Is Jennifer Lopez adding a new job to her resume?
An industry source tells PEOPLE that the singer-actress has closed a deal to become a permanent judge on American Idol's season 10. "It's true," says one insider. "She's excited about it."
The news comes the same day that Ellen DeGeneres announced she was stepping down from her position as Idol's newest judge. The talk show host announced her departure, saying, "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for."
According to another source, Lopez’s longtime manager, Benny Medina, orchestrated the deal. Lopez, 41, mom of twins Max and Emme, will join judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi on the panel. She previously served as a guest mentor to contestants in 2007.
Simon Cowell also announced his departure from the show earlier this year.
Fox has not officially announced any replacements for Cowell or DeGeneres, and had no comment about whether Lopez would be joining the show.
Gossip Cop first reported the news. -- Liz McNeil and Marisa Laudadio
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