Nigel Lythgoe on Mariah's 'Idol' Deal: 'Randy Jackson is Her Man'

July 24, 2012 American Idol

“Extra’s” Terri Seymour spoke with “American Idol” Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe at the FOX Television Critics Association press tour, commenting on Mariah Carey’s $18-million deal to join “Idol.”

Nigel Lythgoe on Mariah's 'Idol' Deal: 'Randy Jackson is Her Man'

Getty Images

Mariah’s deal is netting her more than Jennifer Lopez or “The X Factor’s” Britney Spears. Lythgoe said remaining judge Randy Jackson was in on the deal. “Randy Jackson manages Mariah, so Randy Jackson is Mariah's man.”

Jackson has not yet confirmed he will return as a judge, and Nigel was forthcoming on his feelings about starting fresh with three new judges. “I would do it every year, to be frank.”

The stars from “Glee” also weighed in on Carey as a judge. Lea Michele told Seymour, “I've been thinking, like, ‘Who are they going pick?’ and I've been coming up with my dream panel and she was in it!”

Kevin McHale added, “Mariah is the queen,” while Darren Criss said, “I would be terrified to sing for Mariah Carey.”

Check out more interviews from the press tour, including Kiefer Sutherland breaking news on the "Touch" Season 2!

Filed Under: Top Stories, As Seen On Extra, Trending Stories, Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, American Idol

Prev Post Mariah Carey a Go for 'American Idol'

Next Post Nicki Minaj to Join 'American Idol'?

Add Your Comment

Your comments*

Please check your inbox ... your comment will not appear until you have confirmed your identity via email.
Receive Extra Newsletter

Cancel Reply

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put 1 URL in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.

Comments

Barnsinger

301 days ago

Bring back Simon, Paula, and Randy, and the good old days when judges weren't and didn't have to be currently active major recording artists. Also, Nigel's idea to change the judging panel every season is just wrong. The contestants should change every season, the judges should be your old familiar friends who come back every year.

Likes 0 Dislikes 0

Dodie

302 days ago

I think if American Idol is looking for a male judge...PITBULL is my choice.....He duets with EVERYONE.....is a real CLASSY DRESSER....a real hard working singer and would be a TOTAL ASSET to American Idol. I will so miss Jennifer Lopez....she was the BEST...and so down-to-earth and real.....

Likes 0 Dislikes 0