THE 'A' TEAM

J. Lo, Steve Tyler Help American Idol Reinvent Appeal

By Nicki R. and Elizabeth C.

Nicki R. THE REIGN OF TERROR IS OVER.

Now glam pop and hard rock rule.

American Idol fans got the word that glitzy homegirl Jennifer Lopez and raspy rocker Steven Tyler of Areosmith will join veteran Randy Jackson as judges. Yo, dawg! What'cha think of that?

The buzz is that Lopez, 41, will bag $12 million per season while Tyler, 62, will collect $18 million. (If that's true, can someone please explain the difference to me?) .

Producers are refitting the format to give the 10th season a whole different vibe, particularly with the rapier-tongued Cowell out the door.

No longer will we contestants' trying out different music genres; now they'll try on the music of different eras, Lythgoe said. Is that like splitting hairs?

In addition, Interscope/Geffen/A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine will be the "in-house mentor" -- doling out hard truths to the contestants. Hitfix says there's no doubt that "Iovine is uniquely poised to advise the contestants from both an artistic and commercial perspective."

Both Lopez and producer Nigel Lythgoe addressed whispers about divalicious behavior on Wednesday.

"I said to Jennifer today, we heard that she only likes yellow M&Ms," Lythgoe said. "I'm thinking, 'Who's going to pick them all out for her?' "

"After as many years as I've been in this business, I'm used to that kind of stuff," Lopez said. "I'm used to speculation."

The new season debuts in January.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!.