Jennifer Hudson Signs On as American Idol Judge! (Plus, Find Out Who Else Is Close to Coming Aboard)

rican Idol Judge! (Plus, Find Out Who Else Is Close to Coming Aboard)

American Idol has nailed down its first alum turned judge: Jennifer Hudson. Multiple sources confirm exclusively to E! News that the Oscar-winning singer has signed a deal to sit at the judges' table this fall for season 13. The other two spots are also intended for former Idol contestants: Kelly Clarkson and either Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken. We're told that Clarkson is also close to signing on. No word yet on whether Lambert or Aiken will fill the final spot, but producers are expected to keep the panel to three members. NEWS: American Idol's Nigel Lythgoe sounds off on judging drama: "They didn't gel as a whole" Video Thumbnail: Will Smith's Rap Reunion Video Thumbnail: Actress Cries at Cannes Film Festival Video Thumbnail: The Wanted Sees a Lot of Hot Tub Action The "superstar-alum" theme is aimed at reclaiming some of Idol's lost viewership—the series is down about 10 million viewers from two years ago, in part because of the success of The Voice. Fox (smartly) wants to highlight Idol's upper hand: It's the only singing competition to actually manufacture top-selling stars. "It's Idol alums bringing in the next generation," says one Fox source of the reasoning behind the casting for season 13. NEWS: Idol alums are being considered as the Fox hit's new judges Current judges Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban will not be returning. Hudson didn't win the show's third season but went on to have one of the most high-profile careers, winning an Academy Award in 2006 for Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls. She most recently appeared on the second season of NBC's troubled and now-canceled series Smash. Fox had no comment on Hudson's casting. Would you tune in for Jennifer Hudson and an all-alum panel?


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News/ George Michael Hospitalized With Minor Injuries After Car Accident

s/  George Michael Hospitalized With Minor Injuries After Car Accident

George Michael had a bit of a fright but it looks like he's going to be OK. The 49-year-old entertainer suffered minor injuries in a car crash Thursday night on the crowded M1 motorway near St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England. A statement issued Friday by Michael's rep said the careless whisperer was a passenger in a Range Rover that was involved in a traffic accident and was hospitalized for "superficial cuts and bruises" but was "fine." NEWS: George Michael: "I'm incredibly lucky to be here" Video Thumbnail: Brinkley's First Swimwear Shoot in 30 Years Video Thumbnail: Heidi Klum Takes a Tumble Video Thumbnail: Tim McGraw Gets Candid About Past "No third party was involved," a spokesman for Michael said. "We have no further comment at this time." The BBC quoted an ambulance spokesman as saying a man in his '40s had suffered a head injury and had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital for further care. Sky News, on the other hand, reported that the person who was airlifted was another man riding in the vehicle. As the exact circumstances of the smashup are unclear, police are investigating. NEWS: Freedom! George Michael released early from prison The "Faith" singer is all too familiar with automotive mishaps, having spent a month in jail in 2010 for wrecking his car while under the influence of drugs and possessing cannabis. The following year, Michael nearly died after a life-threatening battle with pneumonia, but thankfully made a full recovery.



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