Jennifer Lopez Finalizes 'American Idol' Deal

Following months of speculation that Jennifer Lopez was negotiating a deal to join the judging panel on “American Idol,” it’s finally a done deal. J.Lo will replace Kara DioGuardi on the upcoming 10th season of the hit show after the entertainer inked a $12 million contract with the Fox network.

Lopez was initially looking for a movie and TV development deal in addition to her substantial paycheck for “Idol,” as well as input on who else joined the judging panel. But after Fox stalled on kneeling to her demands, J.Lo retracted her requests and settled on the new contract.

The 10th season will also feature new judges to replace Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres. Rumored possibilities to be sitting alongside Lopez and Randy Jackson are Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Chris Isaak, Shania Twain, Harry Connick Jr., and Elton John.