{alltv} They're Back! Two American Idol Judges Sign On to Return-So Who's the Lone Holdout?

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

{alltv} They're Back! Two American Idol Judges Sign On to Return-So Who's the Lone Holdout?

Good news, everyone. The breakout star of American Idol's 10th season is coming back for another go—no, not Scotty McCreery, we're talking about Steven Tyler!

A Fox rep confirms to E! News that the tangent-prone rocker will be returning to dole out the advice (and, let's be honest, the lascivious stares) to contestants next year along with the big dawg himself, Randy Jackson.

And since we all know Idol is nothing without our own Ryan Seacrest, that just leaves Jennifer Lopez as the sole holdout. So what's her deal?

Well, while Tyler and Jackson's return was pretty much a given—Steven signed a multiyear deal with the reality show, and Randy told Lopez Tonight this spring that all three judges would be back—Lopez has been publicly coy about her possible return to the show.

"I don't know," she told BBC's Radio 1 earlier this month. "I haven't been forced to make a decision and I'm glad about that because honestly I'm very kind of on the fence about it.

"I had an amazing time doing it and I loved it, but I have a lot of other things happening, and it's going to come down to me making a choice of what I want to do for the next year and we're not really at the breaking point of, 'You have to make a decision right now!' I'm just really enjoying the time of just waiting and seeing."

Sounds like someone was taking notes when they were taught how to get the most out of negotiations in superstar school. She didn't bank a reported $12 million for her inaugural season on air for nothing, folks.

In any case, welcome back, Randy and Steven. And J. Lo, just remember: your country (or at least, your country's search for the next superstar) needs you.