Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So this week’s big news on the Idol front is Jennifer Lopez’s comment that she’s “on the fence” about returning to the show next year.

Really?

Then here’s my suggestion to Nigel Lythgoe: Kick her off the fence and off the show.

I mean, what a wonderful opportunity to begin retooling the American Idol judging panel to create one that … well, gee, actually judges something.  A perfect chance to add a judge who does more than flash a most-beautiful-girl-in-the-world-smile and fawn over every performance.

There’s speculation that Jennifer made the comment to get a raise. After all, she reportedly got a paltry $11-$12 million for judging Idol. Compared to a reported $18-$19 million for Steven Tyler. Compared to the $35 million Simon Cowell reportedly raked in during Season 9.

If those salary figures are correct, Jennifer and Steven owe Idol a big refund.

As viewers, we got nothing from the duo in terms of helpful critiques.

What did Jennifer get from Idol?

Well, I doubt People Magazine would have proclaimed her the most beautiful woman in the world without her Idol exposure.

And I suspect the reaction to her new music would have been a giant yawn if she hadn’t been an Idol judge. With the help of Idol’s promotion, her new single (something about dancing on a floor rather than a fence) cracked the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Here’s the other point that needs to be made.

In the lead-up to Season 10, Idol needed the likes of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.  Stars who would entice viewers to tune in after Simon’s departure.

It worked.  Idol’s rating held steady instead of dropping off a cliff.

Those same people will probably check in next season, with or without Jennifer Lopez, who is hardly an Idol institution after one year of contributing little and taking away a lot … even before you consider that $11-$12 million.