Nigel Lythgoe, the executive in charge of hit US singing talent show, American Idol, has expressed a desire for  Jennifer Lopez to return tot he show next year for her third stint as judge.

Recently single Lopez had hinted that a return wasn’t necessarily on the cards in a recent The Ellen DeGeneres Show appearance, saying that she “didn’t know” if she would return as the commitment “locks” her down for many months of the year, a hard balance to strike for the single mum of twins.

She did go on, however, to say that she ”really enjoy[s] it”.

Responding to these remarks, Lythgoe told TMZ: ”We want her back. I want her back.

“I know how much she loves doing the show and how much she cares for the kids. It’s a business. She has to weigh everything. I know she’s gotten lots of offers to do movies and other things.”

This demand for Lopez comes as no surprise, hugely popular amongst peers and fans alike, the Jenny From The Block singer was yesterday named “The World’s Most Powerful Celebrity” by Forbes due to her 12 month total earnings of $52million made from her music, American Idol job and other endorsements.

Watch Jennifer’s American Idol performance from last week below:

American Idol continues on US TV tonight in a semi final show to decide this years finalists.