob) dearly.
7. Alanis Morissette
It's like 10,000 losers when all you want is some talent. Alanis' outspoken and straightforward character would do music-industry wannabees some good. Besides, she'd add a touch of Canadian charm to the "American" panel.
6. Nicki Minaj
Because who doesn't love a little third-person narration from a first-person perspective? This hip-hop leading lady of weird would get barbz everywhere going pink-crazy. Minaj'd be a definite step in the right direction for the lackluster lineup and offer a boost to waning interest in Idol.
5. Flavor Flav
This B-lister needs a new gig, and since reality TV seems his accomplished forte, why not Flav? His wacky on-camera demeanor would bring a lot of life and plenty of bizarre moments, reinvigorating Idol frenzy. As fans, we would like to request a set number of "YEEAAA BOYYYYs" per episode be incorporated into his contract.
4. One of the Jonas Bros.
Beggars can't be choosers, so let's just say that we'd be satisfied if Joe, Nick, or even Kevin made a prime-time commitment. Teeny boppers would be salivating and grannies would be in total cheek-pinching mode for any of these Disney heartthrobs.
3. Justin Timberlake
We miss him, we want to see him, we want to hear him, and we want to look at him. Hell, we'd even take Ramen-noodle-haired JT because he's just that friggin fantastic! It'd also be interesting to see if he could beat out his ex, Britney Spears, current judge on The X- Factor, in a ratings battle.
2. Neil Patrick Harris
He sings, he dances, and he was a doctor before he hit puberty. He doesn't cry, and when he does, it's probably magical unicorn blood. He's NPH, and he's the greatest.
1. John Bon Jovi
Everyone knows the words to "Living on a Prayer," and as far as obscure aging rockers go, he's still got it -- well, he's still got his luscious hair, at least.
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