Jennifer Lopez’s ‘American Idol’ Return Confirmed

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, Announcements, News,

Jennifer Lopez has been confirmed as returning to American Idol.

The "On The Floor" singer will be joined by singer Harry Connick Jr. and returning judge Keith Urban when the show comes back for its 13th season next year. The 44-year-old pop star is coming back to the panel after appearing as a member in 2011 and 2012 and will command a hefty pay cheque, thought to total as much as $17.5 million.

Randy Jackson, who retired from his role as judge earlier this year, will still appear, but as an in-house mentor to acts.

Describing the judging panel, Kevin Reilly - Chairman of Entertainment at network Fox - said, "Jennifer Lopez, the triple-threat global superstar who loves and whom Idol fans love; Harry Connick Jr., a bona-fide musical genius and fantastic Idol mentor whose honesty and expertise can help turn these hopefuls into stars; Keith Urban, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who was such a positive force on the show last season. We are also very excited to have our friend Randy Jackson now in a new role as mentor, and the captain of our team - the heart and soul of 'Idol' - Ryan Seacrest returning as host."

‘American Idol’ to Return to Three Judge Format

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, Gossip, Rumors,

American Idol is returning to a three judge format. The singing competition's 13th season will have a diminished panel for the first time in five years in a bid to combat the Fox show's declining ratings.

Kevin Reilly, Fox's entertainment chairman, also revealed current judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj had been invited back, despite veteran mentor Randy Jackson deciding to leave the panel. "The format will have fresh twists for next season," the TV boss said. Kevin went on to hint the expanded middle rounds were likely to be revamped since he believes they are responsible for dwindling viewing figures.

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‘Glee’ Renewed for Two More Seasons

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Comedy, Drama, Music, Prime Time, FOX, News, Renewals,

Glee has been renewed for two more seasons. The musical/comedy show has been confirmed for series five and six after impressing Fox bosses with its ratings in its fourth season.

"Glee debuted as the first and only successful musical comedy series on television, and more than four years later, it continues to defy genres, break new ground and have a significant impact on popular culture. Week in and week out, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan, Dante DiLoreto and the entire Glee team deliver a series that not only delights and surprises fans, but also inspires them to talk about, share, debate and engage with the show and I'm absolutely thrilled to have them on board for another two seasons," said Fox president Kevin Reilly.

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‘The Following’ Renewed for Second Season

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Comedy, Drama, Prime Time, FOX, Announcements, News, Renewals,

The Following has been renewed for a second season. The serial killer drama - which stars Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy - has been picked up by Fox thanks to its high ratings for season one.

"From the very beginning, we felt Kevin Williamson and Marcos Siega had created a high-quality, edge-of-your-seat drama that could break from the pack, and it is exciting to see the audience responding. Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy have given us two of the most compelling characters on television and the entire cast is incredible. I'm delighted to have this thrill ride continue on Fox for another season," Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly in a statement.

Fox has also renewed comedies New Girl, The Mindy Project and Raising Hope, with Mr. Reilly adding, "These shows are creatively vibrant, they have established a loyal and passionate audience and they will continue to define and grow the Fox comedy brand next season and beyond."

Lindsay Lohan, Whoopi Goldberg to Appear in Glee

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Comedy, Drama, Music, Prime Time, FOX, Announcements,

Lindsay Lohan is set to guest star in Glee.

The troubled actress - who has previously complained about the musical TV series for mocking her stints in rehab - is reportedly in final negotiations to appear on the program to play herself as one of the celebrity judges in the annual nationals competition, website TVLine reports.

Meanwhile, Whoopi Goldberg has signed on for a stint in the show that is expected to last for three episodes. The Sister Act star will play Carmen Tibideaux, a professor at New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts (NYADA), the school which graduating students Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) have applied to. Whoopi's character - who will first appear on May 1 - is expected to oversee the pair through their auditions.

Although Whoopi is only slated to appear this season, it is possible she may return in the future as Lea and Chris' characters will remain with the show next year, despite graduating from William McKinley High.

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Zooey Deschanel Show Gets Picked Up For Full Season

Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Comedy, Prime Time, FOX, Ratings, Renewals,

It must be pretty good to be Zooey Deschanel right now.

After just two episodes of her new comedy, New Girl, Fox has picked the series up for a full season of 24 episodes. Judging from its high ratings (it even beat its lead-in, Glee!), it's not quite a surprise.

"We love the charming Zooey Deschanel and the entire cast, we're knocked out with the work that [creator] Liz Meriwether and the whole staff is doing and we are really psyched about the coming episodes in the pipeline. It's great that audiences have responded so positively so far and we're confident that even more people will embrace the show—and more comedy on Fox—this season," said Kevin Reilly, president of Entertainment at Fox.

New Girl -- which also stars Max Greenfield and Hannah Simone -- airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. on Fox.

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