Is ‘American Idol’ Returning? Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, And Ryan Seacrest Drop Huge Hints

After 15 seasons, American Idol took its final bow on April 7, but is it really the end for the iconic singing show?

While the 15th season was widely billed as the “farewell” season by Fox, it turns out that American Idol and its cast and crew have been dropping several hints over the past few months about a possible return.

Here’s the biggest clues that American Idol may not be over good.

Keith Urban revealing there’s been “talk” about continuing American Idol in another “form”

Back in September, judge Keith Urban admitted that there had been “so much talk” about bringing the series back to life in a candid interview with Country Countdown USA.

“I’ve been hearing more and more that there’s so much love out there for American Idol that it may continue on in some form somewhere else. I don’t know,” Keith teased at the time, “I just know there’s so much talk about it maybe being the final season where it is, and at some point coming back to life again, so who knows?”

“I’d be open to it because it’s a fun part of my year,” Keith told Country Countdown USA last year, “I certainly enjoy doing it.”

Jennifer Lopez and Ellen DeGeneres’ speculation

Keith Urban’s fellow judge also seems convinced that American Idol could return.

While appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in May, Jennifer coyly teased “it’s not over ’til it’s over, you never know” as she and DeGeneres, who served a short stint as a judge on the show during season 9, speculated over if Idol is really saying goodbye.

“They say it’s the last year, but I don’t know,” Lopez continued, as Ellen noted “Well, Cher has retired many times too.” “That’s right,” Jennifer responded, “The Rolling Stones have gone on their farewell tour how many times?”

Ryan Seacrest’s “for now” comments

Just as the confetti fell after Trent Harmon was crowned (seemingly) the last American Idol, host Ryan Seacrest appeared to drop a bombshell.

As noted by Just Jared, rather than signing off with the phrase that has ended the past 14 seasons, “Goodnight, America,” Seacrest instead added a tease to the end of his famous catchphrase than sent fans into a frenzy when he shockingly added “for now.”

Seacrest’s sign off got American Idol fans speculating about a triumphant return on social media, with a slew of viewers questing exactly what Ryan meant with his extra tease.

“Uhm excuse me Mr. Ryan Seacrest what was all that “For Now” talk about?? #IdolFinale” @_jordanrae tweeted, while @iloveuJennaayy wrote, “Did anyone else hear Ryan Seacrest say “…for now.” after the show ended?? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?! #IdolFinale.”

One of the biggest hints that American Idol will return came from creator Simon Fuller who revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he’s already thinking of new ways to reinvent the show.

“There will no doubt be another format or refinement or elevation of the format,” Simon recently revealed to the site of a possible return, admitting that he’s planning to “revamp” American Idol and “add another dimension to” the concept.

Adding that his “head is exploding with opportunities” Simon also confirmed that “Idol will certainly be coming back for sure” and “will have a youthful glow and it will be pioneering again, just as it was when we first began.”

Would you like to see American Idol return?

[Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]