American Idol': Jennifer Lopez nearing deal to return as judge

American Idol‘s season 13 judging panel is inching toward completion: Last week came the official news that Keith Urban would be returning, and now sources tell EW that former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez — who has been in the mix of potential judges — is very close to signing a deal to return to the reality singing competition.
At this point, Lopez’s deal is not signed — but it could be ready in as little as a few days. Lopez was an Idol judge during the 2011 and 2012 seasons of American Idol and was reportedly courted during the 2013 season as a possible replacement for judge Mariah Carey.
The third seat at the judging table remains much more up in the air: Sources say that Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am is still in talks with Idol producers, but it’s unclear if he’s actively in negotiating a deal yet. Harry Connick, Jr., was in the running but is likely no longer being considered, while Idol alum and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson was also a possibility but no longer seems to be a contender.
Sources tells EW that the Idol panel — much like when it originally launched with Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, and Paula Abdul in 2002 — will include just three judges in the upcoming season, as opposed to four in recent seasons.
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