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The "American Idol" judge rumours continue: following news that Mariah Carey will be a part of the show for its 12th season, word has it that Enrique Iglesias may also be joining the crew.
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According to "Entertainment Weekly," the singer isn't only up for consideration -- sources say he's been given a firm offer, which, if he accepts, would see four judges on the panel, obliterating its three-judge legacy. FOX so far has only confirmed Mariah Carey's involvement, but reports have since surfaced claiming that Randy Jackson will be moving on to a "mentor" role and that deals with Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban are also underway.
Naturally, the gaping void left by former judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez needs to be filled, and giving Randy a new role would allow for the series to start anew. Prior to celebrity involvement, interest in the show was arguably declining, but thanks to an all-star presence, ratings increased as viewers tuned in for rockstar antics (or at least Steven Tyler's shirts).
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So are celebrities necessary? Considering Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson were unknowns when "American Idol's" premiered -- and Paula Abdul was no longer the pop force she was in the '90s -- the show acted as a platform for exposure on more than one level: contestants used it to prove themselves as bankable singers worthy of long-term success, and judges used it to prove their relevance. However, the more popular the show became, appearing on "American Idol" became a career goal unto itself -- especially since the record industry has changed monumentally since 2002. The judges also became celebrities and personalities in their own right, but the novelty began wearing off prior to last season.
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Enter Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, who drew audiences back in. Borrowing from the pages of "X-Factor," "The Voice," and "America's Got Talent" -- shows who shamelessly use celebrity judges -- "American Idol" still remained about the music, but also focused on the personalities observing it. You can't go back again. While once upon a time Randy Jackson was relatively obscure, enlisting unknowns for the show's 12th season would put the series' momentum to a halt: non-celebrity judges worked before "American Idol" was a hit, and now that it is, judges need to reflect it.