Fear not, Jennifer Lopez fans, she is returning to “American Idol” to judge for at least another year, according to sources.
Lopez will be returning after agreeing to a new contract that’s “a smidge over” $20 million, according to another source.
Both insiders said the deal is complete but has not yet been signed.
The $20 million was apparently the base minimum for Lopez, and after tough negotiations with Fox, ended up just above that number.
It’s a considerable raise from the $12 million she reportedly raked-in for handling judge duties last season.
The only hurdle left to be cleared in the deal, according to one source, is scheduling. Lopez will be working on two major productions — the romantic dramedy “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” which is slated for a May 2012 release, and the thriller “Parker,” currently in pre-production — which will most likely necessitate a shift in audition dates for the upcoming season.
Reportedly, Jennifer Lopez plans to continue with the talent-search series “Q’Viva!” The series will feature Lopez and her now-estranged husband Marc Anthony scouring Latin America for the hottest vocal talent in the region. The series is co-created and co-executive-produced by Lopez, Anthony, “American Idol” producer Simon Fuller and Jamie King.