American Idol finale ratings suffered the most humiliating decline to date in a season that has been fraught with viewer indifference.

According to a Friday report from The Wrap, the show’s big night collapsed into a 3.6 rating (around 14.3 million viewers), which is not even half the draw that it reached during its more successful years.

To put it in a more recent context, compared to last season’s finale, the show was down 44 percent in its key demographic. (Last season it pulled in 21.5 million viewers.)

While in the past even contestants that didn’t win became household names — Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry — it wasn’t unusual Friday morning to tell your friends and neighbors that — SPOILER ALERT — Candice Glover had won, and receive a courtesy shrug and blank look in response.

Of course, the low American Idol finale ratings were hardly unexpected. The show has struggled all season. In March, the reality singing competition was averaging around 18 million viewers compared to an all-time high of close to 37 million.

Those numbers were disappointing at the time, so the fact the episode that should have had the highest amount of viewer interest came in under that, only makes matters worse.

A huge part of the problem has been Fox’s inability to put together a panel of judges to hold viewer interest. Recently, Randy Jackson, the last remaining original, stepped down ahead of a probable termination.

Nicki Minaj also got out ahead of the pink slip with a report earlier this month stating that Fox was on the verge of putting the ax to all four of its panel members:

While Keith Urban has expressed an interest in returning, it’s unlikely at this point that he or Mariah Carey will get the call. And Carey certainly didn’t help her stock with a fan-angering lip-synch performance on a recent broadcast.

What do you think? Are the American Idol finale ratings the final nail in the coffin for this panel of judges? And should they be?

[Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

‘American Idol’ Finale Ratings At Humiliating Low is a post from: The Inquisitr

With the winds of change blowing through the American Idol set, one judge is hoping to be a familiar face next season.

Keith Urban, who joined the judges panel in season 12, said he wanted to come back to the singing competition in season 13.

“I would. I mean, I literally enjoy coming to work every day, and that’s a rarity,” Urban said after being asked if he would like to judge again next season.

“I joined an ensemble like this in the same way I joined a band,” the 45-year-old added. ”I like being in a team and I felt that immediately, with [host Ryan Seacrest] and Randy [Jackson], particularly.”

Unfortunately for Urban, who has been a fan favorite on the show, he joined a season wrought with drama and declining ratings. Wednesday’s episode, which featured the final showdown between Kree Harrison and Candance Glover, was topped by Modern Family, which became the first show ever to outdeliver an Idol finale in the Adults 18-49 demographic. While Idol drew 11.57 million total viewers, compared to Modern Family‘s 9.75, the latter scored 3.5 million adult viewers versus Idol‘s 2.9 million.

Modern Family has also beat or tied Wednesday episodes of American Idol in each of the last seven airings.

Throw in the season-long feud between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, and it’s really a wonder that Urban would want to return. But with Minaj reportedly on her way out, next season may be less dramatic. However, Jackson has confirmed he won’t be returning, so Urban may be starting over with an entirely different panel if he is asked to return.

So far, there has no been no word from Carey about whether she will be returning, but the diva is supposedly planning her first world concert tour in nearly a decade, which most likely means she’s out for next season, too.

Still, despite all the happenings this season, Urban seems to have taken it all in stride, even though it means being judged himself.

“It’s funny. I think everybody is judging,” he said. ”Everyone at home is judging us, judging them, judging everybody.”

Do you think Keith Urban should return to American Idol next season?

[Photo credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

Keith Urban Wants To Return As ‘American Idol’ Judge is a post from: The Inquisitr

Justin Bieber “would be awesome” as an American Idol judge, according to Carly Rae Jepsen.

Amid speculation that most, if not all, the current crop of judges on Fox’s show are getting the bullet at the end the season and talk that Bieber, Pink, Diddy and Selena Gomez are being courted to replace them — Jepsen has made her vote clear.

“He’s got lots of great opinions when it comes to the music world and he’s very experienced especially for being so young,” the 27-year-old explained to The Hollywood Reporter.

Jepsen should know. A 2007 Canadian Idol finalist (she finished third), she was signed as an artist to Bieber and Psy’s manager Scooter Braun in 2012 after the teen star recommended her.

