Kelly Clarkson Passes On ‘American Idol’ Judging Gig

Kelly Clarkson isn’t coming full-circle in her career by signing for a judge role on American Idol, the show that made her famous.

Though half of the Idol judge’s dais on the outs (with rumors that Mariah Carey is on the fence), producers are looking to fill those seats with popular, respected folk in the music industry, partly in an effort to revive the show’s lagging ratings.

Clarkson, who competed and won during the show’s first season, has been a potential candidate for a judge’s seat, but we can now confirm that the singer has passed on the offer.

Her rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Clarkson is not signing up for American Idol Season 13, despite rumors suggesting that she was interested in accepting a spot on the judge’s panel.

Other front-runners include Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert, but no word from their camps so far. E! News reports that Hudson has already signed on, though no official statement has been made.

If Hudson does join as a judge it would make her the very first American Idol contestant to return in a judge’s capacity.

Clarkson’s announcement leaves FOX network bosses without what is arguably their best chance at reviving the show after the Season 12 finale saw a 33 percent drop in viewers compared to last year. The show has mostly struggled with anemic ratings in the low 3 million-ballpark.

That’s still a lot of viewers, but it’s nowhere near the 20 million the show commanded in its heyday.

Who do you think would be a good judge on American Idol?

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