This would be a first — an Oscar winner at the American Idol judging table. Sources have confirmed that Idol alumna Jennifer Hudson is in conversations with Fox about joining the talent show, which launched her career, next season. She may be one of several prominent Idol alums to return as judges next season, with inaugural winner Kelly Clarkson and second-place finishers Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken also in the mix. Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly said last week that Idol will likely revert to the three-judge format next season. The show’s overhaul will likely also include the (second) departure of executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. (He first left in 2008 but was brought back two years later to usher the transition from Simon Cowell to Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler). In TV, Hudson recently recurred on NBC’s Smash.
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