Keith Urban Is Returning to ‘American Idol’ (And Jennifer Lopez Might Be, Too)

Perhaps unaware that American Idol is one of the fastest sinking ships on television, Keith Urban has decided to return to the FOX reality show for a second season, Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly confirmed to reporters at TCA Thursday.

“Keith is going to return to the show,” he said (via THR). “The fans really liked him. Keith is a really funny guy.”

Or maybe it isn’t such a sinking ship after all. The reason: Jennifer Lopez, who is apparently “very close” to returning, as well.

“Both Fox and Jennifer are very happy about this and want it to happen very much,” the source told PEOPLE Thursday.

Lopez joined Idol for seasons 10 and 11, following the high-profile departure of Simon Cowell. (Look how well that turned out for him.) Her popularity with fans and contestants is often credit for keeping the show afloat during such a major transition.

In fact, there were even rumors midway through last season that producers were trying to replace Mariah Carey with Lopez to save the show’s ratings from hemorrhaging. (Those rumors were quickly denied; Carey bailed after the season ended, anyway.)

With Urban confirmed and Lopez likely, that will probably leave just one seat to be filled before the show returns in January; in May, FOX said it is “likely” to return to the show’s original three-judges format right before the departures of Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson.

In which case, I nominate Celine Dion.

The Week in Tabloid Fodder: Fact vs. Fiction

It’s that time of the week again when the celebrity weeklies hit the newsstands. To separate what’s real and rumor, we turned to our friends at Gossip Cop for the 411 on this week’s most controversial stories.

Robert Pattinson is “very disappointed” he wasn’t given the lead in Fifty Shades of Grey, reports the National Enquirer. The mag says the star was “dying” the play Christian Grey in the movie, and thinks it’s “insulting” that Charlie Hunnam was cast over him. For the surprising reason Pattinson didn’t get the part, go to Gossip Cop.

Jennifer Lopez was “extremely rude” to Taylor Swift‘s crew when the singers performed together at Swift’s L.A. concert, reports Star. The mag says Lopez “made it clear they shouldn’t look in her direction or speak to her.” For how Swift reacted to Lopez’s diva antics, go to Gossip Cop.

Lamar Odom is writing a $5 million “tell-all” that will expose the Kardashian clan’s “secrets,” reports In Touch. The mag says the NBA player “blames the family for leaking his drug struggle” and now wants to “destroy” them. For what revelations Odom plans to spill in the book, click over to Gossip Cop.

Angelina Jolie had an “all-night sex romp” with Brad Pitt at Jennifer Aniston‘s favorite hotel in order to anger her rival, reveals Star. According to the mag, Jolie deliberately picked a suite at the hotel that’s “beloved by Jen” to get under Aniston’s skin. For how Aniston reacted to Jolie’s cruel move, log on to Gossip Cop.

Kristen Stewart has “set her sights on Zac Efron,” reveals Star. According to the mag, Stewart thinks the actor “would be the perfect rebound to help her move on” from Robert Pattinson. For whether Efron is interested in hooking up with Stewart, see what an insider tells Gossip Cop.

Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lawrence & More 2013 Cover Stars! Check Out This Year’s Magazine Trends HERE!!

This past year has seen both usual and unusual trends for magazine sales!

On the UNusual side, People magazine’s biggest-selling covers featured stories about real people instead of celebrities. And on the usual side, mags with Kim or Khloe Kardashian on their covers did super well!

Which just proves that people may not agree with the Kardashians and the things they do, but that doesn’t stop the public wanting to know what they’re doing!

And now that Jennifer Lawrence has admitted her love for the Armenian fam, it makes sense that both she and Kim would totally dominate the magazine stands of 2013!!

Here’s a breakdown of some of this year’s best selling cover stories:

For People magazine, an issue starring Cleveland kidnapping victims was their #1 seller, followed by a Jon & Kate Plus 8 cover and a story on the McStay murder case.

People managing editor Larry Hackett explained their readers’ need for a good story, saying:

“A life-changing story will do better than a celeb story, all things being equal. If you’re a famous person who’s not doing much of interest at that moment, you’re not going to sell covers anymore. People want a narrative, and they’ll take a narrative even if it’s about someone that makes many of us scratch our our heads and go, ‘Why do people care about them?’ They care because it’s a good story.”

As far as fashion-oriented publications go, Kim Kardashian’s April Cosmopolitan cover was the magazine’s biggest this year, selling 1.2 million single copies. Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonc and J.Law carried many glossies through their large September and March issues.

Lauren Conrad made a splash on her Marie Claire and Lucky issues, where she was featured as a fashion icon rather than a reality TV star. Blake Lively still trumped Lauren’s sales, however, and was the star of Lucky and People StyleWatch‘s biggest issues this year. And she was still a hit despite her lack of movie and TV roles lately!!

