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This would be a first — an Oscar winner at the American Idol judging table. Sources have confirmed that Idol alumna Jennifer Hudson is in conversations with Fox about joining the talent show, which launched her career, next season. She may be one of several prominent Idol alums to return as judges next season, with inaugural winner Kelly Clarkson and second-place finishers Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken also in the mix. Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly said last week that Idol will likely revert to the three-judge format next season. The show’s overhaul will likely also include the (second) departure of executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. (He first left in 2008 but was brought back two years later to usher the transition from Simon Cowell to Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler). In TV, Hudson recently recurred on NBC’s Smash.

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. 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.
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