Fox Confirms Jennifer Lopez Will Return to Idol, Announces Premiere Date
American Idol
It's finally official: Jennifer Lopez will return to American Idol, Fox announced Wednesday.
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"Having both Jennifer and Steven [Tyler] return to Idol in 2012 alongside Randy [Jackson] is such a positive reflection on what was a wonderful and hugely successful season last year, and everyone is delighted," creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said.
Lopez, who said in June she was "on the fence" about returning, had been in contract negotiations as late as two weeks ago. Last week, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe confirmed that Lopez will be back on Ryan Seacrest's radio show. Seacrest, of course, will also return as host.
Nigel Lythgoe confirms Jennifer Lopez will return to Idol
Season 11 of Idol will premiere Sunday, Jan. 22 at 10/9c following the NFC Championship Game on Fox.