Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe sure seems to think so.
While Jennifer has yet to confirm the deal herself, Lythgoe went “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest” this Wednesday to say that Lopez would definitely be returning for the upcoming season of FOX’s hit musical reality TV show.
“I believe we’re still waiting for the official announcements, but I’m delighted to say that all three judges, along with the brilliant host of ‘American Idol,’ is back for the next season,” Lythgoe revealed.
Lopez’s decision to rejoin has been the source of much speculation in Hollywood ever since she told BBC news earlier this summer that she was undecided, adding:
“I had an amazing time doing it and I loved it, but I have a lot of other things happening, and it’s going to come down to making a choice of really what I want to do for the next year.”
In addition to her “Idol” judging role, Lopez – who, along with Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler, made her AI debut last year following the departure of Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara Dioguardi – will be working with estranged husband Marc Anthony and Simon Fuller’s XIX and Endemol production teams on the music talent show “Q’Viva!,” which is slated to begin shooting in the fall.
American Idol is scheduled to hit TVs across the country this January, when it will kick off its 11th season.
Listen to the Jennifer Lopez Idol return announcement for yourself below (Fast forward to the 3:24 mark):