TMZ: J-Lo signs 'American Idol' deal

NEW YORK (WPRI/AP) - Mega star Jennifer Lopez will soon help make or break the aspirations of young singers across the nation as the newest judge for "American Idol."

According to TMZ.com, the singer-dancer-actor has signed a 1-year deal to join Fox TV's hit singing contest. The entertainment site attributed the information to sources connected with the show.

The contract is reported to be worth a little more than $12 million. It comes just in time as auditions for the hit show are expected to begin next week.

The addition of Lopez will be just one of many changes in the upcoming season.

Judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi have all left the show since last season. Randy Jackson is the only original judge remaining on the show. In May, Simon Cowell exited after nine seasons to start a new talent show for Fox.

Those under consideration for his spot, according to reports, are a varied group that includes Steven Tyler and Harry Connick Jr.

Lopez' films include "Selena," ''The Wedding Planner" and most recently "The Back-Up Plan." In the past, she has appeared as a mentor on "American Idol."

She was part of the "Fly Girl" house dancers on the comedy show "In Living Color" in 1990 before becoming a backup dancer for Janet Jackson.

Lopez's first album, "On the 6," came out in 1999, launching a career in pop, Latin, hip-hop and R&B. "Love?" is the latest CD from the Grammy-winner, who has twins with husband Marc Anthony.

Two new judges could help "American Idol" reinvent itself for its January return, when it will try to stem a ratings slide and bring in younger viewers. The show's audience has been gradually aging, and advertisers prefer to pitch to young adults.

"American Idol" was the nation's favorite program last season, the seventh time it's held that position. But it showed rare vulnerability, beaten in the weekly ratings several times by ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

A total of 24.2 million viewers watched the ninth season's final duel between Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, compared to the nearly 29 million viewers who saw Kris Allen claim victory over Adam Lambert last year.