Jennifer Lopez Nears Deal for ‘American Idol’ Return

Jennifer Lopez, a judge on “American Idol” during Seasons 10 and 11, is closing a deal to return to the show. Deadline.com reported on Saturday that her return was expected to be announced in one to two weeks, once her contract is finalized.

Ms. Lopez was also adored by viewers for her empathetic, constructive criticism of the contestants. “Idol” will revert to a three-judge format for Season 13; Deadline.com reported that the pop music artist will.i.am was likely to take the third chair.