Music Producer Dr. Luke Joins ‘American Idol’ as a Judge: Report
Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban will have a new colleague at the judges’ table for “American Idol’s” thirteenth season.
Music producer Dr. Luke has joined “Idol” as a judge, according to reports that surfaced this weekend. While the producer’s name may not be of household status, his hit songs — including “Idol” alum Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” — have topped the Billboard charts.
Dr. Luke’s name had been in the mix with musician will.i.am and talent manager Scooter Braun for a judging spot, though industry sources indicate that will.i.am has dropped out of the race. “Idol’s” judges’ table has been almost completely overhauled since its twelfth season, which saw the departure of Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and “Idol” original Randy Jackson.
Fox has yet to officially announce Lopez’s return to “Idol,” though network insiders state she has been in deep negotiations for the last several weeks for the post. Fox chairman Kevin Reilly announced Urban’s return to the judges’ table during the Fox TCA session in July.
“American Idol” returns to Fox’s lineup in January.
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