Industry Insider: Jennifer Lopez Will Accept Position as Judge on ‘American Idol’

Fans of Fox’s long-running reality competition series, American Idol, expressed disappointment upon discovering that music industry veterans such as Jessica Simpson, Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr. were candidates to join the judging panel. However, it appears that ever-popular Latin diva Jennifer Lopez is expected to come to an agreement and accept a position to serve as a judge, which should serve as music to the ears of many Idol fans.

“Jennifer accepted the Idol position,” an industry insider said to OK Magazine. “They are ironing out contracts as we speak so unless something goes wrong it’s a done deal.” In related news, it was revealed on Thursday that Ellen DeGeneres bowed out of the series after just one season.

Although statements that were released by DeGeneres, American Idol executive producer Simon Fuller, and Fox entertainment chairman Peter Rice indicated that she is leaving on positive terms, rumors have been swirling in recent days that executives were not interested in having her back as a judge.

“[Lopez] has agreed to appear on the show for the same amount of money as Ellen,” a separate source said. “She’s getting Ellen’s salary which is why Ellen resigned today.” J. Lo previously appeared on American Idol three years ago when she served as a guest mentor to the contestants during season six.

At the moment, Lopez appears to be joining Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi on the panel. However, it has been reported that Idol executives are strongly considering the option of introducing an entirely new set of judges due to Simon Cowell’s departure and their aspiration to prevent their ratings from continuing to decrease.