Since then the “Boyfriend” singer actively promotes Jepsen via his social media accounts, has appeared in an alternative video for “Call Me Maybe” — one of the fastest and biggest selling singles of 2012 — and has a stake in her deal.

Jepsen was also one of the support acts for Bieber on the first leg of his Believe tour.

Despite Bieber’s stormy headlines while on tour — and off — Jepsen had more praise for the 19-year-old, telling E! News:

“All I see is an incredibly hard worker and a man who’s just passionate about what he does. Just putting it on himself to take on a lot all at once.”

She continued: “I think if anything I’m inspired by how hard he works, and I definitely want to add that to my own mantra as just like working really hard and doing my thing.”

A recent Juno Awards triple winner, Jepsen also debuted her new song “I Take a Picture” on last night’s Idol. It was co-written with Season 12 viewers through Coca-Cola’s “Perfect Harmony” program.

Meanwhile, on the Idol judges front, following last week’s shock announcement by Randy Jackson that he wouldn’t be returning to the show, augurs for Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban’s exit took an ominous turn this week.

None of the judges were present at Fox’s upfront presentation to advertizers on Monday. Former Idol and now X-Factor judge Simon Cowell who was at the event, reportedly teased: ”Where’s Randy?”

To which, Ryan Seacrest replied: ”Ask Kevin,” referring to Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly.

For his part, Reilly told reporters in a call that Monday that he had no news to report on the Idol judges, adding that the show would “likely” go back to having three for the next season. He also said all of the the judges were “welcome back, absolutely” and that “everything is on the table.”

Lastly, Gomez recently added her opinion to the buzz about possibly becoming an Idol judge, telling MTV that she would be too “sensitive” for the job.

[Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

Justin Bieber Gets Carly Rae Jepsen’s Vote For ‘American Idol’ Amid Speculation is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nicole Kidman is a huge movie star, so what’s she doing with reality TV judge Keith Urban? Does his American Idol gig bother her? Not at all, actually. According to Urban, wife Kidman is just “happy that I have a job.”

Of course, Urban is no slouch himself. As a country singer, he has sold millions of records, played to sold-out arenas for tons of successful tours, and has quite a few Grammy Awards collecting dust on his mantle, reports MSN. He’s doing American Idol now, but it’s hardly a has-been dais this year. Urban joins superstar diva Mariah Carey and junior (albeit successful in her own right) diva Nicki Minaj as this year’s judges.

And apparently Oscar-winning Nicole Kidman is just fine with that.

It would have never occurred to me that she would be bothered, but the question came up in a recent interview with Zap2it anyway. Urban responded: “She’s just happy that I have a job! When I took this, it was like, ‘Oh, fantastic! We’re going to be in LA!’ Nic works there periodically. Then, of course, we started by not being in LA We’ve been going all around the country, to places like Oklahoma City and San Antonio and Charlotte.”

Aw, he calls her “Nic.”

Though Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are situated in Nashville, Tennessee, Kidman has been working in France and Urban has been traveling all over the country for Idol auditions.

Have you been watching American Idol? How do you think Keith Urban is doing?

Nicole Kidman Is Just Happy Keith Urban Has A Job is a post from: The Inquisitr

Former American Idol judge Steven tyler isn’t mincing words in his criticism of the current judging panel on the hit show.  Tyler thinks that there are serious personality differences between judges Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban that are preventing them from coming to a proper scoring of the contestants.

Tyler let his criticism fly in an interview he did with MTV News, when he was asked about the reported friction between Minaj and Carey.

Tyler said:

“I know that they’ve got something going on on the judges’ panel, [and] it shouldn’t be that, it should be just the opposite: They should have something going on, which is called ‘camaraderie,’. They should have something going on so thick and beautiful that they can lay it over the new talent that’s trying to birth itself. It needs to be birthed, not judged by ‘entertainment’ factors. It needs to be judged by people that [are] honest, true, that have the ‘it’ factor. Not the ‘it’ factor because they can fight. The f— is that all about?”

Tyler then went on to criticize how the judges were judging the talent more on the sellability of their performances than on the pure talent exhibited.  He further claimed that he and co-judge Jennifer Lopez were able to pull it off flawlessly on Season 11 of American Idol.

