Jennifer Lopez inks $17.5 million dollar deal to return to 'American Idol'

It appears as though it's true! Jennifer Lopez will be returning to American Idol this season as a judge, inking a jaw-dropping $17.5 million dollar deal. Sources are saying the producers were trying to compete with The X Factor, where superstar Britney Spears is being paid $15 million to be a judge. Rumors had been flying about for a few months that Lopez would be returning to her post on Idol, with a potential $15 million dollar deal.

Lopez was paid $12 million for her first season of Idol in 2011, followed by a $3 million dollar raise to $15 million for her second season the following year. When it came time to negotiating a contract for a third season, Lopez asked for an additional $2 million dollar raise; the producers refused and she walked. It is unclear whether or not Steven Tyler's exit that same year was due to salary issues.

There are currently only two seats on the judging panel confirmed; Lopez will be joining country singer Keith Urban, who is the only judge returning from last season. The panel will reportedly return to its three-judge format with only one woman, as the producers would like to avoid the nasty cat fights that occurred between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj last season. Music producer Dr. Luke was rumored to be filling the final seat on the panel until conflicts with his recording label arose in late August. The Hollywood Reporter is now reporting that Harry Connick Jr. has signed on for the third seat. Longtime judge Randy Jackson, who announced his departure earlier this year, will be returning as a mentor. Auditions for the thirteenth season of American Idol will commence this fall, and look for it to premiere in January 2014.