Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is reportedly set to take up the role of a judge on 'American Idol' by replacing Ellen DeGeneres.

Lopez is close to signing a deal to join Fox TV's hit singing contest, a person familiar with the negotiations said, reports the New York Daily News.

DeGeneres will leave the Fox talent show immediately, opting out of a four-year contract.

"A couple months ago, I let Fox and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres said in a statement.

The 52-year-old wrote on her Twitter account, "Dim the lights. ... I've voted myself off 'American Idol.'"

Tryouts for season 10 of the singing reality show began July 17 in Nashville. (ANI)