I’ve been catching American Idol occasionally this year, but I haven’t kept up with it because it’s just so long. Some of the episodes are like two hours and I have better things to do than sit there through so much filler and dramatic music. You can fast forward, I know, but I always feel like I’m going to miss something. They need to repackage that show for the YouTube generation and stop trying to squeeze so much out of it.
Spoiler for last night’s episode
Anyway the guy who got voted off last night by the voting public, Casey Abrams, was saved by the judges after what was undoubtedly a lot of hand-wringing and dragging out of the process. (There will be two eliminations next week to make up for the save.) The ginger-bearded Abrams was sick this season and was hospitalized twice for ulcerative colitis. He was still allowed to compete after all he went though and generally comes across like a nice guy with a solid voice. Abrams will have to do more to win over the audience if he wants to stay on.
In this week’s Enquirer there’s a story that claims that judge Jennifer Lopez’s husband, Marc Anthony, comes up to her and gives her input on commercial breaks during American Idol. He does it so much that he’s supposedly considered like a “fourth judge” on the show. Here’s what the Enquirer says:
“J.Lo wants to be the most thoughtful and helpful evaluator on ‘Idol’ and Marc is her No. 1 adviser,” an insider divulged.
“He’s been huddling with Jennifer on her picks at home and on breaks during the show. His input truly influences her decisions…”
Marc – the top-selling salsa artist of all time with 30 million albums – attended a number of “Idol” auditions and has either been in the audience or his wife’s dressing room for each live show, the insider revealed.
“What TV viewers don’t see is that during commercial breaks, Marc often leaves his seat and meets with Jennifer at the judges’ table to discuss how the contestants are doing and influence her comments,” the insider said. “If it were up to him, he’d have a fourth chair right next to his wife, Steven and Randy.”
[From The National Enquirer, print edition, April 4, 2011]
This really bugs me, because I find it unfair. Anthony is a musician and I can understand him influencing Lopez’s decisions on the show with a few conversations at home, of course they’re going to talk about it. He shouldn’t be interrupting her at work like that and trying to influence what she says. The judges’ comments do make a difference.
It seems surprising to me that he would be at her job every day. I’m surprised these two are even still together.
Photos are from 1/17/11, 2/13/11 and 12/22/10. Credit: WENN and Fame
You know, I thought it was damn big of me to give Jlo a pass at the beginning of the season, AND to actually compliment her “judging”, but she’s become overbearingly tedious with her constant interruptions of the other two judges. That, and her GHASTLY green eyeshadow! Her critiques of the contestants are better than Paula’s or Kara’s, but the diva ego is starting to emerge in a big way.
I am not surprised that he is there. He has nothing better to do with his time.
However, as much as I do not like the dynamic that is suggested by this scenario, I do think that he is the better musician/performer of the two and would have more insight.
I caught some of his advice to the AI contestants and he made valid point and even disagreed with some of JLO’s comments but did not comment on it.
He is an excellent artist/musician and think his is more qualified and verse in this areana
I think she’s doing an awesome job! I’ve been very surprised by her —so if Marc is coaching her that would make sense. I never liked the old judges so this is the first year that I’m watching every episode.
Well, he is a real musician and shes not so I wouldnt be surprised if this was true. Maybe she asked him to help her. You never know. I did realize her critiques were getting much better and honest lately. Idk. Maybe he does give her advice but this story is exagerrating his input
who else think that Steven Tyler is one hot piece of… whatever! 🙂
he can talk to me with his sexy voice day and night! preferably – night.
No wonder she has been making smart comments and inputs during her turns. The comments sound like something only a professional musician would say. I hope Casey listens and stops the growling when he sings because it gets annoying.
I LOVE STEVEN TYLER!! YUMMY!!! In my personal opinion, J-Lo has not right to be there in the first place. How on earth can you have a talentless person judging others on their singing abilities? She cannot sing for her life, so what right does she have to criticize somebody else? I say, replace her with Marc. At least, that would make more sense.
It makes sense considering he is a successful artist in his genre and is probably more technically versed in what she notices but wouldn’t be able to explain properly.
Although it probably bugs the hell out of her after a certain point.