Tyler said:

“You just have to give your opinion. It wasn’t hard for me, but I would imagine it’s hard for some people, and they need a manager to say, ‘Shut the f— up, and just give them your opinion. These kids, they just got out of a car from the Midwest somewhere, and they’re in New York City. They’re scared to death; you’re not going to get the best [out of them]. … If it was Bob Dylan, Nicki Minaj would have had him sent to the cornfield! Whereas, if it was Bob Dylan with us, we would have brought the best of him out, as we did with Phillip Phillips. Just saying.”

It didn’t take long for a few of the judges to come out with a reply to his attack.  As reported by The Inquisitr writer Dusten Carlson, Nicki Minaj even went as far as to call Tyler a racist for his comments.

Do you agree with Steven Tyler’s criticism of the American Idol judges?

Steven Tyler: American Idol Judges Should ‘Shut The F–K Up’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nicole Kidman said she was as both naïve and impulsive when she fell in love with Tom Cruise. The Australian actress shared a story of a romance filled with both passionate love and co-dependency with her ex-husband, according to Radar Online.

During an interview with DuJour the 45-year-old actress had this to say about Cruise:

“I was totally smitten. I fell madly, passionately in love. I was reeling with Tom. I would have gone to the ends of the earth for him. We were in a bubble … just the two of us. We became very dependent on one another.”

The Far and Away leading lady said that her life changed when she met and fell in love with her current spouse, Keith Urban. The country music star is also a judge on American Idol. The couple met while filming Fur in 2006. Kidman had this to say about her marriage to Urban:

“He is a wonderful, caring man and he makes me feel secure. We don’t ever like to be separated.

The actress is known to keep her private life private but opened up a little about her life in between takes on the set of her new movie about Grace Kelly in France. Although she has reportedly been working non-stop for many months, she stated that she was not exhausted.

Nicole also noted that she is the happiest she has ever been in here entire life. While filming she has reportedly been staying at a friend’s house in Nice, accompanied by her two daughters. Both her mother and husband Keith were slated to arrive soon.

Nicole Kidman Opens Up About Her Relationship With Tom Cruise is a post from: The Inquisitr

In a recent interview, Nicole Kidman opened up about struggling with shyness as a young star and what she finds attractive in men (including what attracted her to husband Keith Urban).

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, which will appear in the November issue on newsstands October 23, the 45-year-old actress talked about why red carpet premieres and press conferences have always been such a challenge for her. She admits that during her early years (when she was married to now-50-year-old actor Tom Cruise), she would often lean on her significant other during public appearances, according to Us Magazine.

“In those early years, it was like, ‘I’m here and I’m clutching onto your arm and it all feels a little overwhelming and really strange,’” Kidman confesses. “And I was shy. Deeply shy. I didn’t feel comfortable at all. But I felt very comfortable at home.”

After splitting with Cruise in 2001, Kidman met and married country music star, current American Idol host, and fellow Australian, Keith Urban. Kidman admits that the two share at least one thing in common and that it was one of the main things that attracted her to both of them: confidence.

Kidman says that she has always been attracted to “a bigger, stronger personality; that’s what I’ve been drawn to. I need protection. Everyone wants to feel someone’s got their back.”

Urban has certainly fit that bill, and Kidman says that she has been able to get over some of her personal issues because of him.

“He just gave me confidence through just being very kind to me and understanding me,” Kidman explains. “Opening me up to trying things, my sexuality, those sorts of things.”

Tell us more!

Do you like Nicole Kidman?

Nicole Kidman On What She Likes In Men: ‘I Need Protection’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

After a leaked video confirmed our suspicions that American Idol hosts Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are indeed at each others throats, Keith Urban revealed that his role on the newly-minted dais is that of peacekeeper, and it’s a role that he doesn’t mind at all.

Urban is actually enjoying the dramatic diva-dust-up between Carey and Minaj, agreeing with host Ryan Seacrest that it makes the show entertaining, reports Reality TV Magazine.

“We’re all passionate people and we’re learning a new dance and we’re all a work in progress,” Urban said Wednesday at the New York Film Festival gala honoring his wife, Nicole Kidman. He compared his role on Idol to that of another major ruling body. “I was the UN,” Urban joked, prompting wife Kidman to clarify that her husband was more like “Switzerland.”

