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J.Lo met with Paula Abdul weeks before 'Idol' deal

Execs at "American Idol" might be trying to express the ease with which the Jennifer Lopez deal was struck, and it's fair to consider that her reported "diva demands" might have been exaggerated from time to time. However, sources close to Paula Abdul's new dance competition show, "Got to Dance" on CBS, say that Lopez and her manager Benny Medina were taking meetings with key "Got to Dance" execs
Jennifer Lopez appears onstage at the official announcement of the \"American Idol\" judges on Wednesday.
Jennifer Lopez appears onstage at the official announcement of the \"American Idol\" judges on Wednesday.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Execs at "American Idol" might be trying to express the ease with which the Jennifer Lopez deal was struck, and it's fair to consider that her reported "diva demands" might have been exaggerated from time to time. However, sources close to Paula Abdul's new dance competition show, "Got to Dance" on CBS, say that Lopez and her manager Benny Medina were taking meetings with key "Got to Dance" execs just weeks ago. "There was serious consideration to having her be a part of the judges' panel for Paula's show," said a well-placed source. "The 'Idol' talks were still going, but the talks with J.Lo and Paula's show were serious ones." As for who will be judging alongside Abdul, the details are still being worked out, according to the source. An announcement is expected soon. Related story:New 'Idol' judges have star power, but is that enough?Slideshows:Jennifer Lopez | Paula Abdul