There’s been a rumor (for a while now) that it’s an abusive relationship, emotionally and physically. Coaching – controlling – her just fits in with more of the same, if you look up the symptoms of domestic abuse. Poor J-Lo. 🙁
There was a blind item about him being a helicopter husband…
I always love JLo’s extensions…
For me, JLo is a bit of Paula times two. I’d rather have seen Marc as a judge. In any case, I doubt he has a continuing presence as I don’t think he’s that interested.
I love J-Lo and think she’s a genuinely nice person. She’s a helluva lot more qualified to sit in the judging chair than Paula Abdul was. Also love Steven Tyler–this is the best set of Judges ever, and I’m loving AI again–and not missing Simon, which surprises me.
Dosent this guy have anything better to do. Maybe get a job or something.
This looks like controlling behavior to me. Even though it’s his wife with the contract to be on a hit show, he tries to still make it about him by “coaching” her in between commercials. To me, that seems a little inappropriate to interrupt his wife at work–even if he IS the better musician, that point is just validating him in his abuse.
He’s always given me a bad vibe. He looks like he’s wasting away for the past few years too, so skinny and pale.
They always seem so fanatical, the pair of them.
I attended the AI taping this past Wednesday. I never saw Marc Anthony approach JLo at the judge’s table even once. Actually, I never even saw him there. We were sitting in the very first row behind the judge’s table, so I had a pretty good view.
Metamorphosis – he’s becoming an insect. I’m glad it’s still morning, pictures of him give me nightmares. I give it a couple of months and he’ll be perched on her shoulder.
absolutely PINK Elephant
He’s a little dictator .He controls every other part her life why not AI too.I wouldn’t doubt he’s an abuser too. Jlo should get rid of him.Never liked him gives me the creeps !
I don’t think this is entirely true. During last night show when he was helping the contestants learn how to use the ear-piece, he actually disagreed with her, respectfully, so she’s not his puppet. The one time I saw him on the show he was way in the back, no way he was jumping up to coach her between breaks.
You don’t have to be a great singer to judge the show, obviously. She is a good judge because she is a performer and a money-maker, despite the fact that she isn’t the best singer. she knows the industry.
Also, there was no hand-wringing for Casey’s save, they didn’t even have him finish the song! It was immediate, and Casey was so sweetly overwhelmed. It was a cool moment.
I have always thought he was an abuser…
You can see the signs if you look hard enough.
@ptown “he actually disagreed with her, respectfully, so she’s not his puppet”
I have to disagree with your logic. That’s his public persona. The point is, it’s supposed to be her job, her opinion and she’s the eyecandy in the judge chair. His being there at all, coaching her comments or whatever he’s doing, reinforces my opinion that he is her puppetmaster.
Put it our perspective. Would you want your SO at your job, disagreeing with you politely in front of your co-workers and employee’s?
JLo = Strippa Ripya (sic?)
Marc Anthony should take over as judge.
Why is he there all the time? They hired her, not him. That’s kind of weird. He does seem oddly controlling.
he’s so teensy-weensy, i wouldn’t be surprised if they were in a sexless marriage.
i mean, come on…do they really expect us to believe that lil’ ol’ marc can actually ‘handle’ all that wagon jlo’s draggin’??? smh
jussayin.
I’m sure he’s overbearing and controlling (most little guys have that Napoleon complex) but I would imagine JLO is one who can hold her own. They are both professionals in their own right and can stand alone or together, and I’m happy they are standing the test of time together. I was never a fan before, but she’s really sweet on Idol and I hope she continues to do well.
A couple of blind items confirmed with this one…
I’m loving AI this year, and was happy to see someone finally give the contestants advice on the ear pieces. I doubt JLo is a door mat in her marriage, and I also doubt he is running down to tell her what to say. Do they discuss things? I would imagine so, and so what? Bottom line: She’s fun to watch, as are Steven and Randy.
BTW, ITA with the above comment #7 about Casey and his growling – he is so talented, and should back off on that particular habit, and give us more of what we saw Hollywood week with “Georgia on My Mind”. That was awesome.
With gossip like this, I tend to believe where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Especially because when you look at this couple, Mark Anthony is a very petite man and JLo has a reputation for being a strong minded diva. Why would the tabloids report that he was controlling and/or abusive? If these rumors had no truth at all to them, wouldn’t people rather write about a couple that would be more believable? Like a brawny tough guy with a small, seemingly insecure woman? This is why I have a harder time dismissing stories like this and saying “There is no way HE could abuse HER.”
I’m not saying every single story is true, but they all have the same theme in them–that he controls her thinking and decisions. Women–or men–from all walks of life and all different attitudes (even ones that seem tough and don’t take any sh**) can be abused. Control is a form of abuse.
And furthermore, some of the comments I read above are just reinforcing the abusive attitude. “I would imagine that JLO would hold her own”, yes you may imagine that but that could be the very reason that she doesn’t leave because she is embarrassed that she lets him treat her this way.
“It makes sense considering he is a successful artist in his genre and is probably more technically versed in what she notices but wouldn’t be able to explain properly.”–And I’m sure those are his sentiments EXACTLY. And coming from an intimate partner, this tells her that she is inadequate and his control is actually HELPING her. This is just a tactic he uses in order to abuse her without consequence.
This is how domestic abuse rates continue to rise in the United States. These attitudes and acceptance of control and abuse in partnerships.
smh.
He does seem controlling. I wouldn’t be shocked if the rumors of abuse are true.I agree with the others. I love AI this year. It’s a refreshed show with the new judges.
me too!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the show.. everything about it is better.. even Ryan seems like he’s more relaxed and having fun.. and I think Mark Anthony is a little dictator who controls his woman, but I don’t think he is abusive, just bossy and she likes it like that.
Is it sad that I find him better looking than her?
There does not have to be physical abuse to be in an abusive situation. I’m thinking littleman complex is his friend. He looks like serial killer Richard Ramirez, dead eyes, dark circles, high cheek bones and all.
Yea it annoyed me when Jennifer totally railed in on the latin kid in the competition i forget his name..he sand ‘hello’ by lionel richie and NAILED it yet she went on and on and on and on about how he didn’t so he ended up in the bottom 3 this week.
Thats the main reason the ratings for this show went down because the judges try and sway votes with there negative comments when they aren’t even true or called for. They did that last season with Crystal even though she was Obviously better then the winner they kept saying his voice was more’ commercial’ guess what he ended up selling the least amount of records in idol history. They obviously don’t know what they’re doing or talking about because out of 10 seasons only Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood as winners went on to do well in album sales and Daughtry along with Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson as non winners went on to do well also.
They’re not focusing on who will become a star afterwards they’re more focused on swaying votes and manipulating the process with their comments which is why the show hasn’t done well for the last few seasons and hasn’t produced any real billboard topping artists.
The crowds love and cheer for who they like yet the judges make negative comments to sway votes? its so obvious and i hate that. Are THEY the ones out there buying the records?? No, its the people so why manipulate peoples ideas of who they like?
they need to change the format or tell the judges to watch who the live audience is rooting for that those people are the ones who will eventually sell records after the shows over. They ignore who the crows loves make negative comments and get the person voted off. Its annoying.
AI is so refreshing this year. I love Steven Tyler! It is such a treat to get to see/know his personality. All those years we thought he was a mophead with a large mouth! He’s hot, he’s got sex appeal, and he has charisma. I’d do it in a hot New York! I like JLO, she gives good sound advice and at least Randy is consistent. Nothin much changed there. I do not miss Simon at all. The last couple of seasons he was snarky, sullen, and rude. He couldn’t even be bothered to get dressed for work (white T-Shirt anyone?) And Paula was off her rocker on something, no matter what she claims. Totally loving AI this season. Most all the contestents are good in their own unique way. Now, Scotty McCreery? All he needs is a contract and a Label!
I saw Marc perform in a tribute to Paul Simon on TV. He sang “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”. He tore it up – such an impressive performance! I’ve looked to see if there was a recording of his (and others) performance, but alas, I can’t find one. Honestly, if you can ever see this on you tube, watch it. That was when I saw what JLo sees in him.
Check out Marc singing “Late in the Evening” at a tribute concert to Paul Simon. He tore it up. That’s when I realized why JLo is with him. He’s a hot piece.
Sandra, watched the youtube and I have to completely disagree. He wrecked that song.
Well, I want to say that as the quote above says Marc has sold 30 million + records. He isn’t jobless and is definitely a successful artist, he just agreed to scale back touring so that they could keep the kids in one place for a lot longer. The AI gig helps them do that. They obviously bought a house in California to really put down roots and he looks after the kids.
