‘American Idol’ season 13: Casper Smart reveals Jennifer Lopez’s return

So should a boyfriend be trusted as a reliable source of information? You better hope so, since Casper Smart has just lifted the lid on Jennifer Lopez definitely coming back to “American Idol” for season 13.

Smart told E! News while promoting his own new show “A Step Away” that J.Lo will be back, and we’re guessing that he thought an announcement had already been made. It hadn’t, but this was more or less assumed at this point. Ever since word of an all-alumni panel dissipated earlier this year, it was clear that she was the favorite for the job. She has two years of experience on the show already, and she also brings something that casual viewers seemed to like … even if diehard fans did not. She was too nice, but who knows? Maybe she becomes a better judge alongside people more willing to provide criticism, and not Steven “you’re beautiful” Tyler, who had no interest in doing anything beyond just showing up, getting paid, and stumbling through a show.

Lopez joins Keith Urban as the second judge confirmed for the three-person panel, with the final one likely to be will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. We know that most of his recent music has not exactly been something you really want to listen to outside of a club, but he’s a pretty funny guy with a history of giving real criticism on “The Voice” UK. He may not be who many people want for the show, but they could do much, much worse than him. (We also know from a past interview with him that he’s a very smart and articulate guy.)

Want more news about some of these past “American Idol” winners? Then click here, where we’ve got some highlights from Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and more. The new season premieres on Fox this January.

Photo: Fox