Report: Jennifer Lopez Closing Deal to Return to American Idol

Jennifer Lopez is closing a deal to return to American Idol as a judge for the talent competition's upcoming season, Deadline.com reports.

Lopez, who served as a judge alongside Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson for Seasons 10 and 11, was rumored to be coming back as early as April, when producers unsuccessfully tried to bring Lopez back midway through Season 12 to replace Mariah Carey. Carey, along with new judge Nicki Minaj and series veteran Jackson, all announced that they would not be returning for Season 13. On Aug. 1, Fox confirmed that fourth judge Keith Urban would be coming back.

A formal announcement about Lopez's return to Idol is expected in the next week or two.

Keith Urban's return to Idol and more of the latest TV news from TCA

Despite early reports that American Idol was hoping to bring back past finalists as judges for the new season, Fox changed course after it was unable to secure successful past winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

It is still unclear who will take the third seat on the judges panel, but will.i.am's name has been floated as a strong possibility.

Are you excited that Lopez is coming back? Who do you think should serve as the third judge next season?