It was business as usual this weekend as the faces of American Idol put on a united front at a Hollywood event in the run up to the 11th season.
Jennifer Lopez brought glamour to the Television Critics Association 2012 Winter Tour in Pasadena on Sunday, while Fox TV executives slapped down rumours that Ryan Seacrest is leaving the show after more than a decade as host.
Hot mama: American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez wore a bright orange dress that showed off her curves and her toned legs as she attended a Television Critics Association discussion panel in Pasadena, California
They're back: Lopez sits with fellow judges Steven Tyler, left, Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest, right
The 37-year-old is nearing the end of a final three-year contract extension with the network.
And there were fears that TV and radio presenter would not return after the end of the upcoming season, even though he gets paid a reported $15 million a year to host the popular show.
United front: American Idol host Ryan Seacrest with the show's executive producer Ken Warwick remained tight-lipped but said TV execs said they did want him to stay beyond the current season, American Idol executive producer Ken Warwick seen right
All smiles: A giggly Jennifer Lopez seemed to enjoy herself at the industry event
Playful: Jennifer toyed with Steven Tyler's hair during the Television Critics Association event
Posing: American Idol judges Jennifer and Steven
But on Sunday night - as American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson all lined up to talk about the upcoming series - Ryan and Fox executives put on a united front.
Both sides said they want him to host the show beyond this season.
But Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly says it has been a 'tough negotiation' to make that happen.
However, both Ryan and the executives remained tight-lipped about the state of those talks at news conferences on Sunday, a few weeks before the show returns to US TV screens on January 18.
Threesome: Jennifer flanked by her American Idol judging colleagues, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson
Contrast: Jennifer looked refreshed and ready to work while Ryan Seacrest remained tight-lipped about his future on the show
On a lighter note, Jennifer, 42, seemed refreshed and ready to work after taking a break with her younger lover, 24-year-old dancer Casper Smart.
The mother-of-two poured her curves into a bright orange dress and showed off her toned legs.
She seemed to enjoy herself at the event and even playfully twirled Steven's hair at one point.
The actress is currently divorcing her third husband singer, Marc Anthony.
New Girl star Zooey Deschanel was also on hand to talk about her hit sitcom.
Happy girl: New Girl star Zooey Deschanel works her charm at the event
It girl: Zooey strikes a pose and shows off her pink high heels
Like Jennifer she is going through a divorce, having split from her husband of two years, singer Ben Gibbard.
But she was also all smiles, laughing and joking with the executives who work behind-the-scenes on her show.
There were some familiar faces at the event where the stars come out in force to talk about the upcoming TV season.
Former 24 star, Kiefer Sutherland, is returning to the small screen in the series Touch, about a father who discovers his autistic, mute son can predict events.
Jorge Garcia - the actor who played Hugo Reyes in Lost - was also there, promoting his new series, Alcatraz.
New co-star: Kiefer Sutherland with David Mazouz who plays his son in the new TV series Touch
