Season 12's judge Keith Urban is reportedly also to be back to the next edition, while Jennifer Hudson is said close to finalizing a deal.
- Jul 26, 2013
AceShowbiz - After departing "American Idol" in 2012, Jennifer Lopez has been recently linked to the show again. Latest rumor says the show's producers and the "Live It Up" songstress have been in talks about having her back as a judge for season 13.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the talks are now at an impasse since the two parties still can't agree over money. J.Lo's manager Benny Medina, who is reportedly "pushing hard to do a deal," is asking for a huge pay raise for his client.
In addition to J.Lo, the producers are said to be courting will.i.am to take one of the judge seats, but it likely depends on whether or not he will return to U.K.'s "The Voice". Another singer, Jennifer Hudson who is an "Idol" alum, is additionally reported to be close to finalizing a deal.
Meanwhile, Keith Urban, who joined the show in season 12, is expected to return. Record producer/songwriter Dr. Luke is said to be in the running as well, but the producers have allegedly begun to lose interest in him.
"American Idol" has been looking for new judges after Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj confirmed they wouldn't return to season 13. At some point during the season 12, there was a report that "Idol" producers wanted to have J.Lo back following the show's ratings decline.
Amidst its search for new judges, "American Idol" is hit with a lawsuit by ten former contestants, who claim they were treated unfairly and booted out of the show because of their race. TMZ reported that Corey Clark (season 2), Jaered Andrews (season 2), Jacob John Smalley (season 2), Donnie Williams (season 3), Terrell Brittenum (season 5), Derrell Brittenum (season 5), Thomas Daniels (season 6), Akron Watson (season 6), Ju'Not Joyner (season 8), and Chris Golightly (season 9) seek $25 million each in damages.
