Jennifer Lopez says she considered not returning to the “American Idol” after her busy personal and professional year.
“Honestly, I really enjoyed it last year. And towards the end of the season, I wasn’t sure, and I actually said that in public, ‘cause I got a little bit tired towards the end with everything going on with my music and everything I had going on with my life at the time,” Jennifer told reporters on Thursday in Savannah, Ga., where “Idol” is taping auditions.
“But I really did have a good time and I really do love it. I love working with the contestants and the singers and the artists,” the star, who split with husband Marc Anthony less than two month after the Season 10 finale, continued. “[Working with] Steven and Randy and Ryan has been one of the best things I have ever been involved in, so I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to do it again.’”
With the FOX return of former “Idol” alums Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on “The X Factor,” do Jennifer and the rest of the judges feel any reality TV competition?
“Who?” Randy joked when asked about Simon.
“I don’t feel any pressure or competition,” Jennifer said. “I feel like there’s room for all these new, different kind of shows.”
And what will this year’s crop of contestants need to bring if they hope to be crowned the next “American Idol”?
“You saw how good the show was last year, the people that we’re putting through this year have to be better than that,” Jennifer explained. “Everybody just has to come with their A game. We’re not playing around. We’re looking for somebody spectacular, somebody amazing. We’re looking for a great competition this year and to make somebody’s dream come true.”
The judges and host Ryan Seascrest remained mum on any specific changes that will be made to the new season, but Randy did hint there could be a few surprises.
“You may see a couple of new wrinkles,” Randy said with a smile.
“American Idol” Season 11 will premiere on FOX in January 2012.
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