Producer says Jennifer Lopez will return to 'Idol'

[August 11, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- An executive producer of the hit musical reality TV show "American Idol" says celebrity judge Jennifer Lopez will return for another season. Lopez hasn't said anything.

But executive producer Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh) was on the "On-Air with Ryan Seacrest" program on Wednesday morning and made the announcement. He acknowledged it wasn't official. But he added he was "delighted to say that all three judges" and the show's "brilliant host" are back for the next season.

Seacrest is the show's host. Singer-actress Lopez debuted as a judge this past season. The other judges are Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler and record producer Randy Jackson.

"American Idol" is due to return to Fox television in January for its 11th season.

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Online:

http://www.americanidol.com/

[Associated Press]

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