Jennifer Lopez ‘Idol’ Deal Close, Sources Say
Jennifer Lopez could be back on American Idol for at least one more season, if sources cited by the Wall Street Journal about the star’s return are correct regarding the direction of negotiations.
It’s rumored that Lopez is holding out for top Idol judge Simon Cowell’s higher level of compensation, which would bring her hourly rate on the show up over $600K. Flak for Lopez declined comment on the ongoing negotiations, and the production company for American Idol vaguely acknowledged the wrangling:
Cécile Frot-Coutaz, chief executive officer at FremantleMedia North America, which produces “American Idol,” declined to comment on the negotiations. But she said, “We’re in good shape. No worries. No dark clouds on the horizon.”
Lopez is currently pitching a Latin version of Idol called ¡Q’viva! The Chosen with newly-minted third ex-husband Marc Anthony as their divorce moves forward. A spokesperson for XIX Entertainment, the company of pop svengali Simon Fuller- who is producing the show with Lopez and Anthony- says the development of the show will continue despite the disintegration of Lopez and Anthony’s relationship.
