Jennifer Lopez Likely to Return to 'American Idol'

The panel of judges for "American Idol"'s new season could include one familiar face. The buzz around the show suggests that Jennifer Lopez is likely to return to "Idol" in the fall of 2013 as a replacement on the panel, which is losing three of its four judges from last season.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "sources" say that Lopez is very close to signing a deal to join "Idol" for the new season; Lopez had been a judge in 2011 and 2012 but had left the show during the most recent season. If she comes back, she will join Keith Urban and a not-yet-named third judge.

Last season's panel included Urban, long-time judge Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Carey and Minaj were not popular with viewers, and the show's ratings slid through the season. Producers did not ask the pair to return, and Jackson announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Faced with rebuilding the panel, producers decided to return to the show's original three-judge format. Urban was officially invited back on Aug. 2, and Lopez would fill the second slot. The reported front runner for the final slot is the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am, but negotiations with the rapper are ongoing.

Other potential candidates had included "Idol" alums Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert, but their candidacies apparently are off the table at this point.