Jennifer Lopez will return to 'American Idol' for a reported $15 million.

The 'Jenny from Block' singer has allegedly sealed a deal with network Fox which will make her one of the highest paid judges in reality TV.

The 44-year-old singer - who hasn't appeared on the show since 2011 - has negotiated a spot on the judging panel for series 13 after sitting out last season.

The singer's fee matches the amount Britney Spears received from Simon Cowell to appear on the US 'X Factor' in 2012, but is two million short of what Mariah Carey is thought to have been paid to replace her last year.

J-Lo's fee is now five million short of the $20 million she received for the 2011 series on the judge's panel, but it's still an impressive pay rise from the $12 million she earned for her debut during season 10.

It's believed the star approached Fox about a return as she wants to be based in Los Angeles so she can have a settled life with her five-year-old twins, Max and Emme, as they prepare to go to start school.

A source told RadarOnline.com: ''Idol allowed her to do that, the twins will enter kindergarten soon and stability is important for them ­ and Jennifer­ at this time. She's looking for possible schools for the kids in Los Angeles at the moment. Plus, if she's living there full-time she will be able to focus on her film career and other ventures, including her fashion business.''

The pop star's return is to be announced in the coming weeks, while the show is set to return to the original three-member judging panel as seen in 2002, which then featured Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Country music star Keith Urban, is believed to be returning to the show while a third member is yet to signed, with Will.i.am tipped to take the third position.