Judge Jennifer: J-Lo to Reportedly Join Idol

Jenny from the Block set to net a cool $12 million all the while getting the chance to help decide the future of the nation’s next batch of wannabe singing stars.

While many thought the deal to bring Jennifer Lopez in to replace departing American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi had fallen apart in recent weeks — the word on the street was that demands had gotten “out of hand” — Deadline.com is confidently stating that J-Lo will be part of the show’s upcoming 10th season.There has been no official confirmation from Lopez or Fox, but it’s thought that the $12 million salary is for a one-year deal and might include commitments for more TV projects at the network, plus a possible movie tied to Idol.

But DioGuardi’s shoes aren’t the only ones that need filling: Ellen DeGeneres isn’t returning and, crucially, nor is Simon Cowell, who is off to launch a rival show, The X Factor (which he first debuted on British television a couple of years ago). Steven Tyler has said he will “probably” be a judge and the likes of Shania Twain, Harry Connick Jr., Elton John and Chris Isaak remain in the Idol frame. But with auditions starting next week, all eyes with be on Fox to see how this plays out.