American Idol Reaching Out To Past Contestants To Appear On New Season

By Amber Goodhand - Radar News Editor

With two high profile judges gone and declining ratings, American Idol is going to have to pull out all the stops.

As the reality show prepares for its 12th season, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned execs are reaching out to past Idol stars to see if they'll lend their faces to the show.

Reports of who will be filling the shoes of recently departed Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, have included A-list names like Charlie Sheen, Mariah Carey, Kanye West and Nicki Minaj, but Idol might be shaking up more than just the judging.

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According to a source, Taylor Hicks, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Clay Aiken and a few other former Idol folks have received calls from FOX.

"Idol is reaching out to try and gauge the interest of former contestants coming back on the show to participate in some way," the insider revealed.

"They wouldn't necessarily be in judging positions, but the show wants them involved."

Last week Hollywood trade paper The Wrap reported that J.Lo and Steven didn't leave Idol — but they were dumped by the show.

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The only originals left as it stands right now are judge Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest.