Could Fox be Close to Announcing New 'American Idol' Judges?

Ready for more judgely speculation 'Idol' watchers? Then hold onto your hats. Hot on the heels of news that Nigel Lythgoe's set to return to the show he helped steer to success, Entertainment Weekly is reporting that a decison on who'll fill the chairs at judges' table next season could be imminent.

A source close to the show is quoted as saying: "The network's dream scenario would be to make a splashy announcement at TCA on Monday morning," referring to Fox's presentation at the 2010 TCA Press Tour, which is scheduled for Aug. 2. "They'd be the talk of TCA, and the message to other networks would essentially be, 'Follow that!'"

And with maybe only days to go, yet another celebrity name has been thrown into the ever-expanding pool of possible new judges, and that name is ... (drum roll, please) ... Jessica Simpson! That's right: Just about the first woman who's not Paula Abdul to be linked with a seat at judges' table is none other than the diminutive Texan warbler and TV reality show veteran.

According to TMZ, Simpson's had "several meetings" with the 'Idol' top brass, and that there's "mutual interest." Although a source close to the show let slip that "I'm not sure whether her people approached 'Idol,' or if it was the other way around."

Despite the fact that there are still, technically, three incumbent judges on the judging panel -- two of whom, at least, are still under contract with the show -- since Simon Cowell left 'Idol' the rumor mill's been working overtime, and word is that producers want to replace all of the judges, not just him. In recent weeks there have been reports linking dozens of celebrities to the not-yet-vacant jobs.

So, 'Idol' fans, stay tuned for the next installment of "Musical Chairs: 'Idol' Style."