Jennifer Hudson has reportedly signed a deal to sit on the judges' panel for the upcoming 13th season of American Idol.

E! Online reports that multiple sources have confirmed that the Oscar winner (Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls in 2006) and third season contestant is the first to replace the current panel of judges -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, all of whom are not returning.

Hudson is the first piece in a planned new direction for the show. Producers are reportedly seeking an all-alum panel to try and get back some of the 10 million viewers it lost ...