Will she stay or will she go?
After two seasons as an American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez is said to be parting ways with the FOX hit. And while no official announcement has been made as to season 12's judging panel, Lopez herself strongly hinted that she wouldn't be taking part for a third year.
"Little by little I'm making up my mind," Lopez, 42, told TODAY's Natalie Morales during a Thursday chat discussing her role in Ice Age: Continental Drift. "I love everybody, I love the guys [Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and host Ryan Seacrest], but I am thinking it's time for me to go and do other things I love to do like films."
Currently on a summer concert tour with Enrique Iglesias, the mom of twins says she's eager to return to the projects she put off when inking a one-year deal with Idol in 2010. "It's a huge decision, but I have to say there are so many things I do that I put on hold for that," Lopez reasoned. "It's a heartbreaking decision if I have to go."
While no official casting announcement has been made, a source tells Us Weekly there is no way Lopez could return to Idol, given her hectic touring calendar, which conflicts with Idol's initial filming dates.
"There is just too much going on for her right now," says an insider of Lopez. "She regrets she can't stay on the show. It's been an incredible experience and she is forever grateful that she did it."
Among those said to be in the running to replace Lopez: Fergie, Mariah Carey, and season 8's Idol runner-up Adam Lambert.