When asked what it was like to be literally put in between Carey and Minaj, Urban smiled “Best seat in the house,” and then going on to explain his love for the drama. “I love it, I gotta say. I love working with passionate people. I love artists. Everyone just sort of expressing themselves. It’s a very alive and very invigorating work environment. A lot of passion.”

“Passion” is a word that has been thrown around by both Urban and Seacrest in describing the particular feud among Idol‘s season 12 judges. We prefer a slightly more direct word: Bickering.

Despite all of the press the Carey/Minaj feud is getting Urban insists that the new panel generally gets along, notes MSN. Urban also says that the real drama comes from veteran judge Randy Jackson. “Randy’s the craziest…unpredictable,” he joked.

Keith Urban Is The ‘American Idol’ Peacekeeper, And He Doesn’t Mind is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nicole Kidman revealed that she sunk into a deep depression after her divorce from Tom Cruise. During an interview with Who, an Australian magazine, the actress noted that she got married too fast and too young. Although she may wish she could turn back the clock and hold off a bit on tying the knot with the Mission: Impossible star, she is thankful the short allowed her to become a mother to Connor and Bella.

The Moulin Rouge leading lady got married when she was 23, in 1990. Kidman also recalled that for a period of time, she did have a fantastic marriage. The Australian actress believes that depression stemmed from not being able to conceive with Cruise, Radar Online notes.

Nicole had this to say about her marriage and divorce from Tom Cruise:

“When it didn’t work out I had to really dig deep and find my way through depression. I have no regrets about all of that. It was part of growing up. I had tried and failed and failed and failed. Not to be too detailed, but I’ve had an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriages and I’ve had fertility treatments. I’ve done all the stuff you can possibly do to try to get pregnant. Every woman who has been through all those ups and downs knows the depression that comes with it. So the way it just happened with Sunday, [daughter] I was like, ‘what?’ The percentages were so low. It is the miracle in my life.”

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman divorced after 11 years of marriage. She married country music star Keith Urban in 2006. The couple added a second daughter, Faith, to their family, via a surrogate in 2011.

Nicole Kidman Battled Depression After Tom Cruise Divorce is a post from: The Inquisitr

The new panel of American Idol judges for the 12th season was announced on Sunday after much anticipation and will add Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, and Nicki Minaj while keeping fan favorite Randy Jackson, TMZ reported.

Joined with host Ryan Seacrest, the new Idol judges arrived at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts in New York City for the first day of auditions.

With what seems like a crashing popularity wave, it makes sense to seek out judges who are already famous to help bolster ratings.

The addition of Mariah Carey came as no surprise; reports had come out in July that the pop star had signed a $17-18 million contract for one year with an option for renewal.

Adding some very contemporary panache to the panel, rumors of Nicki Minaj joining the judges started circulating over a month ago.  Reportedly, she will be earning around $12 million for her work on the show. Major Idol fans are saying her addition is vital to help keep ratings up, although other fans have scoffed at what some consider her inability to sing, MTV reported:

“Of course, as Yaneza noted, Minaj’s hiring has left some “Idol” fanatics hollering. But as the show enters its 12th season, perhaps that’s a good thing. After all, if ever there was a show in need of a shot in the arm, it’s “American Idol.”"

The interactions between the new Idol judges should be particularly interesting this season, seeing as Mariah has allegedly said she “hates” Minaj.

Possibly in hopes to appeal to the country demographic of American viewers,  country superstar Keith Urban will also be joining the panel for a contract worth somewhere between $3-4 million.

The show is set to air in January.

New Idol Judges Make Appearances In New York City For Auditions is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey are already turning the American Idol stage into a boxing ring if you believe the gossip. The latest rumors allege that the two singers aren’t terribly fond of each other and are already fighting on the set.

TMZ reported a few weeks ago that Mariah Carey was fuming over Nicki Minaj’s potential as an Idol judge. Now, the snarky celebrity news site is gloating “I told you so!” reporting that Minaj and Carey are indeed feuding already. According to the site, Minaj and Carey were already not getting along at Idol’s taping on Sunday in New York City, reportedly interrupting each other during contestant critique. Minaj would say something, and Carey would interrupt her with Minaj fighting back by talking loudly over the diva.

One source said that they tried to keep it professional but were clearly hiding disdain for each other. “These girls just don’t like each other,” the source said.

