Multiple sources have confirmed that Steven Tyler’s deal with American Idol to become a judge for the upcoming season has been signed.
Now Tyler’s Aerosmith bandmate is saying the same thing. Bassist Tom Hamilton, told the New Jersey Star-Ledger, “Steven is doing `American Idol.’ The ink is dry on that … Steven is someone who absolutely lives to be in front of an audience, and the people closest to him know how witty and entertaining he can be. I don’t know if `American Idol’ will be rock ‘n’ roll enough for him, but it is an opportunity for millions of people to see another side of Steven Tyler.”
New American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says the final, official word on who will judge the contestants this season will come in the next few weeks. Lythgoe spoke with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest on Seacrest’s radio show Thursday (Aug. 19). He admitted that time is running out. Mass auditions have been going on for a few weeks. Seacrest and Lythgoe are currently in San Francisco for the open calls, and the judges are scheduled to hit the audition cities starting in September.
“I guess a decision has got to be made within three weeks,” Lythgoe says. “I think decisions have been made — let’s be honest about this. I think decisions have been made, and then negotiations happen. … When you’re dealing with stars who have other lives concentrate on, and you say ‘I want to take you off the planet and you’ll join us on planet “American Idol” for four months,’ that’s really tough.
“So you’ve got to let them work everything out, and of course come up with money that they’ll appreciate.”
Lythgoe has denied the signing of Steven Tyler. Obviously, waiting for word on everyone.
“I can tell you, Ryan, absolutely nothing,” he tells Seacrest. “While negotiations are going on, I’m not at liberty to discuss even who we’re negotiating with.”
Lythgoe does say that he knows “certain details” about the talks, but that’s as close to spilling the beans as he came.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter and E!
