It's official: Jennifer Lopez returning to "American Idol"

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe confirmed it last week, but now Fox is making it official: Jennifer Lopez is returning to "American Idol."

The network also announced that Lopez's fellow judges, Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler and music producer Randy Jackson, will be back for the show's 11th season. Ryan Seacrest will return as host.

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"Having both Jennifer and Steven return to Idol in 2012 alongside Randy is such a positive reflection on what was a wonderful and hugely successful season last year, and everyone is delighted," "Idol" creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said in a statement on Wednesday.

Seacrest also tweeted about the news: "We are back...On idol set in Savannah Ga with all the judges! Jen steven and randy..It's like the first day off school!

Lopez debuted as a judge this past season. But in recent weeks, she had publicly been coy about whether she would stay with the hit musical competition.

Any lingering skepticism was dispelled last week Lythgoe. He declared, unofficially, that Lopez would be back during an interview on Seacrest's radio program.

"American Idol" begins its new season Jan. 22.