“AMERICAN IDOL” JUDGES ANNOUNCED GLOBAL SUPERSTAR JENNIFER LOPEZ AND ROCK AND ROLL LEGEND STEVEN TYLER JOIN RANDY JACKSON AT THE JUDGES’ TABLE RECORD EXECUTIVE AND PRODUCER JIMMY IOVINE TO MENTOR CONTESTANTS
Golden Globe-nominated actress, platinum-selling recording artist, movie producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez and multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steven Tyler, the frontman of Aerosmith – the best-selling American rock band of all time – have joined AMERICAN IDOL as judges. Lopez and Tyler will join returning IDOL judge Randy Jackson for the 10th anniversary season, which premieres January 2011 on FOX.
In addition, Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, co-founder of Beats Audio and one of the world’s most successful and prolific music producers, will join AMERICAN IDOL as an in-house mentor. Throughout the season, IDOL will go behind-the-scenes to feature Iovine working with and lending his expertise to the contestants as they compete to become the next American Idol. As part of Universal Music Group’s long-term alliance with AMERICAN IDOL, Interscope Geffen A&M will market, promote and distribute albums globally from AMERICAN IDOL finalists and winning contestants across a broad array of retail and new media platforms.
“For nine years I’ve enjoyed watching artists compete to get a meaningful chance to achieve their dreams,” said Lopez. “I know from my own experience how hard it is to succeed, and I’m looking forward to discovering and nurturing that spirit in the many AMERICAN IDOL contestants I look forward to meeting this year.”
“I’ve been on tour for most of my life in a band with four guys who judge me every day. Sometimes it hurt, but it only made me stronger,” said Tyler. “I want to give everybody a little love before I decide who goes home heartbroken. If you don’t like what I say, don’t get mad, get better. I’m ready to bring some rock to this ‘roller’ coaster and show these kids if they have the dream, the talent and the drive, they will be the next American Idol.”
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years of the greatest show in the world,” said Jackson. “I am looking forward to this next season; we are going to knock it out of the park. Season 10 is going to be hot!”
“We are all thrilled to have Interscope Geffen A&M now be the distributor for AMERICAN IDOL’s music,” said Iovine. “I’m looking forward to working as a mentor on the show, where I’ll work with the talent to help them develop and grow week to week. This will also give the audience a deeper look into the artists’ abilities and give viewers more insight when making their choices.”
“Our 10th season begins with a completely invigorated panel of judges with Jennifer and Steven joining Randy. This is combined with the world’s most successful and brilliant music executive, Jimmy Iovine, becoming the contestants’ special mentor,” explains series creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “AMERICAN IDOL in 2011 promises plenty of surprises and positive changes, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and lead the way for others to follow.”
“It’s exciting to have such a diverse cast of industry professionals, each with distinctive passions for music, lead the charge in discovering the next American Idol,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “From dancing sensation to pop, film and fashion superstar, Jennifer has experienced a career that exemplifies the American dream, and Steven is a rock icon whose performances, accomplished songwriting and personal style are as relevant today as ever. Together they join Randy Jackson, whose beloved IDOL persona has been synonymous with the show since day one, alongside our in-house mentor, Jimmy Iovine, who as chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records will share with our contestants his expertise in shaping the careers of some of the most successful recording artists of all time.”
“Jennifer and Steven have made the journey from aspiring unknowns to global superstars, which makes both of them uniquely qualified to help discover the next American Idol,” said Peter Rice, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Networks Group. “From Jennifer’s early career in dance to selling over 55 million records worldwide – along with television, films, fashion projects and a range of business enterprises – she is a self-made superstar who will bring an incredible range of experience to benefit the aspiring talent who could only dream of following in her footsteps. Additionally, Steven has earned his status as a rock legend and an American icon, both while fronting for the best-selling American rock band of all time and through his incredible personal journey over the last four decades. With Jimmy behind the scenes and Jennifer, Steven and Randy at the table, these young contestants are going to benefit from experiences beyond their wildest dreams.”
“Jennifer was a terrific mentor on IDOL – one of the best we’ve ever had – and we’ve always dreamed that she would take a seat at the judges’ table,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “America is going to love her on this show because she’s impossibly glamorous, yet totally relatable, and she understands what these contestants will be going through as they pursue their dreams. Steven Tyler is, hands down, one of the most successful rock artists in history, and he is the epitome of what rock-and-roll is all about: bold, outrageous, creative and passionate. With an unprecedented career and innate knowledge of the music industry, Steven will definitely add a unique edge to the new judges’ panel next to Randy, who understands every aspect of developing talent and performing.” He added, “Jimmy Iovine is the most impressive mentor we could have ever wished for on the series. In his role at Interscope Geffen A&M, Jimmy would be developing these young artists anyway, so now we’ll get an even deeper look at how someone is transformed into a star.”
