Jennifer Lopez has confirmed she will not be returning to American Idol as a judge.

Lopez is the latest judge to quit the hit Fox talent competition; yesterday Steven Tyler announced his exit from the series. Earlier today Lopez called On Air With Ryan Seacrest to announce her departure from American Idol. The singer had hinted at her own exit on the Today show yesterday.

Speaking to On Air with Ryan Seacrest Jennifer Lopez said “It’s been a long process…I’ve really been torn….Something has to give…..The time has come for me to get back to the other things that I do….We had an amazing run”

Doubtless producers have already begun the search for new judges for American Idol so expect plenty of tabloid speculation at to whom the replacements will be…..