So Mariah Carey's out and Jennifer Lopez is in. Well, Lopez this close anyway, if the price is right, according to reports.

We're talking about the judging panel of US reality singing show American Idol, on which the US divas seem to be playing musical chairs.

Lacklustre Carey, 43, lasted only one season this year and was such a disappointment that there were rampant rumours that network producers wanted to replace her mid-season with Lopez, 44.

And now, the popular Latina singer-actress - who was well-received on the previous two seasons before Carey - is said to be signing up to return next year for Season 13.

Final score? Lopez 1, Carey 0.

Wait, make that Lopez 2, seeing as she's trumping her rival and fellow mother of twins in the gown department as well.

1. This slinky, sparkly low-cut pale pink sequined Versace strappy gown Carey squeezed herself - and her formidable cleavage - into is perfectly glam in its own right.

Call me old-fashioned, but the basic function of a good dress is that it has to stay on.

Unfortunately, all it gave Carey was a much-hyped wardrobe snafu when the back 1 2 3 4

of it popped open while she was performing on television show Good Morning America in May.

2. Trust Carey - who had dislocated her shoulder while shooting a music video - to match her arm sling to her outfit during her set at the Major League Baseball All-Star Charity Concert in New York a month later.

Too bad she resembled an overfed crow while at it.

It's hard to deny the over-the-top nature of her customised black feathered "wing", which took all the attention away from her shimmery black form-fitting midi-dress with criss-cross plunging neckline.

But it was still a bird-brained idea to begin with.

3. In mid-June, Lopez attended the amfAR Inspiration Gala in New York and showed off her famous curves yet again in a tight electric blue sequined lace Tom Ford high-neck gown that fit like a second skin.

The only thing that's a tad bothersome is that from some angles it looks like shiny holiday-season wrapping paper.

Also, it's something that's been worn twice before - by models Lily Cole and Liberty Ross.

4. While receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles a week later, Lopez made jaws drop by turning up in a classic Christian Dior white cashmere and silk knitted top tucked into a coral satin full skirt, paired with black Brian Atwood pumps.

Yes, she looks totally overdressed for a daytime sidewalk ceremony. But this was her big day, and she's serving up the drama in a big fat ballgown the way only a true superstar can.

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