American Idol: Should Brad Paisley join the American Idol judges' panel?

ssorich@ledger-enquirer.comJuly 30, 2012 

Rumors suggesting country singer Brad Paisley will join the "American Idol" judges' panel haven't subsided. Now, there's a report suggesting Paisley will meet with "Idol" executives to discuss the idea. If it's true, is this news a step in the right direction for the Fox series?

Naturally, this would be Idol's answer to Blake Shelton on "The Voice."

I think Brad Paisley has enough likeability to give the show a ratings boost, but I'm not sure about his ability to constructively critique contestants. Make no mistake: Pretty much anything would have more substance than what Steven Tyler was offering toward the end of last season.

My only other concern about Brad is his crossover appeal, or lack thereof. He hasn't focused on crossover success, as we've seen from younger country music stars like Taylor Swift.

That's totally OK. But it could strengthen Idol's ties to country music. The show has already produced a Carrie Underwood. And a Scotty McCreery. And a Lauren Alaina.

We've been bombarded with complaints about how the show's winners aren't diverse enough.

Would Brad Paisley unintentionally further the "white guy with guitar" problem?


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