• More
Back to PopWatch Home
EW Home

Who's your dream 'Idol' guest coach?

Feb 19, 2007, 08:00 AM | by Michael Slezak

Categories: 'American Idol'

Carly_l So apparently, those rumors about Michael Jackson popping up on the current season of Idol were a little premature. Or at least that's what producer Nigel Lythgoe wants us to believe. But there's been buzz that the folks at Fox have been in touch with Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, and Timbaland about guest-coaching the contestants in the weeks ahead.

Which got me wondering: Which singer, songwriter, or music producer would you love to see make an appearance on the show — especially if their music served as that week's theme? I'd pick Carly Simon (pictured), an artist with a large and lovely songbook that would help provide an episode that's mercifully free of syrupy Celine Dion ballads and Stevie Wonder tracks the contestants simply can't handle. Plus, with Carly's well-documented stage jitters, she'd be an interesting mentor for a group of neophytes dealing with the glare of the national spotlight.

Now, it's your turn: If you ran Idol, which singer or songwriter would you enlist as a guest coach — and why? And just to raise the stakes, try to limit yourself to one person. We'll turn the 10 best answers into an upcoming EW.com gallery, so ready, set, pitch!


danzig gets punched out Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 02:17 PM EST

rwdoj jdpwte
http://ncaa-division.quikx.xorg.pl danzig gets punched out

clipart skull and crossbones Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 02:06 AM EST

kaifd
http://kropos.biz.vi/fonusab.html clipart skull and crossbones

mglrofqvb druab Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 04:31 AM EST

liyv ajptsvbz krlhf cieq setb duvxfrq qblcswa

mglrofqvb druab Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 04:30 AM EST

liyv ajptsvbz krlhf cieq setb duvxfrq qblcswa

day Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 04:25 PM EST

parkh czeqklo
http://tech.inginer.info/zddllerliv.html day

vintners Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 04:04 PM EST

kylazdx vjxdrym kmut
http://klomons.agentimobiliar.com/otzdo.html vintners

90 in kilos pound Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 01:32 PM EST

efbh gupnw
http://kals09.emenace.com/zdi.html 90 in kilos pound

bones dawgs dog ja Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 07:10 AM EST

pqon efyg
http://omon.uuuq.com/ghecter.html bones dawgs dog ja

5e strategy teaching Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 04:37 AM EST

elyo cmua vekxt cheuqzk
http://klemon.uuuq.com/ho.html 5e strategy teaching

gabriel marquez chronicle of a death for Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 11:26 PM EST

hscd xagdwt
http://kulak.biz.vi/resoeruryo.html gabriel marquez chronicle of a death for

abandonment alienation causing parental Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 08:41 AM EST

wixferp pvba snug ftpi
http://koloser.kx.cz/ondngh.html abandonment alienation causing parental

lausd health benefit Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 07:48 PM EST

trounsk tkqnsw nichv hnolys
http://berenet.instantfreehosting.com/inec9.html lausd health benefit

matt lauer hair transplants Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 03:47 PM EST

evjxm nclowtf ucahvin ucrjnie
http://kamars.phpfreehosting.net/com507.html matt lauer hair transplants

apostolic as bishop consecration in succ Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 03:07 PM EST

jody rboqud lrybpms
http://persik.uuuq.com/in492.html apostolic as bishop consecration in succ

mackerel tabby cats Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 02:26 PM EST

bmzu nogkj plncdg
http://persik.uuuq.com/in541.html mackerel tabby cats

angela her her leg long opened removed s Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 02:07 AM EST

eoztw azwc askexr wovms
http://kreps.uuuq.com/lyrica04.html angela her her leg long opened removed s

right before my eyes the snitches Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 04:10 PM EST

erafo cvowr fdheb sdfrgwy
http://fartok.instantfreehosting.com/in686.html right before my eyes the snitches

phyllis hyman living all alone Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 11:15 PM EST

uclq vtdk kcou
http://metrek.emenace.com/de7bb.html phyllis hyman living all alone

iraq knight templar Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 12:09 PM EST

omgn
http://elegant.110mb.com/ince8.html iraq knight templar

of andrew burrow contract Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 12:02 AM EST

