(CNN) — While Jennifer Lopez’s future with “American Idol” appears to still be up in the air, Fox is said to be considering other famous names for the judging panel.
E! News reports that Fox is eyeing “Idol” alum Adam Lambert as a potential new judge on the reality singing competition, which just completed its 11th season.
“They have been talking about Adam for over a month,” an anonymous source tells E!. “He personifies the show, and will be a popular choice right from the start.”
For his part, Lambert tells CNN that “‘Idol’ has an amazing history of introducing great musical talent, and I was very fortunate to have had the ‘Idol’ stage play a big part in my career. IF ‘Idol’ wants to talk to me about Judging, I’d be more than flattered to have that conversation.”
It seems Lambert’s previous journey through the “Idol” process in season 8 would give him an advantage, says E!’s source. “He knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the judges’ comments,” the source said. “He has a human touch, and they know they can’t go wrong if they bring him on. He would be able to bring a unique perspective to the show. People love him.”
Meanwhile, Lopez told Ellen DeGeneres in May that she didn’t know if she’d return to “Idol,” and further explained on her Twitter account that “There is no truth to reports that say I am definitely leaving Idol. All I said was I haven’t decided what I am doing next year.”
According to E!, there’s a chance the judging panel as a whole could see some changes – it’s rumored that Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler’s positions as “Idol” judges are up in the air as well.
CNN’s Denise Quan contributed to this report.
By Breeanna Hare, CNN
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