Adam Lambert, Judges, Steven Tyler

Farewell to Steven Tyler; bring on Adam Lambert

12

Steve Tyler shows off a gift from Ryan Seacrest, a bleep sign. (FOX Photo)Suddenly, the Adam Lambert rumors make a heck of a lot more sense.

Steven Tyler is leaving American Idol to devote his full attention to Aerosmith, meaning Nigel Lythgoe might have to find multiple new judges for Season 12.

According to an Associated Press story, Steven released the following statement: “After some long … hard … thoughts … I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit,” an apparent reference to the 1987 Michael Douglas-Glenn Close thriller “Fatal Attraction.”

“I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back — but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”

Hmm, yeh, whatever Steven.

And so ends a two-year run on Idol for the veteran rocker. A run filled with ups and downs.

I mean, in Season 10, he basically checked out after the finals began. He didn’t even attempt to judge. He loved every performance he heard.

If there was any justice in Idol land, he would have turned his full paycheck back to Idol to be split between the Season 10 contestants, because he didn’t earn much of it.

If anything, he owed the show for allowing him to pimp his music and his autobiography to millions.

Then came Season 11, when he was clearly more engaged. So engaged, he even slipped on reading glasses occasionally to read back the critiques he’d written down.

It was a major improvement, but there were still baffling moments. Like when he told Phillip Phillips that hitting the notes really doesn’t matter. Or when he made this comment to the eventual Season 11 winner: “You’re living proof the road to success is always under construction.”

Can someone translate? Please?

Anyway, the news isn’t shocking. There’d been speculation that Aerosmith might keep Steven too busy for a third season of Idol.

But most of the recent speculation has swirled around Jennifer Lopez, who hinted again Thursday that she might not be back for Season 12.

The good news is that it provides the show a chance for a significant upgrade.

Which brings us back to Season 9 runner-up Adam Lambert. Rumors that he’s under consideration to judge Idol made no sense when they included the tidbit that he might replace Jennifer. I mean, no way would the show go with three male judges.

But as a replacement for Steven Tyler?

Folks, that would be an upgrade.

I’ve participated in enough conference call interviews with Adam to know he’s intelligent, articulate, witty and not afraid to speak his mind.

He’d provide the panel with a younger perspective, but also bring more credibility than say … oh, Demi Lovato.

And he might be willing to take the plunge since his second album hasn’t exactly created the stir it should have.

So I say, farewell to Steven; bring on Adam.

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12 Comments

  1. garrett July 13, 2012 at 1:17 am -  Reply

    Adam is a bad choice. Not enough mass appeal. While he should’ve he didn’t even win idol. He has hardcore fans but a lot of haters as well. And have u seen kelly on duets, not all singers can judge

    • glitzylady July 13, 2012 at 6:50 pm -  Reply

      The fact that Adam Lambert has been mentioned in literally every article speculating on possible new Idol judges should be a clue perhaps that he does indeed have appeal to those who have knowledge of him and his abilities, and terrific potential as an excellent, discerning, and knowledgable judge, who would not be hesitant to speak the truth about talent and performance skills, while being respectful of the contestants. He brought a new level of performance to Idol in 2009, and upped the ante for future performers on the show…and perhaps could do the same as a judge. Since when does “mass appeal” matter? I was very doubious when I heard Howard Stern would be judging on America’s Got Talent, but now think he’s a good choice, from the few shows I’ve watched this season. Who knew??!! Adam was loved on Idol and the fact that he didn’t win means nothing..as you know! And why should the “haters” have the final say. Prove them wrong, I say!! Adam’s hardcore fans include the crew and vocal coaches on Idol, who would know a thing or three about Adam’s ability to judge and mentor. He was well known to the Season 8 contestants for his help with their songs, in addition to planning his own performances. He was asked to mentor on Idol on season 9 (****NOTE to author of the article: Adam was runner up on Season 8, not Season 9. Crystal Bowersox was runner up that season…and again, should have won, but I digress..)…, was the first past Idol contestant to do so, and he did an excellent job of it. Adam is articulate and intelligent in interviews, and I suspect could offer realistic critiques and excellent advice. And that little bit of controversy in his past would certainly spark interest in seeing him as a judge. So Win/Win all around. I admit I’m one of his “hardcore” fans but for good reason. You are correct that not all singers can judge: guess we’ll see what happens!

