American Idol has reportedly officially signed on a third judge to join Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez.
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Dr. Luke, a 39-year-old American songwriter and record producer formally known as Lukasz Gottwald, has inked a deal to serve on American Idol's thirteenth-season judging panel, E! News reported.
Dr. Luke has written and produced songs for stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry and Ke$ha.
Reports Dr. Luke was in talks to become a new Idol judge first surfaced last week. Discussions with the musician reportedly began only when negotiations with recording artist and Black Eyed Peas rapper will.i.am, 38, fell through due to a salary dispute.
Will.i.am turned down American Idol to return as a coach on the U.K. version of The Voice for its upcoming third season, according to E! News.
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Fox Entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly confirmed earlier this month the network has had discussions with Dr. Luke, will.i.am, Lopez and former Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson as part of his announcement Urban will be returning as a judge.
"All have been talked about and discussed," Reilly said during a Television Critics Association press tour panel at the time.
Although Lopez's return to the judging panel has yet to be formally confirmed, the singer's boyfriend Casper Smart recently let the cat out of the bag she will coming back to the show next season.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski