Adam Lambert responded to similar rumours on Monday (July 9) by telling Digital Spy that he would be thrilled to join American Idol, but reports suggest he is not the only star in the running if Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez or Randy Jackson do not return.
A production source has now told E! Online that American Idol bosses are interested in signing younger judges to attract a new audience.
"No one has signed any contracts yet and producers are currently putting out feelers and setting up meetings to see who they can get," the informant said. "We won't know if Randy [Jackson] and Steven [Tyler] are returning until they see who else is on board."
'Starships' singer Nicki Minaj, Fergie and The Voice UK coach will.i.am are also apparently being considered by producers.
Fox declined to offer any comment on a potential shake-up to American Idol's judging panel.
Lopez has admitted publicly that she is unsure if she will return for a third season on the reality series due to her busy schedule.
"I love this show. I love it, I love it," Lopez previously declared. "We'll have to see how everything falls, but it's not because I don't want to be here."
American Idol returns to Fox in 2013, with open auditions currently underway across the US
