Jennifer Lopez 'American Idol' Judge Deal All but Done

For all those diehard American Idol fans that have been waiting for news as to who will be sitting on the judges panel for Season 10, it seems that the rumors were true -- those rumors about Jennifer Lopez becoming an American Idol judge, that is. TMZ reported Thursday that the 41-year-old singer/actress was all but signed in as the third and final judge for the upcoming season. Sources tell the celebrity gossip website that the finalization of the deal should go down sometime next week.

TMZ's sources noted that, unless there is some last minute negotiating snag, one that ies not likely, Jennifer Lopez will be announced as the third American Idol judge. They also say that, contrary to all the rumors of diva-like demands and behavior on Jennifer Lopez's part, the multi-talented artist has been involved in "typical negotiations."

All the drama seems to have come from the speculation surrounding the replacement of popular judge Simon Cowell, the non-rehiring of Kara DioGuardi, and the self-dismissal of Ellen Degeneres. Celebrities from Howard Stern to Justin Timberlake, from Sir Elton John to Jessica Simpson, have been part of the great revue of stars that have been seen as potential replacements for the judges. There were even rumblings of a possible rehiring of former judge Paula Abdul (but her participation was precluded by the fact that she was under contract to another network).

The only judge that has remained a constant has been veteran American Idol judge Randy Jackson. With one year left on his contract, Nigel Lythgoe decided to allow Jackson to stay on as judge when he (Lythgoe) took over the reins of executive producer of the show again (returning after a year off to devote more time to the 'So You Think You Can Dance' franchise). Lythgoe pared down the judges table from four seats to three as well. After Simon Cowell's and Ellen Degeneres' departure, it seemed he needed only one seat filled. But refusing to rehire Kara DioGuardi left that seat vacant as well.

The third seat might belong to Jennifer Lopez, but the second seat has already allegedly been taken by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Joe Perry, Aerosmith's lead guitarist and co-founder, told the Cincinnati Enquirer,
"He told me just a couple of days ago he signed his papers to join the show."

Perry's words corroborated those of Tom Hamilton, Aerosmith's bassist, who earlier told the Newark Star-Ledger, "Steven is doing American Idol. The ink is dry on that."

There has yet to be an official announcement by the producers of American Idol or Fox Television as to the Season 10 judges line-up.

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Sources:

TMZ.com
Cincinnati.com
NJ.com