The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” must be playing on repeat in Jennifer Lopez’s mind…
After two seasons serving as a beloved judge on American Idol, the 42-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is said to be parting ways with Fox’s hit reality singing competition.
While no official announcement has been made as to season 12’s judging panel, Lopez herself strongly hinted that she wouldn’t be back for a third year.
“Little by little I’m making up my mind,” Lopez told Today’s Natalie Morales during an interview Thursday to discuss her role in Ice Age: Continental Drift. “I love everybody, I love the guys [Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and host Ryan Seacrest], but I am thinking it’s time for me to go and do other things I love to do like films.”
Loopz, currently on tour with Enrique Iglesias, says she’s ready to return to the projects she put off when inking a one-year deal with Idol in 2010.
“It’s a huge decision, but I have to say there are so many things I do that I put on hold for that,” explained Lopez, who was recently nominated for an ALMA Award for her work on Idol. “It’s a heartbreaking decision if I have to go.”
While no official casting announcement has been made, a source tells Us Weekly there is no way Lopez could return to Idol, given her hectic touring calendar, which conflicts with Idol‘s initial filming dates.
“There is just too much going on for her right now,” says a Lopez insider. “She regrets she can’t stay on the show. It’s been an incredible experience and she is forever grateful that she did it.”
Among those said to be in the running to replace Lopez at the judges’ desk: Fergie, Mariah Carey, and season 8’s Idol runner-up Adam Lambert.