Jessica Simpson Replacing Kara DioGuardi On 'American Idol'?

PacificCoastNews.com

Idol's Simpson pick looking very possible.

Jessica Simpson's the hottest search of the morning with rumors pinging that she's about to step on as the new judge of American Idol. Here's the question: with Kara DioGuardi's contract still in limbo, is Jessica Simpson taking DioGuardi's place?

We're hearing buzz that former American Idol producer Nygel Lythgoe may return to the show and is strongly considering ousting Kara DioGuardi...so would another petite songbird named Jessica Simpson take over? Rumor is that she and her (superstar) agent are working it, though FOX refuses to comment.

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However an Idol insider has run to TMZ with word that Jessica Simpson has sat down for "several meetings" with American Idol's execs and that there's "mutual interest" from Simpson and FOX. Don't expect a confirmation anytime real soon: FOX will only say that they'll announce their decision in early September.

Meanwhile, Jessica Simpson wouldn't be the only big American Idol shocker, as we're warning you: get ready for some serious shakeups. If 61-year-old Nigel Lythgoe walks back on as producer, he's planning to completely makeover the judges' panel (which could be almost necessary, if FOX wants to keep viewers interested past Simon Cowell's May 2010 exit). Next on the chopping block? Ellen DeGeneres and Randy Jackson -- but Lythgoe has to sit out their contracts, whereas DioGuardi is only employed season-to-season on the show.

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Back to the point: do you think Jessica Simpson would be an engaging American Idol judge, or is her life off-stage and off-camera too messy to make for a respectable judging image? We've just read a report that Jessica Simpson and her new boyfriend, Eric Johnson, got rocked on margaritas and wound up making out in front of Simpson's mother. Is Jessica Simpson really that sloppy, or are the rumor-mongers just out to get her? Certainly Simpson wouldn't let her new romance get in the way of her work...would she? (Meanwhile her Price of Beauty filming schedule wouldn't be likely to get in the way, as it's set to film through fall and Idol's new season kicks off after the new year.)

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