Randy Jackson Returning To 'American Idol'?

Randy Jackson may be returning to American Idol for the 13^th season according to Deadline.

The site reported that Jackson, a former judge on the show, would return as the in house mentor. He would replace Jimmy Iovine who has served in the capacity for the past three years. Iovine joined in Season 10 after Simon Cowell left. The Brit was poised to fill the role of a no nonsense man of stature in the industry.

If Jackson were to return, it would be a quick about face. In May, the original host announced that his time as a judge had come to an end.

I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life changing opportunity #idol

— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) May 9, 2013

Jackson has not yet announced any plans for his return to the Fox show, but Jennifer Lopez is all but assured to come back. Casper Smart, J Lo's boyfriend, revealed that the 44-year-old would come back to the show. TMZ reported on August 17 that Smart responded in the affirmative that his girlfriend of two years would be making a return engagement. She was previously featured as a judge on the singing competition in 2011 and 2012 before quitting to pursue other career opportunities.