IB on Iovine

A TIP OF THE HAT TO IOVINE: Thanks to the unprecedented, multi-leveled rollout masterfully orchestrated by Interscope’s Steve Berman and manager Troy Carter, Jimmy Iovine is celebrating the biggest-selling debut in six years with Born This Way. The IGA chief is also getting big props for the key role he played in reinvigorating the previously moribund American Idol franchise, turning it into an A-list production. It was Iovine who brought behind-the-scenes magic to the show by bringing in stars like Gaga, will.i.am, Sheryl Crow and Kenny Edmonds to share their expertise, and he was also primarily responsible for the guest performer bookings that made the Idol finale the most star-studded televised musical event apart from the Grammys. Wonderers are wondering whether Simon Cowell and his X Factor can compete with the Idol/Iovine star power, which drove this year’s ratings bonanza. (6/2a)