[Kate!]

Jennifer Lopez is reportedly inching her way closer to inking another judging role with American Idol.

The singer is "very close to signing a deal with Fox to return to American Idol next season," a source close to Lopez told People.

"Both Fox and Jennifer are very happy about this and want it to happen very much."

Lopez, who served as a judge on Idol's tenth and eleventh seasons, is apparently ready to return to the panel after being absent from the show's most recent twelfth edition to take time to focus on her music career.

"She couldn't return last year because she had committed to a world tour. But now that the tour is over, she has more time to raise her family, do movies and pursue television projects," the source told the magazine, adding that Lopez's current schedule will blend perfectly with Idol's time requirements.

Fox Entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly mentioned during a Television Critics Association press tour panel in Beverly Hills on Thursday the network has had discussions with Lopez about her possible Idol return as part of his announcement Keith Urban will be returning to the judging panel for the show's upcoming thirteenth season.

However, Reilly had stressed no other deals are in place yet, and Lopez's name was tossed out amongst several other candidates the network had discussions with -- including former Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson, recording artist will.i.am, and music producer Dr. Luke.

Jen, Keith, Will and Jennifer Hudson would be a great panel imo.

Who would you like to see as Judges?

[Jack.]

Keith-JLo-Will.i.am . The panel don't need Jennifer Hudson on it .