The Hollywood Reporter is reporting from a story by The Wall Street Journal that Jennifer Lopez is expected to close a deal this week that will have her back in the judge’s seat for the next season of “American Idol.”

Up until now, it’s been up in the air as to whether Lopez would actually return to the show, even though it was probably a safe bet that she would.

“We’re in good shape. No worries. No dark clouds on this horizon,” said Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO at FremantleMedia North America.

Part of the new deal may include a salary increase; last season, Lopez made $12 million, which, compared to Simon Cowell’s $35 million, is almost like being underpaid. According to the article by The Hollywood Reporter, experts on “American Idol” have suggested that Lopez might have been holding out in order to get a raise that would bring her up to Cowell’s level.

The other two judges–Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson–have already been signed on for Season 11, which begins in January.

As a fan of “American Idol,” I am glad to see that it looks like we’re getting back to stable times with judges–no more Judge Roulette. However, I hope the judges have taken some notes as to what to do better, like actually paying attention to the performances, not giving people free passes, and not persecuting one contestant at the expense of the others.

What do you think about Lopez coming back to “Idol”? Sound off below.