TMZ reports that Jennifer Lopez has not made up her mind about returning to Idol
Jennifer Lopez is telling friends … she HAS NOT made up her mind on her future with “American Idol” … and WILL NOT make a decision until after she finishes her current concert tour with Enrique Iglesias.
There are reports Jennifer has already informed producers she’s a no-go to return to the judge’s table next season … but sources close to J.Lo tell us the reports are absolutely not true.
We’re told Jennifer wants to “see where things are in her life” when the concert ends.
Translation: If Jen’s popularity is UP after the tour and she has more options, she’s more likely to bounce off the show. If she’s not … “Idol” ain’t a bad fallback gig.
It wouldn’t be the first time J.Lo waited ’til the last minute — last year, she held out until late August and finally gave in when producers agreed to fork over $20 mil for a 1-year deal.
In other words, she’ll come back if the money is right. And if she does return, it will be another 1 year deal so that she can renegotiate all over again next year.
I have to say it really pains me to see these competition reality shows become all about the judges.
ETA: In a recent interview promoting her film Ice Age, Jennifer hinted that she wouldn’t return:
“The truth is … I’ve enjoyed it so much, but I am thinking it’s maybe time for me to go and do other things I really love to do like films … and performing,” she said. “This has been a great journey, but then again I love the show so… all I can tell you is what I’m thinking.”
I still think this is a negotiation ploy–basically a reaction to all the names being tossed out into the ring to take her place. Maybe she’ll walk if the money isn’t right, but I would not be surprised if she came back if TPTB are willing to fork over the dough.
Today Show Interview
“It’s been on my mind a lot, as you can imagine,” she admitted. “You know, I signed on to ‘American Idol’ to do one year, and … I wound up doing the two years. And now it’s like, ‘OK, do we continue on this journey?’ I’ve loved it so much. I enjoy the show so much. I enjoy just the whole process of the show and the whole thing. So it’s a tough decision either way. But I have to say that there are so many other things that I do, and that I put on hold for that. At the end of the day, whichever way, it’s a heartbreaking decision if I’m going to have to go.”
Those contract negotiations have DEFINITELY hit a snag!
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