Report: Jennifer Lopez's "American Idol" Judging Deal Almost Complete
NEW YORK (CBS) Jennifer Lopez seems close to being a go for "American Idol"
The 41-year-old singer-actress is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a deal to appear as a judge on the show's next season.
Pictures: Who Will Judge "Idol"?Pictures: Jennifer Lopez
According to TMZ.com, the Lopez deal could be finalized and "inked as early as next week."
The Hollywood Reporter wrote in July that Lopez would fill one of the open seats left by Ellen DeGeneres, who decided to leave her judging position after just one season, and Simon Cowell.
The website also reported that producers of the show considered the "Love Don't Cost a Thing" singer to be one of the best mentors to ever appear on the program, and Lopez is said to be a huge "American Idol" fan. Degeneres was reportedly criticized for her lack of music-critiquing skills.
Adding a big name entertainer such as Jennifer Lopez is believed to be an effort to revitalize the show, which has been garnering fledgling ratings in the last few seasons.
However, a report in People magazine from Aug. 12 stated that Fox had taken back their offer to Lopez because "her demands got out of hand" and the network "had just had enough."