With Steven Tyler’s announcement that he’ll depart “American Idol” to concentrate on Aerosmith and his music, and the subsequent news that Jennifer Lopez won’t stick around either, we have a suggestion.
Many of us haven’t been regular viewers of “American Idol” even in its more popular years, but one person who has been a faithful viewer is Aretha Franklin.
And she’d love to be a judge.
Just the thought of the singer who first brought gospel fervor, a masterful (and always artistic) use of melisma (and yes, even some hand waving, when warranted, not often) critiquing some of the young female singers who need to clip the faux Mariah Carey affectations a bit — it would be must-see TV.
As seen on Jimmy Fallon’s show, Aretha is forthright, funny, and not afraid to speak her mind. It’s possible that she might soften up while on the air, and toss softballs, a la Howard Stern on “America’s Got Talent,” but not likely.
She’d no doubt have empathy for the contestants, knowing what they were going through, but from our observation over the years, she would not averse to giving them a maternal whack every so often.
With its ratings getting worse each season, here’s a chance for AI to really shake it up.
They are probably looking for a 20something model, washed up rocker or producer… no, AI, you need a personality, someone to tell it like it is, what it is, what it is…
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