Adam Lambert in Talks to Return to "American Idol" as Judge

By Michael Gioia
09 Jul 2012

Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert

"American Idol" runner-up and former Wicked star Adam Lambert is in talks to return to the Fox reality-singing competition for its upcoming season — as a judge.

According to E! Online, Lambert, who placed second on the eighth season of "Idol," has been in talks for over a month to join the series. The site also reports that current judge Jennifer Lopez has no plans to return for the upcoming 12th season.

"As of this moment in time, we are still in negotiations as we are with everybody. Everything is up in the air," Nigel Lythgoe, the show's producer, told E! "There will be changes for sure, but nothing that stops it from what it is, which is an out and out talent show."

The reality show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, is currently judged by Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler. Former judges have included Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres. 

Lambert recently released his new solo recording, "Trespassing," in May. His debut album, "For Your Entertainment," has sold over one million copies worldwide since making its debut at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 chart in November 2009.