Jennifer Lopez is in talks to imminently return as an “American Idol” judge, according to sources. A deal is close to being signed with Lopez, who was an “Idol” judge for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Sources say Lopez decided to rejoin the show because its production schedule will allow her to spend more time with her children. Lopez will join returning judge Keith Urban and a third judge who hasn’t been announced yet. Fox declined to comment on whether Lopez is returning to “Idol” and didn’t immediately respond to another request for comment on Aug. 19. Lopez’s agent didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Rising urban bachata star Prince Royce has signed an exclusive, worldwide co-publishing deal with peermusic. The deal was signed jointly by peermusic’s Latin and pop departments, and encompasses all of Royce’s compositions moving forward, including his current single “Darte Un Beso,” which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart this month. The song will be included on Royce’s third studio album, to be released by Sony Music Latin this fall. Royce is also expected to release an English-language album with RCA in 2014. That duality led to the joint Latin/pop signing by peer, a first for the publisher. In addition to Royce’s new material, peer will administer the songs from his sophomore album, “Phase II.” Top Stop, Royce’s original label, will retain the copyright to the songs on Royce’s first album, as part of a recent settlement with Royce.
Cash Money’s ever-expanding empire now includes hip-hop, pop, R&B and rock artists; a book publishing division; a spirits brand; film; and now apparel. The new venture is being spearheaded by Cash Money Records co-CEO/co-founder Bryan “Birdman” Williams. Williams and music merchandising company Bravado announced the launch of two apparel brands, Rich Gang and YMCMB, which was unveiled at the Agenda Trade Show in Las Vegas. The Rich Gang brand will encompass such apparel categories as fashion mix, active wear, denim, basics, outerwear and quality fabrics and luxury materials. The YMCMB brand, in collaboration with Lil Wayne, will feature more comfort and relaxed-wear apparel, as well as T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. Cash Money’s distributor, Universal Music Group, owns Bravado.