Tommy Hilfiger joining 'American Idol' as image advisor

"American Idol" is getting a new cast member on March 15: Tommy Hilfiger. The designer will join the show as image adviser for the finalists, mentoring the contestants to help guide their style transformations.

“I am excited to work with these young, talented artists, to help them discover their own personal style and define their look on stage.  I will share my experiences in the world of fashion, style and branding to help contestants shape their own image in the music industry,”  Hilfiger told Newsday.

The designer, who will not appear on every episode, has long championed the connection between music and fashion, and has worked with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, David Bowie, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Taylor Swift. He is expected to pull looks from a variety of fashion resources including, but definitely not limited to, his own eponymous brand, so a little prep may be infused into the mix.

“If you look at what makes a star, it’s not only musical talent, it’s the complete package. And that includes image. If you look at great superstars from Michael Jackson to Madonna and Lady Gaga and Katy Perry today, they each have a unique style and that adds to their persona. It’s the icing on the cake,” Hilfiger told Women’s Wear Daily.

Not to be mean-spirited, but based on the early stages of the competition, it appears that more than a few of the contestants could use a helping hand from the likes of Tommy.