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Record executive and producer Jimmy Iovine to mentor contestants
Golden Globe-nominated actress, platinum-selling recording artist, movie producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez and multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steven Tyler, the frontman of Aerosmith -- the best-selling American rock band of all time -- have joined "American Idol" as judges. Lopez and Tyler will join returning judge Randy Jackson for the 10th anniversary season, which premieres January 2011 on FOX
In addition, Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, co-founder of Beats Audio and one of the world's most successful and prolific music producers, will join "American Idol" as an in-house mentor. Throughout the season, "Idol" will go behind-the-scenes to feature Iovine working with and lending his expertise to the contestants as they compete to become the next "American Idol." As part of Universal Music Group's long-term alliance with "American Idol," Interscope Geffen A&M will market, promote and distribute albums globally from show's finalists and winning contestants across a broad array of retail and new media platforms.
"For nine years I've enjoyed watching artists compete to get a meaningful chance to achieve their dreams," said Lopez. "I know from my own experience how hard it is to succeed, and I'm looking forward to discovering and nurturing that spirit in the many ‘American Idol' contestants I look forward to meeting this year."
"I've been on tour for most of my life in a band with four guys who judge me every day. Sometimes it hurt, but it only made me stronger," said Tyler. "I want to give everybody a little love before I decide who goes home heartbroken. If you don't like what I say, don't get mad, get better. I'm ready to bring some rock to this ‘roller' coaster and show these kids if they have the dream, the talent and the drive, they will be the next ‘American Idol.' "
"I can't believe it's been 10 years of the greatest show in the world," said Jackson. "I am looking forward to this next season; we are going to knock it out of the park. Season 10 is going to be hot!"
"We are all thrilled to have Interscope Geffen A&M now be the distributor for ‘American Idol's' music," said Iovine. "I'm looking forward to working as a mentor on the show, where I'll work with the talent to help them develop and grow week to week. This will also give the audience a deeper look into the artists' abilities and give viewers more insight when making their choices."
"Our 10th season begins with a completely invigorated panel of judges with Jennifer and Steven joining Randy. This is combined with the world's most successful and brilliant music executive, Jimmy Iovine, becoming the contestants' special mentor," explains series creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. " ‘American Idol' in 2011 promises plenty of surprises and positive changes, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and lead the way for others to follow."