American Idol will see celebrity judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler return for another season, according to the executive producer of the TV singing contest. Though "official announcements" have yet to be made, Nigel Lythgoe spilled the news during a radio interview with Idol host Ryan Seacrest this week.
"I'm delighted to say that all three judges, along with the brilliant host of American Idol, [are] back for the next season," Lythgoe said on Wednesday's edition of On-Air with Ryan Seacrest.
Speculation swirled in recent weeks about whether singer-actress Lopez would stay with the top-rated TV program. Earlier in the summer, she admitted to being undecided and was rumoured to be negotiating a deal to receive $20 million US to return for the upcoming season.
In 2010, Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Tyler joined record producer Randy Jackson — the show's lone original judge — for Idol's 10th season, its first without Simon Cowell, also an original judge. Though many feared how the show would fare without Cowell's acerbic commentary, the newcomers won critical praise for reinvigorating the show.
Performer Paula Abdul, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and songwriter Kara Dioguardi have also served as regular judges on the show. The 11th season of American Idol begins in January.