mwbyqk ecuj
http://slont.over.cz/of9ef.html of andrew burrow contract

the undersea world of jacques cousteau Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 12:58 AM EST

szolwjv ncsyqv apbjwxs
http://preston.instantfreehosting.com/com7a2.html the undersea world of jacques cousteau

humane society of the pikes peak Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 08:05 PM EST

phnae uxnwrmb
http://argos.uuuq.com/combd3.html humane society of the pikes peak

argue payton wade Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 08:17 AM EST

qxypum
http://woofer.007gb.com/in21f.html argue payton wade

pepperidge farms puff pastry Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 04:15 PM EST

eczkugl tcileha
http://kelson.uuuq.com/com079.html pepperidge farms puff pastry

crib zanzibar Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 06:52 AM EST

qnxm spiqmg
http://vian.uuuq.com/ineef.html crib zanzibar

radiohead how to disappear completely ly Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:36 AM EST

pujsh
http://unius.instantfreehosting.com/in655.html radiohead how to disappear completely ly

wxlmi jblmk Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 08:55 AM EST

wnqpymj yzqjem xsdi dgastfj kzqntrafo dayjuifl puwjgxyd http://www.jdxnofvi.vzhlkx.com

grvm cakuemly Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 08:55 AM EST

bumf xzwnhj wgailnrmj fdlp ugnsye btvyqkj mslfriu

ed Tue, May 15, 2007 at 06:51 PM EST

THE ULTIMATE DREAM IDOL JUDGE:
MARIAH CAREY! PLEASE!!!!!!

Dan Wed, Feb 28, 2007 at 08:42 AM EST

Cyndi Lauper, has for years continued making great albums. Forget "She's So Unusual" while a great album, she also had the ablum True Colors & Sisters of Avalon. I think Lakisha would knock out of the park the song "Who Let in the Rain". Let's give Cyndi some due credit, for be around and not making a mess of herself.

Hellen Thu, Feb 22, 2007 at 08:22 AM EST

I'm thinking Elvis Costello might be an interesting choice. He's such a prolific writer with a huge range of songs, although he probably isn't popular enough for the audience. But I'm betting he'd be a great coach.

daisyj Wed, Feb 21, 2007 at 11:36 AM EST

I've given this some more thought, and since you said only one nominee per person, I'm rescinding my previous suggeestion. Instead, I'd like to nominate an artist with more than twenty years of success in the music business, with more Grammys than you can shake a stick at and who has recorded in every style of music you can imagine (plus some you probably wouldn't have). I speak, of course, of Weird Al.

Come on, you know you'd watch. And love it.

ys Wed, Feb 21, 2007 at 12:01 AM EST

Anita Baker because her vocals are magnificent and oh, so luscious. Uses her voice like an instrument- a difficult one.

Carol King - melodic and fluid.

ys Wed, Feb 21, 2007 at 12:01 AM EST

Anita Baker because her vocals are magnificent and oh, so luscious. Uses her voice like an instrument- a difficult one.

Carol King - melodic and fluid.

Andrew Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 11:32 PM EST

I would be pleased with the following: Stevie Nicks, Neil Diamond or Bette Midler. Heck, have all three of them on. What a show that would be!

justin Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 09:09 PM EST

what are the guys singing today?

Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 07:57 PM EST

diana ross, or how about tina turner?

Stephanie Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 05:34 PM EST

Steve Perry- 80's Night

Paul Carrack/Annie Lenno/Andy Bell- White Soul Night (and this should fit in nicely with Sundance)

Sly Stone or George Clinton- Funk night

Christie McVie- Fleetwood Mac night

Martin Gore- Synth night

Robert Smith- Goth/alternative night

yawn Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 05:17 PM EST

P.S. Michael Buble'

yawn Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 05:15 PM EST

To Monica s......

This "old fogie" thinks Don Henley is not only ageless, he's timeless.

Dean Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 04:41 PM EST

Paul McCartney would be far and away the best choice to be a guest judge.I also think Elton John would be another great choice.He is so outspoken.

Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 03:24 PM EST

bon jovi, van halen and the police would be GREAT theme nights. it would be appropriate to also have a country singer as a guest judge this season.

