Jennifer Lopez will return to American Idol as a judge for the upcoming season 13 and the superstar revealed that she couldn't turn down the opportunity to be back on the show.

"It was actually a difficult decision because I had a lot of stuff going on," she told Ellen DeGeneres on Thursday's episode. "It was going to be hard to fit it in. But, to be really honest, I just love the show and I love working with the singers. I love the family here."

The 44-year-old joined Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. on the judging table. Lopez told DeGeneres that she's working well with her new co-stars and they've already discovered some exceptional talent.

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The Live It Up singer previously appeared on the show for two seasons in 2011 and 2012 and was a fan favorite. Rumors even swirled that the network wanted to replace Mariah Carey with Lopez during season 12, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Other than host Ryan Seacrest, all the original members of American Idol are no longer there. Simon Cowell, who is currently on the U.S. X Factor, quit the show in 2010 and Paula Abdul left in 2008. Randy Jackson, who had also been on the show since season 1 premiered 2002, announced his departure in May.

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"Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season," he told Us Weekly. "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life changing opportunity, but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures."

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The new season of American Idol will premiere Jan. 14 on FOX.

Tags: Jennifer Lopez American Idol