ABOUT JENNIFER LOPEZ
Actress, singer, producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez has sold over 55 million records worldwide and starred in multiple box office No. 1s, including “Monster-In-Law” and “The Wedding Planner.” In 2001, “The Wedding Planner” was the nation’s top-grossing film, while her album, “J.Lo,” was No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The two simultaneous No. 1 honors made Lopez the first woman in history to have a No. 1 movie and album in the same week. Lopez recently starred in CBS Films’ New York-set romantic comedy “The Backup Plan.” Prior to taking time off to have children, she had last been seen in the feature films “El Cantante,” a drama about the life of salsa legend Hector Lavoe; and “Bordertown” opposite Antonio Banderas – both of which she produced. In December 2010, Lopez will release her latest album, “Love?,” on Island/Def Jam Records. Along with partner Simon Fields, Lopez’s production company, Nuyorican, is in development on several film and TV projects, including the romantic comedy “Taming Ben Taylor,” in which she will star as a top-notch real estate agent who wins over a rugged vintner; “Nannyland” at ABC; “Sweet Little 15” for Fox Searchlight, which tells of a young Mexican girl’s coming-of-age story as she plans her Quinceañera; and the teen television comedy and book series, “Amigas Sweet 15 Club,” which will follow five teens in Miami who run a Quinceañera (Sweet 15) business. Nuyorican is also working on notable film projects, including “The Governess” with CBS Films and a remake of “Overboard” with Sony. Lopez made her feature debut in the highly acclaimed “Mi Familia,” which garnered her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her role as the young mother “Maria Sanchez.” Lopez earned widespread acclaim for her work in the title role of “Selena,” which brought her a Golden Globe Award nomination. In 2002, Lopez was awarded ShoWest Female Star of the Year, and in 2006, Lopez received the Women in Film: Crystal Award. Additionally, the National Council of La Raza, the largest Latino advocacy group in the nation, named her Entertainer of the Year at the American Latino Media Arts (ALMA) Awards. Her other film credits include Lasse Hallström’s “An Unfinished Life” with Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman; Oliver Stone’s “U-Turn”; “Maid In Manhattan,” co-starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Bob Hoskins and Natasha Richardson; “Money Train” with Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes; Francis Ford Coppola’s “Jack” with Robin Williams; “Blood and Wine” opposite Jack Nicholson; Luis Mandoki’s “Angel Eyes”; “The Cell”; Steven Soderbergh’s “Out of Sight” with George Clooney; Michael Apted’s “Enough”; and “Anaconda” with Jon Voight, Eric Stoltz and Ice Cube. Via Nuyorican, Lopez made her foray into the role as television producer with her dance-reality show for MTV entitled “Dance Life” as well as the UPN drama “South Beach.” Lopez also heads a best-selling line of fragrances and was awarded with the ACE Fashion Icon of the Year award in 2006 for her contribution to accessories and the fashion industry. Lopez continues to demonstrate a commitment to making a difference through her various philanthropic endeavors. Her passion for making this world better is highlighted through her work with children via The Maribel Foundation, a not-for-profit she started with her sister, Lynda. The Maribel Foundation’s mission is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women and children and raising the level of medical care available to them. The foundation is currently working with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on a telemedicine program that will help underserved communities around the world to be treated by top doctors.
ABOUT STEVEN TYLER
Born Stephen Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948, in Yonkers, NY, Steven Tyler is the iconic songwriter, composer and voice of Aerosmith – America’s greatest rock-and-roll band – and is considered one of rock’s most recognizable and dynamic frontmen. Rolling Stone has cited him one of the greatest singers of all time. After moving to Boston in the late 1960s, Tyler met the musicians with whom he would form Aerosmith: guitarist Joe Perry, bassist Tom Hamilton, guitarist Ray Tabano (who was later replaced by Brad Whitford) and drummer Joey Kramer. The quintessential lead singer, Tyler is also known to play harmonica, percussion (he began his career as a drummer) and piano on occasion. His one-of-a-kind style can always be seen at the microphone with his signature scarves wrapped around the mic stand, outrageous hats and embellished stage clothes supporting his unmatched stage swagger. Aerosmith played its first gig together in 1970, and by 1975, emerged as one of the world’s leading rock bands. Almost 40 years later, the “Bad Boys from Boston” continue to excite fans in stadiums and arenas worldwide. Aerosmith came full circle when they played to a sold-out crowd in August 2010 at Fenway Park, a few blocks from where they had their humble beginnings as a band. Closing out the show, Steven Tyler appeared atop the famed Green Monster in the outfield projecting his classic smash “Dream On” on a white baby grand piano to a mesmerized audience in what can only be described as one of the greatest moments in recent rock-and-roll history. The band has sold over 100 million records and has won numerous prestigious awards, including Grammys, American Music Awards, Billboard Awards and MTV Awards. Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Many of the band’s greatest hits have topped the Billboard charts throughout the years: “Dream On,” “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Toys In The Attic,” “Janie’s Got A Gun,” “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” “Livin’ On The Edge,” “Cryin,” “Crazy,” “Amazing,” “ Pink,” “Love In An Elevator,” “Dude (Looks Like A Lady) and “Mama Kin.” Their trendsetting videos defined the video era, and the band has infiltrated rock history with their memorable film and TV appearances, including “Wayne’s World,” “The Simpsons” and the Super Bowl XXXV Halftime Show in 2001, as well as with their own version of Guitar Hero, the smash hit video game. Tyler’s autobiography, “Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?,” is set for release early next year.
ABOUT JIMMY IOVINE
Jimmy Iovine, acclaimed music executive and record producer, is chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, a unit of Universal Music Group, the global music leader. Interscope, the company Iovine founded with partner Ted Field in 1990 is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its continued commitment to its diverse and gifted artists, including Eminem, Lady Gaga, Dr. Dre, U2, Sheryl Crow, The Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Nelly Furtado and No Doubt. Iovine also heads up Beats by Dr. Dre, the enormously successful high-performance headphone and sound transmission company he co-founded with legendary artist and fellow producer Dr. Dre in January 2008. Iovine began his career in the mid-1970s first as a recording engineer (John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen) and then as a producer (U2, Dire Straits, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Patti Smith). He co-produced the hit Eminem movie “8 Mile” and Jim Sheridan’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” starring 50 Cent, and he executive-produced the critically acclaimed LeBron James documentary “More Than A Game.” Iovine co-produced two consecutive Super Bowl Halftime Shows; one in 2002 featuring U2, and the other in 2003 featuring Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting.
AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.
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