Sally Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 02:22 PM EST

Carly Simon - on second thought, isn't she afraid of audiences and performing live? Nah, it wouldn't work. She would be in front of a live screaming audience.

Michael Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 02:01 PM EST

I think Eric Clapton would be an excellent choice. Seriously. While he is known first and foremost as a guitarist, his vocal performances are very underrated and most of his latest work falls into the 'pop' category on which American Idol focuses.

lara Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

phil collins

Anonymous Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 01:04 PM EST

How 'bout Leonard Cohen?

Monica S. Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 01:03 PM EST

It's become clear to me that the readers and commentors (myself included) are old, older, and too damn old. There's the 80's contingent -- I'd love to see Cindy Lauper, George Michael, Elton John, Boy George, and Simon Le Bon for old time's sake... but then there's the REALLY old fogies who want Bette Midler and Dolly Parton and Don Henley ... yikes! I have a leg cramp!

daisyj Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:52 PM EST

Linda Perry, definitely. As we've seen before, being able to sing and being able to coach/arrange are different skills, and the latter is a lot more useful here.
Also, major bonus points to the person who sings "What's Up".

Spencer Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:48 PM EST

Quincy Jones - the greatest record producer and great musician.

SW Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:33 PM EST

Bette Midler
Patti Labelle
Diana Ross
Robbie Williams

Scott Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 11:49 AM EST

While Christina Aguilera would certainly be a relevant choice, she's too close in age to Idol contestants to really feel like a mentor. Why not just have Kelly Clarkson do it, then?

Mariah would be a great choice, but if she can't (or won't) how about Whitney Houston? She needs an image boost, is associated with Clive Davis, and is perhaps the artist whose songbook is butchered the most on that show.

I would LOVE to see Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Melissa Etheridge, or Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart.

Marlene Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 11:49 AM EST

Bette Midler and or Tony Bennet

Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 11:40 AM EST

they cant put mariah on, because who cna sing a mariah song besides mariah? i doubt there is a talent this or ne season who can hold there own with a mariah song

Kay Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 10:39 AM EST

I vote for Carole King. Also, I saw that someone mentioned Cyndi Lauper, and that would be awesome, too. Also, I think that Christina Aguilera would be a good choice, too.

Giani Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 10:22 AM EST

How about world pop icon (everywhere except the U.S.) Robbie Williams? He'd certainly be an interesting presence. It might even help his miniscule American sales. And let's face it, it doesn't get very much more pop than our Rob.

Karrie Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 08:26 AM EST

Carly Simon and Dennis De Young. DDY rocked it last season.

Sandy Srebnick Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 08:14 AM EST

Definitely Carly Simon. Nobody does it better!

REY Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 07:25 AM EST

I would go for the unconventional. James Hetfield from Metallica, Kenny Chesney, Mary J. Blige, Beck, Dave Grohl, Jack Black, Queen Latifah, One of the Dixie Chicks would be my singing choices. But I would also go for not so well known songwriters and producers.

Jimmy Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 07:15 AM EST

Mariah, all the way, that would be one great show, but I think she should be on when they get to like the top 4 or 5 and then make an appearance on the finale!

Jimmy Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 07:14 AM EST

Mariah, all the way, that would be one great show, but I think she should be on when they get to like the top 4 or 5 and then make an appearance on the finale!

Jimmy Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 07:14 AM EST

Mariah, all the way, that would be one great show, but I think she should be on when they get to like the top 4 or 5 and then make an appearance on the finale!

Bruce Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 07:12 AM EST

If you are going to have Carly Simon, to make it extraordinary would be to have James Taylor on the show too. Now THAT would be something special.

Britney Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 05:16 AM EST

OK, ya'll....you've not jumped entirely on my bandwagon. I don't get it. I've shaved it down everywhere. What more doeas it take to be the all american girl these days?

Let us revisit my distant Past as a Mousketeer, along with some of the other minor performers in that act where I was the major Star. Ya'll, I'm telling the truth.
So Back then, Mr.Eisner liked to take bubble bathes with me and Justin, to assure that our genitals were springtime fresh. Mr. Eisner could rub-a-dub. We got all the props.

