Lopez not replacing Abdul on 'Idol'

Jennifer Lopez has not been lined up to replace Paula Abdul in the next season of American Idol, according to her representatives.

Rumours that the actress and singer would take over from Abdul were fuelled earlier this month, after she was spotted dining with Idol host Ryan Seacrest. He later told paparazzi that Lopez and Abdul "would be a hell of a combination" on the show.

Speaking to People, a spokesperson said: "The rumour of Jennifer Lopez throwing herself in the ring to take over for Paula Abdul is completely false.

"Jennifer loves Idol but just as a fan. She just wrapped the feature film The Back-Up Plan, due out January 2010, and will release an album then as well."

Abdul has yet to sign a contract confirming her return to the Fox reality show. Her manager previously claimed that she was "hurt" and "angry" by producers refusing to confirm whether they wanted her back.