Jennifer Hudson To Be 'American Idol' Judge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- E! News has confirmed that the first "American Idol" alum turned judge will be Chicago's Jennifer Hudson.
She's has signed a deal to join the judges panel for season 13 this fall, and the other two spots may be filled by former Idol contestants Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken.
FOX is taking a new approach for the next season due to the loss in viewership and lowest season finale ratings for season 12, and signing their superstar alums seems to be the answer. A Fox source said, "It's Idol alums bringing in the next generation."
As reported earlier, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban will not be returning next season.
Even though Jennifer was not a winner, so has had one of the most successful careers spawning for her participation in the show during it's third season.