Panicked American Idol producers are reportedly planning another panel blow-up next season. Will they get Bieber and Gomez? Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
JUSTIN Bieber and Selena Gomez are reportedly being touted as a new American Idol judges.
Radar reports TV producers have set their sights on the Canadian pop star and his on-off girlfriend to give the show a boost next season.
Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe is also said to be lining up Pink and Sean 'Diddy' Combs to complete the "dream team" panel.
"They want to go big next season, and you can't get any bigger than Justin Bieber," a source told the website.
"The executives are calling it their dream team because who wouldn't tune in to see Justin and Selena, Pink and Diddy?
"Pink has been approached in the past and turned it down as well as Diddy, who wanted too much money. It will cost a fortune to get them, but the show has gotten so stale that Fox is desperate for a revamp - they're willing to pay to put Idol back on top.
The talent show has been posting sagging ratings this season. Rival shows The Voice and Dancing With the Stars are both drawing larger audiences.
For this reason the current panel of judges which includes Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban, may not be back next year.
"It's been a lacklustre season for Idol and everyone involved with the show is well aware of it so that's why producers are franticly working on lining up big name stars for season 14," the insider added.
Carey in particular has been the target of criticism for her "bland" judging style. It has been rumoured recently producers hoped to replace her with Jennifer Lopez midway through this season.
The source said popular host Ryan Seacrest is the only name safe from the Idol axe.
"There's more drama going on behind the scenes of the show than on the stage," the insider revealed. "A telling sign was that the highlight of the season was Mariah and Nicki's explosive feud that was leaked on the web - and that was before the season even aired.
"Producers have been trying to recreate that buzz ever since and it hasn't worked - the public isn't buying it. The judges don't have real chemistry, and there's no real standout contestant."
