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Reports: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler Are Your Next American Idol Judges

It looks like Nigel Lythgoe is getting his wish: Reports are ping-ponging around the Internet that Idol has hired Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell (or Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres) on the three-judge panel next season. Three judges? So who didn't make the cut?

Apparently Kara. TMZ claims that Kara DioGuardi has been fired from the show and will only return if the deal with J.Lo falls through -- a deal Deadline says has been in the works over a month and was orchestrated by Lopez's manager, Benny Medina.

As for Tyler's involvement: Unconfirmed reports say that he's been offered a seat as well. American Idol producers still want Elton John -- though considering the effusive nature with which John's publicist denied his client's involvement, they shouldn't hold their breath -- but will settle for the former Aerosmith frontman instead.

That leaves Randy Jackson as the only holdover from last season. Good job surviving the carnage, dawg!

Developing...

· JENNIFER LOPEZ IS NEW 'IDOL' JUDGE! Closed Deal This Week; Replaces Ellen Who Wanted Out of Contract: 'It's Not Been Fun' [Deadline]

· Kara DioGuardi -- Out at 'American Idol' [TMZ]