E! News is reporting that American Idol season eight alum Adam Lambert has been in talks with the popular singing show about joining the panel of judges for season 12. And with none of the current panel line-up (Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson) officially confirmed for season 12, it’s possible that Lambert could wind up replacing one the judges. The most likely candidate to leave is Lopez; it’s been rumored since the end of season 11 that she was planning to depart from the show.
If this is legit, I think it’s a great move on the show’s part. The show really could use a music artist on the panel that’s a relevant part of today’s music scene, and someone that actually knows what they’re talking about when it comes to participating on this show.
Lambert made a splash during season eight with his performances of “Mad World,” “Tracks of My Tears,” and “Whole Lotta Love.” His standout performances prompted former Idol judge Paula Abdul to exclaim during one episode, “It’s like watching the Olympics, and you’re our Michael Phelps.” His latest album, Trespassing, debuted at number one on the Billboard Charts, and most recently, he’s been overseas performing with Queen as the band’s front man.
During season nine, Lambert did an excellent job mentoring the Top 9. He was forthcoming with his feedback, and clearly articulated to the contestants about specific things that he felt they were good at and the things that they needed to improve on for their performance. And right now, those are the type of straightforward critiques missing from the judges throughout the past couple of seasons.
Every season we hear about how the judges are planning to step their game up, but it’s yet to happen. If Idol is really looking to reboot their panel with one of their own, I think Lambert is an ideal pick. He’s never been one to shy away from his opinion, and something tells me that the show will bank on the singer’s candidness to finally fill the void of Simon Cowell.
Let’s hear it, what do y’all think about the possibilty of Adam Lambert returning to American Idol as a judge next season?
Photo credit: Michael Becker / FOX
Wait...WHAT? 