It’s been the burning question for weeks, but now we finally have an answer regarding the future of the judges panel on American Idol.

Jennifer Lopez has confirmed that she will not be returning for the 12th season of the hit singing competition show in a tearful interview with show host Ryan Seacrest.

The “On The Floor” hitmaker sadly explained, “the time has come,” adding that the decision to leave exit the show was a tough one. “I’ve never felt so much part of a family of something, working on it, as I did with Idol.”

J. Lo’s departure follows Steven Tyler‘s announcement yesterday that he will also be leaving the show to return to focus on his “first love,” his band Aerosmith. If that’s not bad enough for the reality show, word on the street is that the last remaining judge, Randy Jackson, will also be leaving.

With most of the panel gone, American Idol is sure to have a big shake-up in regards to who will possibly be relacing the two big name judges. As previously reported, names that are currently being discussed include Adam Lambert, Miley Cyrus and Mariah Carey.