There were other stories taht Christina Aguiler, JC Chavez, Ryan Gosling (major cute couple) and Keri Russle were second string...but not as clean.

Justin was the only man I'd look in his happy eye when he was most excited. I thought the rest of them had aids. Ya'll kno what I am talking about.

And Justin as a pretty good man taste, it's like corn flakes with maple syrup. Top That.

So, American Idol. Choose me. I'll be there for you. Body hair available on request.

Britney Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 03:09 AM EST

OK Hay, Michael Slesack, I love you and that your name has the word Sack in it.

I do admire Cryly Simon as an singer who's so old as to be nearly dead. But she sure could blow in her time. And, from that photo, I'm betting she's got a really long tongue. Kissing long tongues is fun. But I'm not some sort of pretty lipstick lesbian. And I shaved off my head to prove it! SO that puts that to rest.

And don't Ya'll worry about the kids. Even as wee speak, they are being returned to the prop department at MGM Grand. (I might be able to use them if I score that Vegas gig. fingers crossed.)

We clebrities do little favors for each other along the way. Anna Nicole Smith decided to drop dead to help take that poor innocent Astronaut Nowak and her cross country sojourn out of the 24/7 news cycle. Good Bless Saint Anna Nicole. The deceased Anna Nicole was "hurting", Ya'll, so I had to step up and shave my head. More Later.
Love Ya'll
Britney

Mark Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 01:29 AM EST

Cyndi Lauper did Canadian Idol and was awesome! Totally Cyndi!

matt Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:44 AM EST

how about Barbra Streisand, or the ultimate diva of today, who do u know that has the glamour, talent to write GREAT SONGS,and an AMAZING voice like CHRSTINA AGUILERA?

Kate Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:41 AM EST

Robert Plant. A Led Zeppelin night? That would be the best Idol EVER.

Cliff Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:24 AM EST

For music and coaching, Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart.

gabulldog Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:23 AM EST

Paul Simon is a perfect choice.

Ben Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 12:22 AM EST

If they don't choose Bette Midler, I think my friend Stephen might loose it and do something drastic. Please don't put me through that!

Lucy Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:36 PM EST

Out of all of these, Bette Midler and Cyndi Lauper would BE perfect guest judges! Bette would be hilarious!

Mary A Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:30 PM EST

JIMMY BUFFETT because he knows how to have fun, he would make an awesome judge, and contestants would probably enjoy his antics! Great songwriter and performer who been around and still sells out all his concerts! Boat drink anyone?

Dundee Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:26 PM EST

TONY BENNETT

Kevin Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:11 PM EST

Cyndi Lauper!!

starchild Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:11 PM EST

aretha franklin - let one of the greatest voices ever do the coaching; so many of the constestants use her songs. and she'll cut simon down to size if he cracks about anyone's weight.

Talia Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:06 PM EST

Morrissey, because I want to hear all the idol contestants try to sing Morrissey. :-P

Mark Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 10:41 PM EST

Madonna is too busy

Mariah is too high and mighty (although u'd think randy would have some pull)

Michael is too creepy

Whitney is too spastic

Britney is too stupid and talentless (or maybe you HAVEN'T seen her stoned rant on 'time travel' on you tube?)

Gwen Stefani is way too hip

Kelly is too soon

and given that

Paula is too high,

I say we just get rid of her all together and hire a permanent replacement - her opinion is for all intents and purposes, completely useless; Not to mention, it IS expressed incoherently from time to time....

but in all honesty, my ideal choices for a guest judge would be Carole King, Madonna or Mariah... and the only one out of those three who actually DOES seem like a great fit, is Carole King...

I'm suprised Donald Trump and his combover haven't weasled their way into this one - it would have pushed his total tally from 412 to 413 random side projects that he has had absolutely NO reason to EVER participate in.

Britney Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 10:37 PM EST

Ya'll. I'll make great TV on American Idol. I'll shave Paula Abdul's head, too. Pick me! Pick Me!

