Ok, so we know that the country music nice guy Keith Urban is returning to American Idol, but sources close to the big decision makers on the Fox show say Jennifer Lopez is "very close" to signing a deal to return to the reality singing competition.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the deal is yet to be signed though it could be a done deal within days.

Lopez is easily the most popular of all the Idol judges, entertaining audiences during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. So unhappy were producers with the latest season of the show that they reportedly courted Lopez to replace Mariah Carey midway through. 

The third seat on the judging table is still up for grabs, with Black Eyed Peas singer Will.i.am in talks despite his position on The Voice UK. If it emerges that he's unavailable, Harry Connick Jr could be another option, though it's more likely that producers will turn to someone like Jennifer Hudson, who made her name on the show before becoming an Oscar winning actress and multi-million selling artist.

Sources tell EW.com that American Idol's new season will feature just three judges - as it was when originally launched with Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul - instead of four.

Do you think Jennifer Lopez returning to American Idol will turn around the show's fortunes?

Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopez Could Return To American Idol

Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez Will Be A Hit With Audiences