RadarOnline.com is reporting that American Idol has allegedly landed a big name to fill the void left by the departing Ellen DeGeneres: Jennifer Lopez.
And it looks like Steven Tyler is also being offered a judge job. Gossip Cop was first to report that both JLo and the Aerosmith lead singer have received offers.
The show has not officially confirmed the news yet.
Ellen DeGeneres Quits After One Season On American Idol.
J.Lo’s manager Benny Medina had been in negotiations with the show for a month, and had finalized the pact earlier this week, according to Deadline Hollywood. Also noteworthy is the return of Nigel Lythgoe as the show's executive producer, as the show biz kingpin has said he feels the panel of judges operates best as a trio, not a quartet.
People quotes a source confirming Jlo’s new job, saying: “It’s true. She’s excited about it.”
The spot on American Idol may be a well-needed career boost for Lopez, 41, who’s hit a rough patch professionally in the past year: Sony Music Epic Records dropped the hit-maker from its label, while her latest film The Back-Up Plan sputtered at the box office.
The Lopez news came on the same day that Ellen DeGeneres left the show, telling American Idol producers she didn't feel it was the "right fit” for her. According to Deadline Hollywood, Jessica Simpson's name was also bandied about as a replacement for DeGeneres.
And, of course, it’s all a mad scramble to fill the void left by Simon Cowell’s departure.