Carey and Minaj make up a new judges panel this season and are joined by country singer Keith Urban and long-time Idol judge Randy Jackson. Though Idol has long been popular, it faces serious competition heading into its 12th season, notes NY Daily. Simon Cowell’s The X-Factor hosts celebrity judges Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, and L.A. Reid, while The Voice boasts an all-star panel of Blake Shelton, Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, and Adam Levine.

Rumors of tension between Minaj and Carey have been circulating in recent weeks. After it was announced that Minaj would be joining the Idol dais, Carey reportedly hung up on the show’s producers who phoned to deliver the news.

“Tension? What tension?” Carey responded to photographers when asked of a potential quarrel between the two.

Nicki Minaj v. Mariah Carey: Idol Judges Already At War [Report] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Hours after the official American Idol announcement came down the network’s pipeline, FOX released an image featuring this season’s new additions, according to Deadline. Fans of Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, and Nicki Minaj will finally get to see their heroes sitting at the famous American Idol judge’s table. The image reportedly showcases their seating arrangement, with Carey positioned to give her critique first. Like it or not, these are the people you’ll be staring at this season.

Sunday morning, FOX announced that Nicki Minaj and country music star Keith Urban would be joining Mariah Carey and returning judge Randy Jackson on this season’s American Idol. Rumors have been circulating for months as to who, precisely, would join Carey at the table. Although Urban and Minaj’s participation has been hinted at for weeks, Jackson’s return was apparently up in the air until the 11th hour.

For a while, it appeared that singer Enrique Iglesias would appear on the talent competition as the fourth judge. Jackson, meanwhile, would assume the role of a mentor. However, negotiations with Iglesias fell through at the last minute, allowing Jackson to return as a judge for at least one more season.

Mike Darnell — president of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company — gushed about this year’s judges in the company’s official press release:

“I am thrilled about this year’s judges’ panel! We’ve got global icon Mariah Carey and IDOL’s heart and soul Randy Jackson, who will be joined by Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to IDOL — he’s one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him. With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we’ve put together one of the most exciting judging panels around.”

Do you think Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Mariah Carey are good choices for American Idol? The first image, complete and uncropped, resides below.

‘American Idol’ Releases First Image Of New Judges is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rapper Nicki Minaj and country superstar Keith Urban have been tapped as the newest judges on Fox TV’s hit show American Idol. 

Fox officially announced the shows new judges on Sunday morning, only hours before judging for the new season was set to begin in New York City.

With two judges announced and Randy Jackson staying put as the only original American Idol judge, there will now be four people playing with the fate of contestants. Jackson, Minaj, and Urban join Mariah Carey on the four judge panel.

The search for American Idol judges heated up over the summer after both Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Jennifer Lopez of “the block” announced they would not return to the singing competition.

Judging for the show is now getting underway with a 12th season debut scheduled for January 2013.

With American Idol’s historical past of producing chart topping country singers, Keith Urban should be a welcomed addition to the team, marking the first time a country singer has played the role of judge on the show. The Urban move could also be seen as a direct attempt to counter the country superstar status of The Voice’s Blake Shelton.

American Idol is facing more competition than ever thanks to The Voice and X Factor; it will be interesting to see if yet another refreshed lineup can deliver the type of experience users are willing to tune in to watch.

Do you think the shows brand new judges were the right choice for American Idol?

Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj Join ‘American Idol’ Judging Panel is a post from: The Inquisitr

Has Katie Couric’s new show accidentally leaked the judging lineup for the new season of American Idol?

Former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez appeared on Katie on Friday, and was asked what she thought of the new judging panel of Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and previously announced judge Mariah Carey.

The only snag? Of those four big names, Fox has only formally confirmed Carey. It seems either Couric was hedging her bets on the other three (all of whom have been heavily linked to the next Idol season), or she had some insider knowledge. Indeed, Lopez looked confused about who Couric was referring to when asked for her thoughts, but said the panel – whether the real deal or not – excited her:

“That’s an eclectic group. They all have something different to offer, so it should be interesting.”

Previously, sources close to the show have said Jackson is a nailed-on certainty to return, while Urban recently revealed he was leaving his gig as a judge on The Voice Australia, an announcement that set the rumor mill turning. In a statement to CNN, the country singer said he was departing The Voice to pursue “the recording and promoting of a new album, a tour and other commitments.”

