“American Idol” auditions head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana now, with more fake fireworks planned among the judges. As everyone knows by now, in Charlotte, North Carolina Nicki Minaj picked a fight with Mariah Carey. The news mushroomed into World War III and cast a big spotlight on “Idol” sure to build ratings when the show returns in January.
All of this is planned, dear friends. Back in the day, it was Simon vs. Paula. And whether Simon would leave the show. Or Paula. This is what Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe were so good at: creating huge amounts of contentious publicity designed to attract viewers. You need it in the first few weeks before viewers have favorite singers to root for.
I was discussing this with a Fox TV exec, reminiscing about the PT Barnum days of fake “Idol” publicity. And now, it’s back! Nicki Minaj has been assigned the role of instigator. Mariah Carey is the victim. Who knows what they have planned for Keith Urban? Something wicked this way comes.
Baton Rouge may not be ready for this gumbo.
