American Idol may tap into its former contestant pool to find judges for next season.

Rumors have been swirling that the show's producers may get an entirely new panel after Randy Jackson's announced departure and reports of Nicki Minaj quitting. The panel could be comprised entirely of former Idol winners and contestants, according to a new report by Vulture.

Sources close to the show said that the new judging panel would likely have at least one Idol alum, if not the entire panel itself. This would mean that Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban will be replaced after only one season as judges.

The sources added that the show's producers have approached first-season winner Kelly Clarkson and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson for a deal. Season two runner-up Clay Aiken and season eight runner-up Adam Lambert are also being discussed as potential judges.

However, Idol's producers have denied rumors of a major change in the show's judging panel. They also have not denied TheWrap's report on May 8 that all four of this year's judges would be axed.

Speculation about the show's judges has followed AI for years, and this one may not be any different from the numerous false rumors in the past.

Idol saw a sizable decline in ratings for this year's 12th season. The show's finale on May 16 was down eight million viewers from last year's finale. Sources close to the show, in addition to journalists, have noted that the judges have failed to catch on with the public.

Critics have offered up How to Fix American Idol articles, mostly saying that the show needs to lighten up, that there needs to be more dissenting opinions on the judging panel and that there should be less producer manipulation.

Tags
American Idol, American Idol judges, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson