Jennifer Lopez Reportedly Out As Potential 'American Idol' Judge

After a flurry of "American Idol"-related news about two weeks ago (lead by Ellen DeGeneres giving up her seat behind the judges' table), things have been relatively quiet on the "Idol" front. When DeGeneres stepped away, rumors swirled that Jennifer Lopez was the top candidate to take the job (with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler supposedly rounding out the roster). But according to People.com, Lopez's name has been scratched from the list of potential candidates.

"Her demands got out of hand," a source told the site. "Fox had just had enough."

If this development proves to be true, it leaves one of the most popular shows on television still in a chaotic transition period. Show creator, executive producer and lead judge Simon Cowell has checked out in order to focus on his new program, "X-Factor." Meanwhile, DeGeneres has already exited and rumors continue to suggest that Kara DioGuardi has also judged her last contestant on "Idol." Though original executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is back in the fold (and wants to bring back Paula Abdul), the future of the show remains decidedly up in the air.

With Lopez theoretically out, maybe the producers should consider Mariah Carey. According to her husband, Nick Cannon, Carey has talked about the possibility of working on the show (where she has served as a guest mentor in the past). "She says, 'I would love to do that.' She is one of the greatest singers of our time; she would be great," Cannon told The Hollywood Reporter. "I don't know if she has enough time, though, but if they could work with her schedule, I know she would love to do 'Idol.' Let's start the campaign!"

Meanwhile, preparation continues on the upcoming 10th season of "American Idol." Auditions are taking place in Austin, Texas, Wednesday (August 11) and are scheduled for San Francisco on August 19. The new season will premiere on Fox on January 12, 2011.