Jennifer Lopez American Idol Deal ‘Imminent’

As Kara DioGuardi confirms she’s left the judging panel…

Jennifer Lopez is just days away from signing a contract to become a judge on American Idol, according to reports.

The star impressed bosses when she mentored Idol contestants back in 2007 and now a deal to join the panel could be “inked as early as next week” said TMZ, contrasting reports last month that American Idol bosses had withdrawn from negotiations due to J-Lo’s excessive demands.

After weeks of speculation, Kara DioGuardi has announced she is leaving the programme, amid rumours she was sacked to make way for the Jenny From The Block singer.

"I felt like I won the lottery when I joined American Idol two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol,” Kara said in a statement. "I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol – it has truly been an amazing experience… I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on season 10!"

It’s looking increasingly likely that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will join J-Lo on the judging panel alongside Randy Jackson, the only judge remaining from the original line-up after Simon Cowell quit last season to concentrate on the US version of X Factor.

American Idol returns in January.

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