• by David Goetzl , August 17, 2011

After finale ratings notably increased over the year before and Jennifer Lopez indicated she may not return to "American idol," all three judges from last year will be back come January.

"Idol" will again feature Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson and premiere Sunday, Jan. 22 on Fox after the NFC championship game.

"Having both Jennifer and Steven return ... alongside Randy is such a positive reflection on what was a wonderful and hugely successful season last year, and everyone is delighted," stated Executive Producer Simon Fuller.

After ratings declined for the season finales in 2010 and 2009, they were up by one measure by 12% in the 18-to-49 demo -- and Fox proved that the show would survive without Simon Cowell.

In June, whether looking for negotiating leverage or not, Lopez cast some doubt about returning in a BBC radio interview.

"I don't know," she said. "I haven't been forced to make a decision, and I'm glad about that because honestly, I'm very on the fence about it."

Two weeks after "Idol" premieres next year, NBC's hit singing competition "The Voice" will debut post-Super Bowl. Ensuring that "The Voice" stays strong is one of NBC's top priorities.