Jennifer Lopez Signs $17.5m Deal For American Idol Return?

31 August 2013, 10:09

The 'Live It Up' star is said to have agreed to join Keith Urban on the show's new judging panel.

Jennifer Lopez has reportedly agreement to return to American Idol for the new series after allegedly signing on to a $17.5m deal.

The 'Dance Again' singer left before the latest season of the popular US talent show to focus on her music career, but fresh reports suggest Jennifer will be back on Idol for the new season.

According to the new claims Jennifer has agreed on a new American Idol deal, which is $2.5m more than her deal for judging the 2012 season of the show, and will join returning panelist Keith Urban on the revamped panel.

"There was a lot of back and forth negotiating on her salary, but now it's finally been settled that Jennifer will earn $17.5m to go back to Idol next season," a source revealed to MailOnline this week. "It's a major coup for her to land a huge payday like that and I believe she is thrilled with that number.

"It's a lot more than the $15m Britney Spears was paid to do The X Factor [USA]," the source added.

Jennifer Lopez joined Taylor Swift as a special guest on her 'Red' tour this week, as seen below (Credit: Getty):

Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson all stepped down from the show at the end of this year's season, though Randy Jackson is expected to return as a mentor, while Harry Connick Jr. is widely rumoured for the third and final panel spot.

Jennifer Lopez and American Idol have yet to officially announce the 'Live It Up' singer's return.