Adam Lambert on Judging 'American Idol': 'I'd Be More Than Flattered'

Kristen Winter for iHeartRadio

Prepare for a possible shake-up at American Idol: Adam Lambert, season-eight runner-up, could join the judges table for the 12th edition of the Fox competition.

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For the moment, the singer and the show are in the talking stage, E! News reports.

"They have been talking about Adam for over a month," a source is quoted as telling the outlet. "He personifies the show, and will be a popular choice right from the start. He knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of the judges' comments, he has a human touch, and they know they can't go wrong if they bring him on. He would be able to bring a unique perspective to the show. People love him."

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But in a statement to THR apparently denying talks have taken place, Lambert says: "Idol has an amazing history of introducing great musical talent, and I was very fortunate to have had the Idol stage play a big part in my career. IF Idol wants to talk to me about Judging, I'd be more than flattered to have that conversation."

Since Simon Cowell jumped ship after season nine, the Idol panel has comprised Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

Together, the three have faced criticism for their softer approach to judging contestants as compared with Cowell's acerbic yet spot-on observations. And the trio have yet to sign on for season 12.

Back in May, Lopez had tongues wagging when reports surfaced that she might be leaving Idol after a two-year run. Meanwhile, Lopez herself raised doubts when asked both on the red carpet at the What to Expect When You’re Expecting premiere and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she said: "I don't know if I can go for a third year. I miss doing other things."

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(Flash back to a similar position she took after season 10 ended and she told a British radio show she was "on the fence" about doing another. As a result, she scored a salary promotion somewhere in the ballpark of $20 million.)

When asked if he'd return, producer Nigel Lythgoe tells E! that he'd love to but "as of this moment in time, we are still in negotiations as we are with everybody. Everything is up in the air."

As for Lambert, who lost to Kris Allen in 2009 but emerged the bigger star afterward, a judging gig on the show that made him famous could advance even further an already-hot music career.

His latest album, Trespassing, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in May, and he performed onstage with Queen during the group's rousing June 30 concert in the Ukraine.

Twitter: @ErinLCarlson

Email: erin.carlson@thr.com