I won't even touch the "Idina learning from Madonna comment" or the understudy one.
What I will say is that I hope this does not happen. I want them to go with a completely unknown vocal powerhouse, but one with acting ability. Acting ability, to me, is essential, for this role, but the person also has to have that star quality and be able to hit the notes as written.
Plus,selfishly, I am not in the mood for months of squealing 12 year olds asking who is Eva Peron, where is Argentina, and what is a descamisado, for reasons other than wanting to learn about history.
I can see it now- "so was like, ummm, Juan Peron, like, ummmm, a dictator or something?"
"Why do you care what people might say? Why try to fit into their design?" (Side Show)