Vanity Fair‘s two biggest issues featured the late Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn, displaying their readership’s interest in deceased stars.

Prince George was obvi a huge seller as well — but there were also some big names that sold a lot less than expected.

For instance, Jennifer Lopez‘s popularity seems to have waned, and covers featuring Jessica Biel, Heidi Klum, Katy Perry, and One Direction showed surprisingly lackluster sales.

As for 2014, predictions of future best-sellers favor big celeb weddings (ie. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, Kim and Kanye West, etc.). We’ll also probably see more of Kerry Washington, Shailene Woodley, and newcomer Lupita Nyong’o.

Check out some of the best-selling covers below!

[Image via WENN.]

Harry Connick Jr. Joining ‘American Idol’: Report

In news that could either be really good or bad for Harry Connick Jr., The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that the crooner will join the judges table for the 13th season of American Idol.

Up until last week, reports had pegged mega-producer Dr. Luke for the position next to Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban. That deal was impossible to lock down though, because Luke has an exclusive deal with Sony Music and A.I. deals exclusively with Sony’s rival, Universal Music Group.

Connick Jr. seems to be a natural fit for the floundering reality competition, as he’s appeared as a mentor several times already. Whether or not that translates into being a good judge and higher ratings, that remains to be seen.

And although Fox has yet to make the announcement official, host Ryan Seacrest seems ready to announce something.

Got some @AmericanIdol news for you coming very soon…

– Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) August 30, 2013

5 Stories You May Have Missed This Weekend

Between Beyonce‘s hair talk and Jennifer Lopez‘s possible return to her old job, the weekend was packed with plenty of celebrity news. Celebuzz is rounding out the top stories you may have missed.

Cause of death still unknown

The Los Angeles coroner’s office announced on Sunday that it will be another eight to 10 months before we know what caused Lisa Robin Kelly‘s death at a California rehab facility last week. The 43-year-old actress, who played Eric Forman’s sister on That ’70s Show, died in her sleep on Aug. 14.

Jennifer Lopez to return to ‘Idol?’

Before you get out of your seat and jump for joy, the weekend buzz over Jennifer Lopez’s return to American Idol has yet to be confirmed by FOX and the singer herself. But still, isn’t it exciting to picture her sitting beside Keith Urban and mystery judge number three?

NBD: Just hanging out with the creator of Instagram…

Kim Kardashian took quite the selfie on Saturday: with none other than Instagram creator Kevin Systrom. Does this mean we can expect more, new, selfies from the new mom?

Another day, another shower

Speaking of moms, mom-to-be Fergie attended yet another baby shower, this time with a lot of flower power. Seriously, Fergie called herself “earth mommy” on Twitter. The singer, who is expecting a boy with Josh Duhamel, is due in the fall.

The bob heads to England

Days after being spotted with a brand new angled bob cut in Miami, Beyonce made her way to England on the weekend to perform at the 2013 V Festival. And in case you were curious: the hair looks great on stage.

JENNIFER LOPEZ Suffers Another Nip Slip During London Concert

JENNIFER LOPEZ suffered yet another nip slip during her recent London concert, according to star news.

Oops!

If you’re like Jennifer Lopez who can’t possibly do without wearing dresses with dangerously plunging necklines, you’re bound to have an embarrassing nip slip every now and then.

Shockingly, the former “American Idol” judge doesn’t seem to be worried even after having several “accidents” in the past because she totally wore one again and, as if to teach herself a lesson, accidentally exposed her entire left nipple while she busted her world-class moves in London’s O2 Arena on Monday night.

Lopez was, in every way, a pro so she simply continued dancing for a few moments longer with her areola hanging out.

Geez. Wonder if it even bothers her at all anymore…

Check out her NSFW photos here.

Photo By PR Photos

JENNIFER LOPEZ Strips For JASON STATHAM In “Parker” Trailer (VIDEO)

JENNIFER LOPEZ is seen stripping for her co-star, JASON STATHAM, in the newly released trailer for their upcoming movie, “Parker.”

Jennifer Lopez stars with Jason Statham, along with Michael Chiklis and Nick Nolte, in the new action movie, “Parker,”

The trailer shows the former “American Idol” judge and the British “The Transporter” actor-yes, the one who famously bashed Kim Kardashian-teaming up as Statham‘s character (with a Southern accent!) tries not to get killed while continuing his thieving ways.

Oh, and J.Lo strips… and you know it’s been a while since we last saw her in her underwear!

Watch the trailer below:

Will you be interested in watching “Parker” in January?

Photo Via Video Screen Grab