American Idol Season 10 J-Lo Confirmed as Judge - Sort Of

TMZ reports that sources close to American Idol have confirmed that Jennifer Lopez has been signed on as a judge for season 10. According to the report the contract is for one year only, but J-Lo will pull $12 million for the job.

According to Deadline.com J-Lo was asking for $15 million, a movie deal with FOX, and the opportunity to try for some television projects. Her bargaining power was allegedly driven by the fact that Simon Cowell had already asked Jennifer Lopez to appear on the American version of The X Factor in the fall of 2011, according to Deadline.com.

Deadline Hollywood tried to paint Jennifer Lopez as a diva making demands of FOX, but the fact that she has accepted a $12 million dollar deal, as reported by Deadline, seems to indicate that she didn't think herself above taking the position. They have reported on J-Lo as though she were a washed up has-been. She has had several good movies and one popcorn flick that flopped, The Back Up Plan, but she is by no means at the washed up or even near the end of her career.

Jennifer Lopez may not have received all that she initially wanted in the deal with FOX, but undoubtedly a seat at the judges table of American Idol could offer a much needed boost to her career. She has hit a lull, but hopes to be back on top with her new recording label releasing J-Lo's first single in September of this year.

E! Online and others report that FOX will not confirm that there is a deal with J-Lo, but expect an announcement in coming days, as the judges table has to be seated for filming in two weeks.

The other new judge on American Idol is said to be Steven Tyler, front man for Aerosmith. FOX still remains quiet about the deal and the season 10 judges' table.

So there are only two things we really know for sure about season 10 of American Idol. One, the judges table will be staffed when audition tapes begin filming in two weeks, and one of the judges will be Randy Jackson. Jackson will be the only original Idol judge, which gives his words and wisdom a lot of weight.

It remains to be seen whether American Idol can recapture part of the viewing audience that they lost last season. Much of the chemistry was lost when Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were split up. With Cowell also away from the judges table this year who will fans love to hate?

If anyone tries to bring it like Simon Cowell they will only be rebuffed as a mockery, so the judges who take the place of Cowell and the others will need to bring their unique personality and perspective to the table. If the judges table is dead, American Idol is doomed.

Sources:
J-Lo is a go on Idol...for One Year, TMZ.com
Jlo Getting Overall FOX Deal Along with $12M American Idol Judging Job -- But Her Most Diva Demands Were Refused, Deadline Hollywood
Jennifer Lopez: American Idol's $12 Million Woman?