Jennifer Lopez Returns To American Idol For $15 Million

August 5, 2013 by Lindsay Cronin

Jennifer Lopez will soon be one of the highest paid judges is reality TV. The former Fly Girl is set to sign a one-year deal with FOX which will guarantee her at least $15 million to return to the 13th season of American Idol.

Lopez first signed on to the singing competition for the show’s 10th season in which she made $12 million. The following year, she scored a whopping $20 million deal.

Although Lopez will be taking a slight pay cut for her third season with the series, she’s still ranking amongst the top earners on reality competition shows. Her current $15 million deal is equal to what Britney Spears made on The X-Factor’s second season and just below Mariah Carey’s $18 million payday for her season 12 participation on Idol.

According to Radar Online, Lopez planned to pursue a full-time gig in Los Angeles that would allow her to work while her twins Emme and and Max, 5, get started in kindergarten, so her return to Idol seemed to make sense both for her and for the network which is doing all it can to get the show’s ratings back on track.

“Idol allowed her to do that,” a source said. “The twins will enter kindergarten in the Fall and stability is important for them ­ and J.LO ­ at this time. She’s looking for possible schools for the kids in Los Angeles at the moment. Plus, if she’s living in L.A. full-time she will be able to focus on her film career and other ventures, including her fashion business.”

As for the rest of the judges panel, Keith Urban announced his return to Idol late last week. Rumored to be taking the third slot is Will.i.am. No word yet on spot #4.