Rumors are flying around about who the 3rd judge for this season of American Idol could be, safe bet is that it won't be Eric Church!  With Mariah Carey recently announced to replaced the departed Jennifer Lopez, now people are wondering who will replace Steve Tyler?!

The Deadline is reporting the FOX is seriously considering adding Brad Paisley to the panel of judges for the next season of American Idol.  

When you look at the past history of Idol and take into consideration that some of there most successful alums have landed in the country genre (i.e. Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler & Scotty McCreery) it makes sense for them to consider a country star to add to the judges panel.

As you expected, no one from FOX or reps from Brad are commenting on this speculation.  If you take a look at Brad's curent tour schedule he is on the road until November which would make it difficult for him to judge the preliminary rounds, however, he'd be open once the show actually hits the air in January!