Jennifer Lopez is a serious contender to replace departing ‘American Idol’ judge Ellen DeGeneres, Deadline Hollywood reported on July 30. DeGeneres confirmed on her Twitter account on July 29 that she won’t be returning to the hit reality show for a second season because of her busy work schedule. The website also reported that Lopez’s manager was close to an agreement with FOX.

While Loez, her management and FOX officials haven’t confirmed the news, there are also reports that the deal has been underway for a month, the Associated Press (AP) is reporting. AP is also reporting that she was picked because she appeared as a mentor tot he contestants in 2007, and received good reviews. Contrastingly, DeGeneres, who replaced Paula Abdul, failed to impress critics with her vague comments and her lack of experience in the music industry.

The news also comes as it was revealed that fellow judge Kara DioGuardi, who just finished her second season, isn’t under contract for next year and may be fired. If she doesn’t return, that will leave Randy Jackson as the only  remaining judge. Simon Cowell also left the show this year to join the American version of the hit British reality show ‘The X-Factor.’

Written by: Karen Benardello

Jennifer Lopez on American Idol

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