Jennifer Lopez NOT returning to American Idol – Report

Well, our long dread can finally come to a merciful end.

E! News reports that Jennifer Lopez will not be returning for the 13th season of American Idol.

“It’s not happening,” said a source, adding that, despite rumors, Lopez has no intention of returning to the judging panel.

However, Lopez herself has yet to deny any of the rumors concerning her involvement with the singing competition. Quite the opposite, actually, as she not only remains vague about whether FOX has made her an offer, but she also continues to be noncommittal about whether or not she actually wants to be a judge again.

“I don’t know what’s happening over there,” Lopez said Monday during an appearance on On Air with Ryan Seacrest. “I don’t know. We will see. I’m always open to the infinite possibilities that the universe has to offer. So you never know.”

So far, only Jennifer Hudson has signed a deal to be a judge for season 13, though rumors continue to swirl that FOX is considering an all-stars panel consisting of Idol vets such as Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert. However, the E! News source states that plans have “grinded to a halt” now that producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick have been replaced by Swedish Idol boss Per Blankens.

Randy Jackson, Nicky Minaj and Mariah Carey have already made their departures official, though Keith Urban has yet to make any announcements of his own just yet. Regardless, FOX is said to be weighing its options regarding changes for the thirteenth season.