American Idol Judges Hope to Pump New Blood into the Veins of a Dying Show

The American Idol judges for the new season, that premieres in January of 2011, are set. Returning to the original format of three judges will be Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. Ryan Seacrest remains as the show's host. Interscope-Geffen-A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine has also joined as an in-house mentor. The show has declined in viewers steadily since season 5.

Playtime is over. The American Idol judges for the new season are music professionals

No more experimenting with a four person format that included Kara DioGuardi. No more placing a person in a judge's seat who has no music experience, like Ellen DeGeneres. The new American Idol is reminiscent of the old with a three person format.

Steven Tyler has been the front man for Aerosmith for over 30 years. Music is his life. Jennifer Lopez has her hands in a lot of areas - singing, dancing, producing, acting, and designing. But when you think of Jennifer Lopez, you think music. Then you have the original Idol judge, Randy Jackson, with over 25 years of experience in the music business. The former record company executive is a producer but also a performer who plays bass guitar, keyboard and more. He's worked with Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Fergie, Madonna, Michael Bolton, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Bon Jovi, and others.

Therefore, when you step in front of this panel, you know you're going to be judged by people who have the background to judge you fairly, and that means you had better be good. The audience votes for you too, but the judges determine if you even get that far.

But will it work?

Even though the American Idol judges are consummate professionals in the field of music, personality has to come into play. Simon Cowell had that no-nonsense gruff that attracted viewers rather than turn them off, and when you mixed that with a sweet Paula Abdul and a neutral Randy Jackson it worked - for a while. Now a new combination has to bring them in. Jennifer Lopez is Latin, but she's not Paula Abdul. Steven Tyler is white, but he's not Simon Cowell. The stage may resemble the original, but it's not the original.

Sources:

Gil Kaufman, 'American Idol' Adds Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler As Judges, MTV

Jolie du Pre, Jennifer Lopez on 'American Idol' May Prevent Some of the Jokes, Associated Content

Jolie du Pre, Can Steven Tyler Save American Idol?, Associated Content

Jolie du Pre, Randy Jackson on American Idol Endures the Ups and Downs, Associated Content