The new judging panel for ‘American Idol’ is shaping up fantastically, and negotiations for JLo and Will.i.am are going so strong that FOX anticipates locking down the two stars for next season’s show very soon, HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned.

Out with the old and in with the new….ish American Idol panel, which is a mix of past judges and at least one fresh new face. Also, AI bids a not-so-tearful goodbye to Nicki Minaj, who was a major headache for the cast and crew last year. Read on to find out all the dirt on what’s next for the hit show!

Jennifer Lopez Judging ‘American Idol’ Alongside Will.i.am?

“Everything you have heard about JLo and the other judges who are being considered is true,” a source close to the show tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.

“She [Jennifer] is looking to sign her deal hopefully by the end of the month,” the source adds. “It’s going through lawyers, and specifics are being hashed out and details are being covered, but its a virtual lock at this point.”

Our sister site, Deadline, also confirms that JLo has reached an agreement with Fox, adding that an announcement will be made in the next week or two. There aren’t many details about the deal yet, but JLo’s paycheck could be around $15 million, according to Deadline.

This is so exciting! JLo, who was on American Idol from 2010 to 2012, is a fair but honest judge — plus, her return means more fabulous outfits, hair and makeup!

Now that JLo is confirmed to be back on the show, that leaves one spot open for a new judge to join her and a returning Keith Urban — and that will be former Idol mentor Will.i.am, our source reveals!

“Will.i.am is putting the finishing touches on his deal as well,” the source says. “They are looking to make a splashy announcement once the fall season of their other shows is released. They are carefully building this next American Idol to be a brand new kick in the a** that the show needs.”

Sounds like we have a lot to look forward to, and Will.i.am will definitely keep the contestants on their toes!

FOX Is Happy That Nicki Minaj Is Leaving ‘American Idol’

Will JLo and Will.i.am be able to save the show, which struggled last year with a less-than-stellar judging group that included the volatile Miss Minaj? Well, it couldn’t be any worse, our source tells us.

“Everyone from the cast and crew is happy that they don’t have to deal with Nicki Minaj. She was a nightmare,” our source reveals.

Although American Idol loves a little drama, apparently Nicki was not what they had in mind. So will this eclectic new group work out? Only time will tell, and our fingers are crossed. Good luck — we’ll be watching!

So HollywoodLifers, are you excited to see Will.i.am join JLo and Keith Urban on next season’s American Idol? Let us know!

— Russ Weakland

Follow @mrsandwich96

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