Earlier this week Aerosmith front-man Steven Tyler announced he’s leaving ‘American Idol ‘ to concentrate on music and now Jennifer Lopez hinted at her “Idol” departure on a TV show.
Ryan Seacrest, posted the news on his Twitter page Friday morning:
“It’s confirmed: Jennifer Lopez is leaving “American Idol” after two seasons as a judge on the Fox singing competition.”
J.Lo will not be back for a third year on television’s top-rated but struggling show – stated her representative, Mark Young on Friday. That means the “Idol” panel is down to one, original judge Randy Jackson and there are reports that he may take a different role when the show returns next January.
Lopez broke the news to “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest on his radio show.
“I really was dreading this phone call with you,” she told him. “I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do that I’ve put kind of on hold because I love ‘Idol’ so much.”
Lopez is the second judge in two days to say she’s leaving “American Idol.” On Tuesday Steven Tyler said he thought “long” and “hard” about whether to continue but said the time was right to return to his “first love”, his band.
Steven continues saying,”Aerosmith will release their first studio album in 11 years, Music From Another Dimension, on Nov. 6. ”Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it…Now it’s time to bring Rock Back.”
Speculation about potential new panelists has focused on Mariah Carey, with former “Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert getting a shout-out from his fans. Much is at stake for the show and for its judges: Lopez’s contract reportedly was worth $12 million and the stint proved a career-booster for her.