American Idol: Who should replace Steven Tyler?

Steven Tyler announced yesterday that he would not be returning as a judge to American Idol next season, and just moments ago Jennifer Lopez followed suit, announcing that the past season of Idol would be her last.

With Randy Jackson’s spot up in the air, the judging panel for the 12th season of the singing show staple is wide open. PopWatch got to brainstorming who we’d love to see in the judges’ (non-spinny) chairs.

Will Idol producers go with original champ Kelly Clarkson (who showed off her judging chops on the disappointing Duets)? Or what about season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, who could bring some fun — not to mention killer looks? Both would be a chance to bring in some younger viewers, and go head-to-head with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and others. John Mayer could also be a young wild-card pick that has got us excited.

Of course, an aging performer looking for a comeback — or just to have some fun — seems like a definite possibility. I’d love to see someone like Jon Bon Jovi or Mick Jagger take a crack at the Idol machine (Jagger seemed to be having fun on Saturday Night Live this past season). Or Idol can seek out a buzzy performer like Nicki Minaj to compete with Britney Spears’ X Factor publicity.

Two spaces are currently vacated — if it was your dream judging trio, would you keep Jackson around or would you want a clean sweep? Do you like the idea of having a fourth judge on the panel? Who would you love to see bring their wit and criticism to a revamped Idol next season?

Read more:

Steven Tyler leaving ‘American Idol’

Jennifer Lopez talks to ‘Today’ about ‘Idol’: ‘Maybe it’s time for me to go’

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