American Idol judges all returning

All three 'American Idol' judges - Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson - will return to the show, with auditions starting ''in a couple of weeks''.

Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson are all returning to 'American Idol'.

The three judges - who appeared for the first time together on the show this year - have signed up to return for another season, according to the show's executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

Speaking on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, he said: "I am delighted to say that all three judges, along with the brilliant host of 'American Idol' are back for the next season."

Ryan - who presents the singing talent show - confirmed auditions will be starting in the near future, but the three would not be seen on television until January.

In a series of tweets, he said: "Auditions with all three start in a couple wks.(sic)"

Asked when the show would be back, he said: "January. this show is a year long process!(sic)"#

It is believed both Jennifer - who recently split with husband Marc Anthony - and Aerosmith singer Steven have received substantial pay increases to stay on the show.

Last month Jennifer revealed she did not know if she would return and was "on the fence" about it.

She said: "I don't know. I haven't been forced to make a decision and I'm glad about that because, honestly, I'm very on the fence about it."