Shania Twain For American Idol

Country singer is hot favourite after J-Lo’s demands got too high...

Shania Twain is in talks to join the judging panel of American Idol, according to reports.

Jennifer Lopez had been the frontrunner to replace Ellen DeGeneres but negotiations are said to have broken down due to J-Lo’s contract demands.

Now that Shania’s name has been linked to the show, industry insiders are claiming she has always been near the top of the Idol wish list. “They’ve been after her ever since she was a mentor on the show last season,” a source is quoted as saying. “And they haven’t given up.”

The You’re Still The One singer had a successful stint as a mentor to the contestants in the last round, and also impressed when she filled in for Paula Abdul on the judges’ panel. At the time, a friend revealed Shania was having a ball. “She’s loving American Idol. She’s having the best time. She and Simon have a really great rapport with each other. They’re funny together.” 

And it seems the people behind-the-scenes liked Shania too. “The crew loved working with her,” a source told People magazine. “Everyone thought she was a great addition to the judges’ table. She showed up in good spirits and had a lot of fun. She was clearly really excited to be a part of the day.”

They are also after a replacement for Simon Cowell, after he quit the judging panel of American Idol to concentrate on taking X Factor to the States. Names in the frame include Harry Connick Jr, Chris Isaak, Gene Simmons and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
 

Watch MTV News on the hour every hour on MTV - Sky Channel 126 and Virgin Channel 311