Music producer Jimmy Iovine to be part of "American Idol" next season

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler may not be the only new faces on "American Idol" when the Fox hit returns next year. Legendary record producer Jimmy Iovine is also expected to have a significant role with the show as well, people close to the situation said.

Iovine, who has worked with artists including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Dr. Dre and Eminem over his lengthy career, will have a part on "American Idol" next season. It is unlikely that Iovine will be a judge on the show, but he will be a mentor of sorts.

The addition of Iovine comes on the heels of a new record deal between "American Idol" and Universal Music Group. Iovine is chairman of UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M label. Previously, Sony Music had been the label partner of "American Idol."

For "American Idol," adding Iovine to the mix may help lessen the blow of losing lead judge Simon Cowell, whose music background gave him credibility. Whether Iovine will emerge as someone with the same on-air presence as Cowell remains to be seen, but no one can argue with his success in knowing what sells.

As for the other changes in the works behind the scenes of television's No. 1 show, Nigel Lythgoe has closed his deal to return to "American Idol" as an executive producer. Lythgoe had been an executive producer on the show until he left in 2008, reportedly amid clashes with Cowell. Producers are still trying close deals with Lopez and Aerosmith lead singer Tyler, according to sources and a person close to Tyler. It is expected that those agreements will be reached within the next several days. 

Fox is still keeping mum on all the changes around "American Idol." Even News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch, the uber boss of Fox, couldn't be coaxed into giving a hint about the show during a call with analysts to discuss the media conglomerate's second quarter earnings.

"All I can assure you is that next year’s `Idol' will be different, it will be better, the music will certainly be better, and we've got great expectations for it," Murdoch said.

-- Joe Flint

Related posts:

Nigel Lythgoe returning to "American Idol."

UMG replaces Sony as label for "American Idol"

Photo: Jimmy Iovine. Credit: Beatrice de Gea/Los Angeles Times

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Comments

[DallasDude]

Iovine was also credited with launching Stevie Nicks' successful solo career.

[CrowfeatheR]

Interscope has a strong Pop lineup of lady Gaga, Pussycat dolls and the Black Eyed Peas so if it's true you can get a sense of what talent AI is seeking this year. Iovine is much more well rounded than Cowell who specialized in boy bands, Interscope has had acts such as Maralyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails for example, as well as their pop offerings.

That being said, I CrowfeatheR am a perfect replacement for Simon. Steven Tyler is way to nice and so is J-lo despite her "diva" status. They would pull punches, I can't imagine them ever saying "utterly forgettable" which needs to be said from time to time when it is true.

~ CrowfeatheR
http://www.myspace.com/crowfeatherproject

[MONEY TEAM]

JIMMY IS THE BEST MAN 4 THE JOB HE GOT A MIND OF A KING JIMMY LOVE HE PUT MONEY TEAM ON THE MAP HIM AN DR NICK LEVEL 7 IQ 200 LETS EAT MONEY TEAM MIXTAPE MONEY TEAM MODELS

[wildone]

Now, if they would just get rid of that horrible theme song.