Jennifer Lopez: ‘Maybe It’s Time’ To Leave American Idol

And we’re back to the ole’ will-she-or-won’t-she with regards to Jennifer Lopez and her “American Idol” return.

As Season 12 nears, the singer/”AI” judge told the “Today” show’s Natalie Morales she’s — once again — not sure if she’ll take her seat at the judges’ table for one more go.

“It’s been on my mind a lot, as you can imagine,” Jennifer said in an interview on Thursday. “You know, I signed on to ‘American Idol’ to do one year, and… I wound up doing the two years. And now it’s like, ‘OK, do we continue on this journey?’”

Whether she stays or bows out, J.Lo said it will be a “tough decision” as she does enjoy coaching amateur singers to victory on the FOX series.

“I have to say that there are so many other things that I do, and that I put on hold for [‘Idol’]. At the end of the day, whichever way, it’s a heartbreaking decision if I’m going to have to go,” she said.

If the “Dance Tonight” singer does head back to the show, it will mark the third season J.Lo has pulled double duty as an “Idol” judge and recording artist, and the 42-year-old star said it may be time to focus solely on her music.

“The truth is, I love everybody. I love all the guys on the show. I love the family that’s there… I am thinking that maybe it’s time for me to go and do other things that I really love to do,” she said.

“American Idol” returns to FOX in January 2013.

–Erin O’Sullivan

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

Dolly Parton Reacts To Beyoncé Covering 'Jolene' On New Country Album 'Cowboy Carter'