So it goes, and keeps coming around again. Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, managers, careers. I am told by a source close to “American Idol” that Mariah Carey’s deal “is in play” to become a judge. Now listen, kids. Randy Jackson manages Mariah Carey. If Mariah’s coming, Randy’s staying. Or the other way around. Either way, that would probably mean the exit for Jennifer Lopez, who has lots to do after two years on “Idol.” She used to have a movie career. She can have it again. Mariah and JLO have a long, awkward history.
UPDATE: Jennifer Lopez just announced she’s leaving the show. Welcome, Mariah. And of course, the announcement was made by Ryan Seacrest on his radio. It’s all orchestrated, friends. None of this is random.
Mariah and JLO have a long, awkward history. Mariah and JLO each been managed by Benny Medina, often brilliantly, always smartly. Lopez is with Medina now. If the show goes for the Randy and Mariah package, which would be sensational, then they still have to find a “Simon”–a leader, frankly, a white guy, with music industry cred. They need their own Adam Levine, a la “The Voice.” I think they should go for Rob Thomas, of matchbox twenty. They should also reach out to songwriter Diane Warren. Just my opinion, and no one but no one asked me. But keep your eyes on the Randy-Mariah deal.
PS Why does this make sense, corporately? “American Idol” is contracted to Universal Music. Randy is producing Mariah’s new album for Universal, where she still has a deal. It’s all about synergy. And Universal’s Jimmy Iovine will be back.