The only times I think he goes to AI is to bring the twins to visit Jennifer and when he coached this week.
I’m not a Doctor, but is it just me or does Marc Anthony look like he’s a sick man? He just never looks well to me – oh and he gives me the creeps big time. In saying that, he is a fine singer. Perhaps he is personality plus, because J-Lo is way out of his league in the looks department.
Most gossip forums have her and Marc as #1 contenders for Strippa RipYa and Caesar Anchovy Arse. Unfortunately. He gives me the creeps – his eyes have no emotion they’re stone cold.
Do all Americans hate to think or just the commentators on this page? You not know these people at all! I believe that for a really smart woman who has a mature heart, there is nothing more sexy than a really talented man. In my opinion, they both live quite well together. And it is abundantly clear that they support each other constantly. For what malicious behavior of Marc talking! He supports her as nobody else supports his wife, including when she done things that he just never did. AND HE IS BRILIANT VOCALIST! And super sexy man.
I am agreed with #29.
To WillyNilly – That was really funy! Everyone has their opinion, but I must tell you that you really have to be very biased to say that Marc has ruined the song.
That’s nice he has so much free time to ride on her coat-tails. I wonder if he paid those back income taxes yet?
I checked out almost all the youtube music video of Marc Anthony and they all sound wonderful, both English or Spanish. I can see why Jennifer fell for him, he is very talented and I for sure he is passionate in the bed too.
It’s not his job and so he should keep out of it. If the genders were reversed we would think he was a nagging interfering know-it-all. Whether he’s a ‘real’ musician is nothing to do with it. The judge’s position belongs to his wife. He should be taking care of the kids while his wife works and brings in the money.
Marc Anthony(this Marc anthony anyway) looks li,e the weekend at berries guy, I.e. Dead- and jlo carries him around.he weighs what a buck20?
One kids looks like her and one looks like him, too bad it’s the girl who looks lime him.ugh
Haters gonna hate. She is doing great and he is super helpful from what I can tell. He taught the contestants how to use new earpieces because due to cheaper, shittier production this year they were having trouble hearing themselves and the first few eps sounded like total shit. He is helping his wife at her new job and involved with what she does, good for him. Nothing to get indignant about here.
The word “abuser” should not be used unless there is some serious proof. Too many women and men who are in abusive relationships. Controlling maybe. But if anyone has followed them even a bit you can see there has been a major change. When they first go together Jennifer and he were very low key. Never in the press. Jennifer gave an interview once saying that Marc would get angry with her when pictures of the twins were on websites and in tabloids and that he didn’t like her talking about their relationship. NOW fast forward. We see those children all the time. They are in a fashion ad and in her TV ad. They are photographed on AI and he is front and center with that fashion line. Something happened. Because he went from not wanting attention to being out there right with her. I don’t what is was.. the money or the fame.
He seems to be in charge and she seems t like it.. but she looks like she could break him in pieces with one of her legs. But I guess they are happy so all is good.
I consider Marc Anthony a very talented musician. I love his use of brass horns in his music- nothing better than a real brass section in salsa music. He definitely is a better vocalist than his wife. So I don’t blame her for taking the advice. I hope he is not an abusive husband, that would ruin it for me for sure. And I’d throw out all of his CDs…and delete his songs on iTunes.
I really think these two are Strippa Rip-Ya and Caesar Anchovy-Arse. Everything about him screams ‘abusive’. Jennifer and Marc used to be an adorable couple with amazing chemistry and now they’re strained and awkward. Marc stepping in to coach contestants is absolutely controlling behavior. He has no reason to be there, he’s not employed by Idol. Anyone who truly believes that he wanted to help the contestants out of the goodness of his heart is stupid. He was there to undermine and embarrass his wife, as he did by rubbishing her opinion ON THE SHOW.
It shouldn’t matter if you like someone’s musical style or not, to determine the quality. Marc does have an excellent voice,and is an invaluable source of knowledge. It’s for Jennifer to decide what questions to ask and whether it makes a difference in her mind. Jen wouldn’t be able to ‘fake it’, based on a few quick comments from her hubby. The haters are just jealous, as usual. It’s their loss. I think Jennifer is very capable and genuine about wanting to help the contestants.