Jennifer Lopez Inks $12 Million Deal to Join 'American Idol'

By John Mitchell Posted Sep 14th 2010 03:06PM

After months of rumors, negotiations and allegations of sabotage, it seems Jennifer Lopez is officially onboard as the newest judge on 'American Idol.'

PEOPLE is reporting that Lopez has inked a $12 million deal to join FOX's hit music competition show for its tenth season. While neither FOX nor representatives for Lopez have commented on the deal, a source close to the singer-actress says she is "very excited." The one-year deal was also confirmed by TMZ and PopEater's Rob Shuter.

As PopEater reported earlier today, enemies of the show as well as Lopez's competition had allegedly been planting rumors about the star's so-called "diva demands" in an effort to derail her shot at joining Randy Jackson at the 'Idol' judge's table. However, sources told TMZ that the month-long contract negotiations with the star had been "normal."

Earlier reports that Lopez had sought TV and movie development deals with FOX in addition to a larger salary and input on who her co-judges would be do appear to be true, though, those negotiations seem to have fallen through.

There remains no official word on who the third judge for the upcoming season will be, though Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has told friends he is replacing Simon Cowell. If he does indeed assume a chair at the table, that would mean the new 'AI' lineup would be Lopez, Jackson and Tyler with Ryan Seacrest returning as host.

Tags: American Idol, jennifer lopez

Comments

(60)

Tuesday 14 September

By Wendy

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Idol must be trying to get itself canceled.

By DTgringo

I love seeing people bellyaching about stars in sports and entertainment being overpayed. You do realize the profits made by these shows and sports teams are astronomical and more than justify them earning their large salaries right? Perhaps y'all need to get a skill as marketable as being one of 2000 or so people in the entire world who can play professional football for example. See, if you are in such a small specialized group you can make millions of dollars too. Oh, and you will deserve it.

By EL

I wonder why the contract is for ONE YEAR only....Maybe they realize with out Snarky Snappy Simon.........

By George

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Its official, American Idol has "Jumped the Shark"
What does Jennifer Lopez know about singing/talent, or acting?
She has a great make-up artist, thats about it.
12 Million to bury a show! great! We will never watch again.

By deb

Can't stand her definitely won't watch it now!!!

By will

Lopez can't sing nor act. Her voice is totally studio enhanced. She was made famous because of her Puerto Rican fan base. She will need the 12 million so she can have her eyebrows waxed and shaped. She actually pays someone 10 grand to fly in and do it. She is a total waste product. Idol is doomed.

By anneshaw

she should give at least 50% to charity it obscene so much money for one person its not just J-lo its the world in general sports people soccer stars sheeeeeesh

By gobluespartyon

I don't care how much celebs or athletes make I don't lose sleep over how much they make. Giving to charity is personal choice they don't have to give 50% to charity if they don't want to.

Glad the deal got done I didn't believe any of the rumors about J-LO demands or being a diva.

By SiastaEg

That is because you're an idiot. I remember reading in a magazine that she threw a fit when a clothing store refused to make all the other customers leave so she could have the whole place to herself.

By Lydia Serrot

I had never been an "Idol" fan, but only bc I'm not a TV watcher. However, I'll make it a point to tune in now. Should be exciting to see these three judges interact--a Black, a White, and a Latino. And, clearly, J.Lo will bring some level of excitement to the show!

By iris

Thanks to the American Idol organization for hiring JLo as a judge. She's extremely talented. For the last couple of seasons I haven't watched the show (after Paula left)but now I will start watching it again, now that they have a truly talented judge. What a bunch of losers and fault-finding group! They simply criticize... can any of you dance like that? She's not only a good actress/dancer/business person but also a good mother and a good wife. Get a life!

Wednesday 15 September

By bsti

Ever stop to wonder how A.I. can afford to pay all these people such ridiculous amounts. 12 million for one season? You've got to be kidding me. If they don't have viewership they won't have the advertisers and all those votes which I'm sure bring in far more than the advertisers do. Don't watch and Don't vote. Put the show out of it's misery as it's run it's course. Especially if they replace Cowell w/Steven Tyler. That would be a very, very poor choice indeed as he's to gross to look at!

By sandee

Instead of a talent contest it looks like AI is turning into another narssistic celebrity love fest--jump back & kiss myself!

By liz

Ok jlo can't sing or dance.. she is in desperate to bring some money in since she hasn't been doing anything but scratching herself. American idol u have lost a true fan here....

By Lissy

Her husband, Marc Anthony, would make more sense as a judge (he can sing, unlike his bride),but not for 12 mil a yr. J Lo is going to be an expensive ratings killer. I certainly won't tune in anymore.

By rominakatz

She is as repulsive as any of her kind from the same block. Her husband is the hottest man alive. NOT!!!

By Nico Toscani

The final nail in the AI coffin. Simon and Paula gone, plus a severely diminished talent pool will mean the end for the show. Not a second too soon if you ask me.

By J.Weimann

12 million dollars! For what?? Hollywood is a joke!Why is California broke?

Thursday 28 April

By Jim

What is kind of perplexing to me is that we have many people in the united states that are trying to make ends meet and I for one have helped them to some normalcy, but if I had the money these people make including the professional athetes, we could help many others.

Just Saying

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