Could those other commitments include a place on the Idol panel?

Lopez, meanwhile, is looking forward to having the time to tackle new projects. As she told Couric:

“At the end of the day, I’m not a judge, I’m a performer.”

That sentiment fits with the 42-year-old’s previous statements about wanting to get her movie career back on track.

Katie Couric Show Leaks New ‘American Idol’ Lineup? is a post from: The Inquisitr

Is Randy Jackson returning to this season of American Idol as a judge? According to The Hollywood Reporter, this could very likely be the case. Instead of going with singer and heartthrob Enrique Iglesias, sources close to the show explain that Jackson is slated to return as the fourth judge on the show, taking a chair next to Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban. However, since nothing has been officially confirmed as of this writing, Jackson’s return should probably be considered internet speculation.

For a while, it appeared that Enrique Iglesias would replace Randy Jackson as judge on the latest season of American Idol. Instead of riding off into the sunset for good, Jackson would instead move into a mentor role. However, sources close to the show explain that negotiations with Iglesias have fallen through, prompting the network to tap Jackson as the fourth judge.

MTV News states that FOX has remained tight-lipped about the shuffling, so nothing official has been released to the public as of this writing. Although little information on the subject has come tumbling from the lips of network representatives, Simon Cowell shared the news with his legion of followers on Twitter.

“Just heard Randy is back on ‘Idol.’ Right decision,” he wrote. I’m sure FOX executives appreciated the former judge spilling the proverbial beans before they could issue a statement on the matter.

During his appearance on the TODAY Show, Randy Jackson discussed a number of American Idol-related topics including the addition of Mariah Carey, who he reportedly co-manages. However, when the hosts attempted to extract some information from Jackson about his role on the show’s upcoming season, he didn’t have a lot to say on the subject.

Are you excited about Randy Jackson’s possible return to American Idol as a judge? Would you prefer to see Enrique Iglesias on this season of the talent competition?

Randy Jackson Could Be Returning To ‘American Idol’ As Judge is a post from: The Inquisitr

NASHVILLE, TENN.- Some Metro high school students were given the opportunity to hear from a multi-Grammy award winning, country superstar on Thursday.

WKRN reports that Keith Urban spoke to a group of middle Tennessee high school juniors and seniors as part of a special Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum educational program.

Urban gave the students some advice on making it in the music industry based on his experience since coming to the states to pursue music.

Urban told the students that he had devoted all of his time to music as a child, adding that his dad played drums and his grandmother taught piano lessons.

“The first concert my parents took me to was Johnny Cash. I think I was five,” Urban recalled, “My dad had brought us little cowboy shirts, little boots and everything, it was adorable and off we go to see Johnny Cash.”

Urban also told the students that his parents were always very supportive of his dream of pursuing music … even to the point of letting him quit school at a young age.

“I joined my first band when I was 12 and mom and dad used to drive me around to all the gigs,” he said. “When I was 15, I quit school. [I'm] not suggesting you do that, but that’s what I did.”

Even though he had always loved music, Urban did not seriously think about songwriting until his early 20′s. Urban explains that his approach to writing is all about rhythm.

“I think the important thing is to respond quickly to ideas before they go, because they don’t hang around sometimes very long,” Urban said.

RTT News reports that approximately 200 middle Tennessee high school students attended the program. During the 75 minute lecture, students listened intently to Urban and then took part in a question-and-answer session. Urban then treated the students to a private performance as he played a banjo that he bought in 1995 in the early days of his career.

The private ”All Access: Keith Urban” program was funded by the Metro Arts Commision and the Tennessee Arts Commision through the National Endowment for the Arts.

Keith Urban Speaks To Middle Tennessee High School Students is a post from: The Inquisitr

Randy Jackson put an end to the rumors and officially announced that he will be leaving American Idol, and as the last remaining original judge his departure marks a major shift for the show.

Fans and critics of American Idol are unsure of just what Randy Jackson’s departure will mean for the show, but the Christian Science Monitor contends that it could be a good thing. After having been on the show so long, Jackson’s insights had become routine for some fans to the point that they could accurately predict what he would tell a singer.

Getting in some new blood could give the show a jolt and bring back viewers who saw the show as growing monotonous.

