WELL. This certainly must have been AWKWARD!
Although it had been initially presumed that both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler turned down offers to return for another season of American Idol this fall, new reports have surfaced that reveal quite the opposite, in fact: they were FIRED!
According to sources close to production, who are pretty much confirming what we all already knew to be true – while J. Lo was attempting to re-negotiate her contract for a pay bump from $15 to $17 million for a third year on the reality competition, she was FLOORED when the network did not make a counter-offer and instead chose to let her go!
And poor Steven didn’t even get that far – his just didn’t have his option picked up for another season!
Meanwhile, the sole judge standing (for now, anyway) Randy Jackson says:
“Steven and Jennifer are truly two of the most talented and consummate professionals I’ve worked with. I was friends with them before we hopped on this crazy journey together and I have no doubt our friendships will continue long after. I will love them for life.”
Aww! Well, they might be continuing those friendships off-stage sooner than he anticipates, because at least TWO of Fox’s execs are ready to cut him loose, with only host Ryan Seacrest being the last man standing!
Yeesh!
Between all of this and the news of the budget cuts, we think it’s going to be a very TENSE few weeks for producers as they attempt to salvage the show before it returns this fall!
ESPECIALLY with all of the competition!
But hey! Perez will take your call, guys! Ha!
[Image via WENN.]