Jennifer Lopez refutes 'Idol' departure rumours

Jennifer Lopez took to Twitter Thursday night (May 17) to clear up a rumour that she will not return to the American Idol judging panel next season.

"There is no truth to reports that say I am definitely leaving Idol," she said. "All I said was I haven't decided what I am doing next year.

"When I know for sure what I'm doing I will let the#LOVE!RS know! #FYITweets," she added.

The rumours spread after several anonymous sources told E! Online that the "Waiting For Tonight" singer's busy schedule was brushing up against the Fox singing competition's production schedule. Lopez will embark on a U.S. and Latin America tour this summer, which is when the show would likely film next season's auditions.

However, producer Nigel Lythgoe also said that the rumour is untrue in an interview with E! Online.

"I've said in the past, we've got the world's most beautiful judge, somebody who speaks from her heart. Somebody who I trust their integrity," he said. "It would mean starting all over again with a new judge and getting them up to speed. It's not easy. It's not easy criticizing people and doing it in a manner that isn't just chopping their knees from underneath them, but hopefully coaching them."

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