Jennifer Lopez ‘upsets ghost on TV set’

The singer-and-actress was announced as one of the new judges on the US talent contest last month, alongside Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler. During the big reveal host Ryan Seacrest’s microphone stopped working and mysterious smoke swamped the stage, causing some to worry dark forces could be at work.

In 2009, it was claimed an angry poltergeist was haunting the house where the American Idol contestants were living. The spirit was named Phyllis, and was said to be angry she wasn’t getting a shot at the spotlight. Those familiar with the time are convinced Phyllis is back, and as irritable as ever.

“Many staffer think it’s Phyllis – and that she’s jealous of Jennifer,” a source told National Enquirer. “There’s no good explanation for what happened, and we all think it’s really, really creepy.”

Staff have vowed to keep a close eye out backstage, and make a note of any unexplained happenings so they can try to establish a pattern.