Jennifer Hudson signs Idol contract?

Jennifer Hudson has reportedly signed up to be an American Idol judge.

The Season 3 contestant will apparently serve as an expert on Season 13 next year.

The Oscar-winning performer will join a panel of the show's alumni, according to E! News.

As well as releasing successful music, Jennifer scooped an Academy Award in 2007 for best supporting actress in the movie Dreamgirls.

She recently appeared on the second season of NBC show Smash, which has now been cancelled.

The website reports that the original Idol Kelly Clarkson will take part as well as either Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken.

Kelly allegedly hasn't signed a contract yet but is near to confirming a deal.

The pop star has been one of the few acts to come out of the show and maintain a good career.

She and Jennifer are part of a small group whose stardom hasn't faded including Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks.

This year's series saw original judge Randy Jackson joined by new panellists vocalist Mariah Carey, rapper Nicki Minaj and Australian country singer Keith Urban.

The Fox show is said to be looking to reduce the number of judge next time around.

Due to competition from other similar formats such as The Voice, Idol has lost around ten million viewers since 2010.

Therefore bosses are trying something drastic to rejuvenate the show in hope of regaining a great following.

"It's Idol alums bringing in the next generation," a network Fox source told E!