Will Jennifer Lopez Return To American Idol?

As J-Lo put it in song, “even if you were broke, my love don’t cost a thing.”

I wonder if those negotiating her American Idol contract would agree.

You see, Lopez only signed a one year deal with the show, and it seems like producers are eager to have her back.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Peter Rice, entertainment chairman for Fox Networks Group believes the current panel is working:

“Ultimately, we needed credibility in the judges. We needed them to want to be there and to be entertaining. We needed chemistry among them, and I think they gave us that in spades. It’s been a fantastic season.”

That said, it remains to be seen whether the team of Randy Jackson, (a longtime regular) Steven Tyler (he’s signed for a multi-year deal) and Jennifer Lopez will recreate that synergy. Lopez initially agreed to sign for a single run at a massive salary.

“Our hope and expectation is that she’ll return,” Rice said.

You know what that comes down to… money. Reports last year claimed Lopez was paid 12 million for the season, but some of my sources claim that number was deliberately exaggerated (at her team’s request) and that the real number was significantly less. The show certainly helped to promote her latest dance track, and there’s something to be said for the level of exposure from being on one of the top shows network-wide. I believe the two sides will come to a mutual agreement that will end in a win-win.