  2. garrett July 13, 2012 at 1:17 am -  Reply

    Adam is a bad choice. Not enough mass appeal. While he should’ve he didn’t even win idol. He has hardcore fans but a lot of haters as well. And have u seen kelly on duets, not all singers can judge

    • glitzylady July 13, 2012 at 6:50 pm -  Reply

      The fact that Adam Lambert has been mentioned in literally every article speculating on possible new Idol judges should be a clue perhaps that he does indeed have appeal to those who have knowledge of him and his abilities, and terrific potential as an excellent, discerning, and knowledgable judge, who would not be hesitant to speak the truth about talent and performance skills, while being respectful of the contestants. He brought a new level of performance to Idol in 2009, and upped the ante for future performers on the show…and perhaps could do the same as a judge. Since when does “mass appeal” matter? I was very doubious when I heard Howard Stern would be judging on America’s Got Talent, but now think he’s a good choice, from the few shows I’ve watched this season. Who knew??!! Adam was loved on Idol and the fact that he didn’t win means nothing..as you know! And why should the “haters” have the final say. Prove them wrong, I say!! Adam’s hardcore fans include the crew and vocal coaches on Idol, who would know a thing or three about Adam’s ability to judge and mentor. He was well known to the Season 8 contestants for his help with their songs, in addition to planning his own performances. He was asked to mentor on Idol on season 9 (****NOTE to author of the article: Adam was runner up on Season 8, not Season 9. Crystal Bowersox was runner up that season…and again, should have won, but I digress..)…, was the first past Idol contestant to do so, and he did an excellent job of it. Adam is articulate and intelligent in interviews, and I suspect could offer realistic critiques and excellent advice. And that little bit of controversy in his past would certainly spark interest in seeing him as a judge. So Win/Win all around. I admit I’m one of his “hardcore” fans but for good reason. You are correct that not all singers can judge: guess we’ll see what happens!

  3. Internetos July 13, 2012 at 1:58 am -  Reply

    You were 100% right! Adam is also very loved, respected for his opinions……I almost forgot: so good looking (would be a pleasure to see him every day of the week).
    Yep! I am 100 % with Adam!

  4. Internetos July 13, 2012 at 1:58 am -  Reply

    You were 100% right! Adam is also very loved, respected for his opinions……I almost forgot: so good looking (would be a pleasure to see him every day of the week).
    Yep! I am 100 % with Adam!

  5. HELL YES July 13, 2012 at 6:01 pm -  Reply

    BRING ON LAMBERT. HE WOULD BE GREAT AT THE JOB. VERY ARTICULATE AND OUTSPOKEN.

  6. HELL YES July 13, 2012 at 6:01 pm -  Reply

    BRING ON LAMBERT. HE WOULD BE GREAT AT THE JOB. VERY ARTICULATE AND OUTSPOKEN.

  7. Rita July 13, 2012 at 7:47 pm -  Reply

    I believe Adam is a perfect choice. Anyone who saw him mentor a couple of years ago, knows that he has the ability to offer constructive criticism and be thanked for it afterwards. Adam is very appealing for many reasons, he is very articulate, he has a killer voice, no auto tune necessary and he has the fashion sense along with good looks. Adam is very polarizing, therefore a lot of people do hate him, but there is an equal, if not greater amount of people who love him. His talent and beauty cannot be denied. I would watch American Idol again if I could see him twice a week on TV. Besides, I would love for him to make enough money to buy that Maserati and Home that he is so deserving of. I feel like American Idol is on it’s way out, the voting system sucks and if you ain’t a white guy with a guitar, you don’t stand a chance. Maybe what the judging panel is someone who will actually critique and weed out those WGWAG and make this competition once again about singing.

  8. Rita July 13, 2012 at 7:47 pm -  Reply

    I believe Adam is a perfect choice. Anyone who saw him mentor a couple of years ago, knows that he has the ability to offer constructive criticism and be thanked for it afterwards. Adam is very appealing for many reasons, he is very articulate, he has a killer voice, no auto tune necessary and he has the fashion sense along with good looks. Adam is very polarizing, therefore a lot of people do hate him, but there is an equal, if not greater amount of people who love him. His talent and beauty cannot be denied. I would watch American Idol again if I could see him twice a week on TV. Besides, I would love for him to make enough money to buy that Maserati and Home that he is so deserving of. I feel like American Idol is on it’s way out, the voting system sucks and if you ain’t a white guy with a guitar, you don’t stand a chance. Maybe what the judging panel is someone who will actually critique and weed out those WGWAG and make this competition once again about singing.

  9. Cara Lee July 19, 2012 at 3:27 am -  Reply

    I really think Adam Lambert would be a very bad choice. He does have fans that really love him but his fan base isn’t that big and from what I see on vevo videos he doesn’t get a lot of views. I also think he isn’t liked to much by a lot of people.

  10. Cara Lee July 19, 2012 at 3:27 am -  Reply

    I really think Adam Lambert would be a very bad choice. He does have fans that really love him but his fan base isn’t that big and from what I see on vevo videos he doesn’t get a lot of views. I also think he isn’t liked to much by a lot of people.

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