'American Idol' report: Jennifer Lopez deal almost done

After a month-plus of reports, rumors and she's in-she's out-she's back in-no wait a minute speculation, the latest word on Jennifer Lopez is that she is back on with "American Idol."

Thursday's (Sept. 2) news comes from TMZ, which says Lopez joining the "Idol" judges' panel is "all but a done deal." She would work alongside Randy Jackson, whom executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has said will be back, and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler on a reconstituted show. There's still no word on Kara DioGuardi's future.

TMZ's source also pooh-poohs the notion that Lopez has made "diva demands" that led to reports of her being dropped from consideration a few weeks back.

Meanwhile, FOX has announced that it's added a final audition round in Los Angeles. The auditions will take place Sept. 22 at the Forum in Inglewood (details are at AmericanIdol.com). If "Idol" sticks to Lythgoe's Aug. 19 assertion that a decision would be made "within three weeks" -- i.e., by the end of next week -- L.A. hopefuls could at least know whom they'll be singing for if they make it in to see the judges.