Entertainment

Jennifer Lopez to be back on "American Idol"

August 10, 2011 / 5:08 PM EDT / CBS/AP

"American Idol" judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson appear at a press conference on Sept. 22, 2010, in Inglewood, Calif. Getty

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - It's a done deal. Jennifer Lopez will be back next season as an "American Idol" judge.

The long-rumored return of the celebrity judge was confirmed Wednesday by executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. Singer-actress Lopez, who has been coy about her plans for next season, hasn't said anything.

Pictures: Jennifer Lopez
Pictures: "American Idol" winners

Lythgoe made the announcement in an interview on "On-Air with Ryan Seacrest.'' He acknowledged it wasn't official. But he added he was "delighted to say that all three judges" and the show's "brilliant host" (Seacrest) are back for the next season.

The 42-year-old, soon-to-be-divorced mother of two and Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler debuted as judges this past season. They joined record producer Randy Jackson, who has been judging the show since it began.

"American Idol" is due to return to Fox television in January for its 11th season.