The change-up could also come at a much-needed time for the show’s ratings, the Christian Science Monitor noted. Last year’s matchup of Jessica Sanchez and Phil Phillips was the smallest audience for any American Idol finale, even worse than the show’s first season when it aired in the summer, a traditionally lower time for ratings.

American Idol reached a peak in ratings in 2003, when its finale drew 38.1 million viewers. Though it has declined in ratings, the show remains very profitable for Fox, with 30-second commercials fetching $500,000.

Randy Jackson won’t be leaving the show entirely, Fox News reported. He has signed on to return as a mentor, although sources close to the show say they are worried that he’s not suited well for the role.

Randy Jackson’s departure could give way to a new feel for the show. Next year will start with an entirely new slate of judges, with Mariah Carey already signed on and both Nicki Minaj and country signer Keith Urban close to signing contracts, Billboard reported. Nick Jonas is in talks to become the fourth judge.

Randy Jackson’s Departure From ‘American Idol’ Marks Major Shift For Show is a post from: The Inquisitr

After months of endless internet speculation as to who, exactly, will judge the next season of the popular television singing contest American Idol, it appears the show is close to inking deals with Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj. According to The Hollywood Reporter, both musicians are presently working on their own deals with executives.

Minaj will reportedly receive a cool $8 million for participating in the program. On top of that hefty paycheck, the singer will also receive an allowance for hair, makeup, and wardrobe. That’s really not a bad gig if you can get it. Although it initially appeared that Minaj’s relationship with Pepsi could ultimately sour the deal — American Idol has a sponsorship with Coke — this apparently is no longer a problem. Crisis averted.

Urban, meanwhile, is extremely close to inking a $3 to $4 million dollar deal with the network. This deal is a bit more reasonable than the one proposed by country music star and potential judge Brad Paisley, who was rumored to be demanding a paycheck in the same ballpark at Minaj. Since Urban is cheaper, it would seem he’s the guy who will fill the remaining judge’s chair.

In addition to American Idol, Urban will also spend some time on the Australian talent show The Voice. “I’m trying to make an album, and it’s strange how these opportunities all come in one big fell swoop,” Urban explained to Taste of Country.

Mariah Carey, on the other hand, has already signed on to participate in the program. For her role on the show, the singer will receive a staggering $18 million. This, of course, is a very small paycheck compared to what Simon Cowell was pulling down by the time season nine rolled around. The Hollywood Reporter states that the infamous judge garnered an impressive $35 million for his time and talent.

Are you excited about the upcoming season of American Idol? Are Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban good choices?

‘American Idol’ Close To Inking Deals With Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nicole Kidman has sold the Manhattan apartment she first purchased in 2003, pocketing a cool $16 million for the sale.

The apartment, located on Perry Street, is in the Richard Meier building popular with celebrities, Hollywood Reported noted. The building has housed other famous residents including Calvin Klein and Hugh Jackman with Jim Carrey also checking out the building last year before deciding against it.

Nicole Kidman’s 3,785-square-foot apartment had been on the rental market for $45,000 per month before an unknown buyer stepped up in early July to buy it for $16 million, The Real Deal reported. The 12th-floor apartment came with three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a view of New York Harbor.

Nicole Kidman reportedly didn’t last long in the building. Shortly after moving in, she was upset by construction that blocked the condo’s view of the Hudson River, so she and husband Keith Urban instead bought a $10 million penthouse in West Chelsea last year. Though her old townhouse is posh and popular with celebrities, Nicole Kidman’s new place isn’t so bad either — it comes complete with a sky garage that allows residents to travel by car in giant elevators.

The condo was more of an escape for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban anyway. They make their full-time home in Nashville, where Keith can be closer to his work as a country music star and where their two daughters attend school.

They also own a home in Nicole Kidman’s native Australia and have purchased the next-door unit to their apartment in West Chelsea, expanding it to twice its original size.

Nicole Kidman Sells Manhattan Condo For $16 Million is a post from: The Inquisitr

Country superstar Keith Urban will undergo throat surgery later this month to remove a polyp that was recently discovered on his vocal chords.

According to Urban’s publicist Paul Freundlich it is only a minor procedure:

“The surgery, an out-patient procedure, while minor, will require complete voice rest followed by an undetermined period of  recuperation.”

