Idol Chatter & Voice Views

It’s tough to separate fact from fiction when it comes to all the rumors about potential American Idol judges.

It helps when the subject of the rumor confirms that there’s something worth talking about.

Nick Jonas did that this weekend with this simple tweet: “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.”

Naturally, that brought a flood of support from fans, including some young ladies who promised to audition next year if he was involved with the show.

Responded Nick: “Loved seeing all your amazing response to #NickOnIdol keep it coming!”

Clearly, Idol would love to add a judge capable of drawing more young viewers to the show. Names floated during earlier rumors included Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj.

Both would seem more current than a Jonas brother, since the group is at least two years removed from its heyday.

But about the same time I was wondering how many viewers Nick would draw to the show, I stumbled upon the video below, where he brought Season 10 contestant Karen Rodriguez to tears just by stepping into a room.

Never underestimate the attraction of a former teen heartthrob.

Honestly, I know very little about any of the Jonas brothers. Not having a teenage daughter, it was very easy to look the other way when they were in the limelight (except for when Joe showed up as a guest judge on Idol, of course).

But I hope Idol’s criteria for filling its remaining seats at the judges’ table — whether it be one or two (if Randy Jackson is really going to mentor instead of judge) — goes beyond who can attract viewers to the audition shows come January.

What the show really needs in the post-Jennifer Lopez, post-Steven Tyler are judges with something worthwhile to say when a singer finishes singing. Someone who can help the viewers at home separate the pretenders from the contenders. Someone, who, yes, can be the tough judge.

I have trouble envisioning Mariah Carey as the tough judge, but maybe she’ll surprise me.

As for Nick Jonas … if he can do all those things, he’ll be an improvement over Jennifer and Steven, regardless of the fact that he’s 19 and will be younger than many of the contestants.

If he hasn’t demonstrated he can?

My advice to Idol: Keep looking.