NEWSJennifer Hudson Signed as Judge on 'American Idol'—But She's Not the Only Returning Alum!
May 24 2013, Published 3:39 p.m. ET
It's out with the new and in with the old on the next season of American Idol!
Jennifer Hudson has signed a deal to return to the singing competition, this time as a judge. E! News reveals that the other seats behind the judges' table on season 13 will hold some very familiar faces.
Listen: American Idol Third Place Contestant Angie Miller Has Released Her First Single
"We're told that Kelly Clarkson is also close to signing on," reads the report.
- Common Dishes on Possibly Marrying Girlfriend Jennifer Hudson: 'I Said What I Said'
- Sarah Jessica Parker and 'Sex and the City' Costar Jennifer Hudson Cross Paths at the Paris Olympics: 'Carrie and Louise Reunited at Last!'
- 15 of the Most Successful People Who Were on 'American Idol': Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and More
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Producers are thinking of having a panel of just three, which means the final spot could go to another alum like Clay Aiken or Adam Lambert.
OK! News: Find Out What Randy Jackson Will Do Now That He's Done With Idol
It's pretty obvious the network is scrambling to recapture some of the audience it has lost over the past few years—the series has about 10 million viewers less than it did two years ago. But will bringing back former contestants work? And will they be able to be impartial judges considering what they went through themselves?
OK! News: See How Nicki Minaj Coped With Bullies Growing Up
"The whole reason people voted for me on American Idol is because I'm an everyday, normal girl," Kelly has said.
So will she find it tough not to over-sympathize with the same sort of contestants? Time will tell, but America will always have the final word.
Which former contestants would make you watch American Idol if they return as judges? Tell us in the comments section or tweet us @OKMagazine.