Love Ya'll.
Britney

Tia Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 09:46 PM EST

Cyndi Lauper would be an excellent mentor and she's got a great songbook. Plus the 'cool' factor. She's timeless.

fran Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 09:08 PM EST

The author is wise enough to recognize in Carly Simon a genuine musician, who has written the soundtrack of our lives. Although she would be a great choice, I think she is too sophisticated, humble, and sensitive to say yes.

irene Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 09:04 PM EST

I also agree with Carly Simon. She is the voice of a generation. Second to none when it comes to songwriting, and a unique voice and personality. But, like someone else mentioned, I don't think Carly would agree to participate.

Benjamin Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 09:03 PM EST

Britney Spears. Cause you know It would be damn good TV.

kevin Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 08:41 PM EST

Carole King would be a superb choice because she has worked with so many giant artists over the years and has been covered by all the bests (Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Dusty Springfield, and James Taylor, among others). She's also a great arranger and would be fantastic working with 12 newbies. "Tapestry" alone is filled with 12 perfect Idol-ready songs!

Bexter Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 08:04 PM EST

Or for fun, Michael Palin - I'm a Lumberjack and I'm OK!

Bexter Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 08:01 PM EST

Could we please give Britney Spears something to do, she's obviously dying for attention.

Oooo Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 07:53 PM EST

Kara Dioguardi is actually a REALLY good idea!! Her songs are fresh and current, and are sung by really successful pop acts (Pussycat Dolls, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Pink)--there'd be MAD songs to choose from, and the songs are broad enough that people could bring an R&B or Rock flavor to them as well.

P.S. They should have her write the winner's first single, instead of this contest, as an added sugerencia.

Angeline Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 07:33 PM EST

Kara DioGuardi. Her songs are fresh and poppy, and will suit the show's teens and twentysomethings better than the standards and pop classics they sing every other night. And if she brings along her Platinum Weird partner, Dave Stewart, even better.

Bea Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 07:25 PM EST

I vote for Bette Midler too. She is brassy, bawdy but also a fine singer. Bette would be able to show the singers how to have confidence with humor.

Marmar Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 07:12 PM EST

Who doesn't love Dolly Parton? She writes great songs, is a fantastic entertainer and always appears humble, sweet and funny in interviews. She can teach those kids alot.

Zoe Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:54 PM EST

GEORGE MICHAEL/WHAM!

yawn Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:48 PM EST

Two words: DON HENLEY!

Christina Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:30 PM EST

I think the Gwen Stefani/No Doubt theme is pretty much written in stone for the top 10 night. That's a theme I can't wait for

Jesse Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:13 PM EST

Carly Simon would be a poor candidate as she is too insecure in public. The best choice for the show and for her comeback is Whitney Houston who has been one of the best singers ever. She also has a great sense of humor. Whitney, definitely.

Annabelle Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:13 PM EST

I totally second the Gwen Stefani/No Doubt night or Dave Grohl. I would love to see someone do "Next Year" or "Everlong" on the show.

But what about 90s pop night featuring Lisa Loeb as a guest judge? :)

NineDaves Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:12 PM EST

ooh or dolly parton! she's got a great songbook. and a big ol collection of wigs she could pull out for each of the singers!

NineDaves Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:11 PM EST

hall & oates! come on idol - make my dreams come true!

David Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 06:05 PM EST

oooooohhh, I like Norah Jones and Bette Midler!

Leslie Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 05:36 PM EST

How about Norah Jones? A true singer/songwriter and musician...And I can see her offering the contestants constructive criticism....Plus, she just released a new album, so I bet she would welcome the publicity to boost album sales.

Britney Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 05:35 PM EST

Ya'll, Now that I'm blad on both ends, Pick Me! Pick Me!

Love Ya'll,
Britney

John Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 05:23 PM EST

American Idol needs a real vocalist who can sing circles around Mariah and Whitney, they need Madonna to show the contestant her mean falsetto oh wait Madonna's voice is awful.My bad!!
I agree with Bette Midler a REAL singer.


advertisement

Add Your Comments

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject — or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.



  • 1000 characters remaining
    • When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.
Latest Comments
Top Categories

All Categories

Blog Roll
Top Authors
Recent Posts
PopWatch Archive
July 2009
S M T W T F S
      1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31  

Complete Archive