The first “American Idol” bombshell broke Thursday when FOX confirmed that Ellen DeGeneres is leaving the judging panel ahead of the show’s tenth season, and for as big as that news was, the “Idol” gossip faucet has not been shut off.
Deadline Hollywood reported late Thursday evening that Jennifer Lopez has been tapped to replace DeGeneres as a judge next season. FOX has only confirmed Ellen’s departure–not the news of Lopez’s deal–but the story is consistent with ongoing rumors that she was on producers’ short list for the revamped panel.
Lopez previously served as a guest mentor on the show, scoring critical approval for a well-reviewed turn in a role that could easily have been “phoned in.” She had also been identified in rumors last season about taking over for the departing Paula Abdul, but those turned out to be false–the role went to DeGeneres.
Although Lopez is certainly a high-level celebrity, the Deadline report makes it clear that Lopez has been recruited to replace DeGeneres–the long-awaited replacement for head judge Simon Cowell has yet to be revealed.
Deadline added that Jessica Simpson was in serious discussions to take over the to-be-vacant female post, but Lopez was the top choice, and as soon as her deal was confirmed, “Idol” was ready to make the announcement that DeGeneres was leaving.