The surgery will be followed by an “indefinite” period of recuperation which means his All For The Hall concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame which was scheduled for January 18 will have to be postponed.

Urban will also skip any other performances for the rest of the year which require him to sing multiple songs.

Before his forced hiatus Keith Urban is currently willing to sing one song per performance leading up to his surgery, his one song per performance rule means he will likely still perform during the  Country Music Association Awards show in November where he is also nominated for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year awards.

Vocal problems have been a constant struggle in 2011 with R. Kelly undergoing emergency throat surgery in July to drain an abscess on his tonsils following by John Mayer undergoing a procedure because of a granuloma near his vocal chords and then songstress Adele cancelling the remainder of her 2011 tour after undergoing surgery to repair a hemorrhaged vocal chord.

These singers need to start taking better care of their voices or they’ll all end up sounding like modern day Axl Rose.

[image via DFree / Shutterstock.com]

Keith Urban To Undergo Throat Surgery In November is a post from: The Inquisitr

Country superstar Keith Urban recently released a new cologne called Phoenix and to help him move some units talk show host Ellen DeGeneres had the singer on her show where they put together a little spoof of the new product.

In the “sexy” clip Ellen gets closer to Urban than wife Nicole Kidman would let most women as Ellen licks Urban’s face and throws ice at him as part of the sales pitch, now that’s sexy!

Here’s the clip:

I have to give it up to Urban, I don’t think I could have kept a straight face if Ellen came out and started doing that stuff to me in that blonde wig and robe. The country singer also has decent comedic timing and offered some great looks on his face as Ellen basically molested him in the strangest ways possible.

His website says the cologne has a “woody oriental” scent which basically provides no insight into what the cologne actually smells like.

What do you think about the new Keith Urban fragrance and the Ellen DeGeneres clip that preceded it?

Keith Urban And Ellen DeGeneres Share An Intimate Moment [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Kris Allen with Keith Urban

One of the most discussed performances of the night was Kris Allen and Keith Urban teaming up to perform “Kiss a Girl.” Acoustic guitar in hand, Allen joined Urban for a duet that, for many, proved to be one of the show’s most memorable moments.

Watch the Kris Allen-Keith Urban duet video below. Or, if you’re more of a Lambert kind of fan, check out Adam Lambert with KISS here.

VIDEO: Kris Allen and Keith Urban is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nicole Kidman told a Tennessee newspaper, that she loves Nashville and delivers meals on wheels in her spare time, which given the reviews of her most recent movie Australia, she might have a lot more time for.

“I love doing that because it’s just being part of a community,” she says. “That is what is important to both of us, feeling like we’re normal and part of a community.

She also said people don’t always “recognise” her. This is most probably because as Sharon Osbourne said, she has has so much botox, her forehead looks like a “flat schreen tv”.

The Australian press however are whipping themselves into a frenzy about “their Nicole” and her desire for her baby, Sunday Rose to have an “American accent”.

“I’m glad that she is able to say she’s born and bred in Nashville and Tennessee. That is really lovely. I think it’s very appropriate, considering her daddy. His whole life was headed here; from a little boy, he dreamed of coming here. For him to be able to say his baby girl was born here, I think is very special. I hope she has a Southern accent.”

Given the poor kid is called Sunday, she is going to need all the help she can get, so we say the Aussie press should give her a break.

Nicole Kidman Delivers Meals On Wheels in Nashville is a post from: The Inquisitr

Keith Urban rocked out at a down-home concert with his pal Kenny Chesney in Nashville, and even facing a crowd of 50,000 wasn’t going to stop him from beaming about his mega-pregnant wife and her rapidly approaching due date. Keith got ready to start in on “Better Half” at the concert, but before he did, he dedicated his work to Nicole, saying “I’m going to dedicate a song to my very, very, very, very, VERY pregnant wife!”

I hope that Nicole Kidman has an easy “natural lamaze birth” and just enjoys being a mom. (No, I’m not being sarcastic.) I’m just glad we’re not facing as much hoopla as Angelina Jolie’s whirlwind of a pregnancy has treated up to so far!

Nicole Kidman Gets a Cute Dedication from Keith; Will Pop at Any Moment is a post from: The Inquisitr