'American Idol' Hosts Auditions for Judges: Lambert and Underwood Back?

Mariah Carey is close to sealing the deal as the second judge on "American Idol," meaning that one slot still remains. With the decision up in the air about who the last judge should be, will producers let America decide?

Mariah Carey is reportedly in final stages of talks over her contract as the newest judge on "American Idol." Seeking a $17 million contract according to a number of sources, Carey herself has said little about her potential new gig. Of course even if the singer secures the spot, one last spot still remains left unfilled after both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have stepped away from the show.

Desperate to increase ratings and left with little clue as to who the final judge should be, some have suggested a spin on the show which would let America decide who the last judge should be. The idea, however, seems to be unlikely, although producers are still going through a number of interviews over who should fill the spot.

While talking about stepping away from her spot, and whether Aretha Franklin might have the potential to fill her shoes, Lopez admitted that the producers had their work cut out for them.

"She's amazing … it's such a delicate thing to find chemistry for that panel," she told Access Hollywood. "They're gonna have their work cut out for them. I think just to find that balance again and that magic that happens when the people sit there."

"Dozens" of candidates are being interviewed according to Wall Street Journal who explained some of the necessary qualities of the next judge via a source.

"You want a mix of star power and credibility," the source stated.

Supposedly lacking options, former contestants of the show may also be considered including Adam Lambert and Carrie Underwood.

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