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2nd Annual New Orleans In The Hamptons Benefit Gala

Although word around the Web is take producers of American Idol have expressed interest in getting Diddy to serve as the fourth judge on the upcoming season of the popular singing competition, another prospective judge may be closer to finalizing a deal.

Yes, the New York Daily News reports that Pharrell Williams is very, very close to joining Mariah Carey as the other new judge of Idol.

The newspaper writes:

PHARRELL WILLIAMS appears more than likely to be christened the next judge on “American Idol.” According to a source close to the rapper/producer/designer’s camp, Williams has told     members of his Star Trak Entertainment record label that he will slide into one of the slots      vacated by the recent departures of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Williams had reportedly  been negotiating with the reality show in recent weeks but we’re told that he’s informed his    closest associates that he’ll be at “Idol” auditions later this month. Williams will join Mariah      Carey as one of the new judges and his relationship with the five-time Grammy Award winner and “Idol” stalwart Randy Jackson was a factor in his decision. Williams is “super tight with Mariah and Randy,” says our source. A rep for “Idol,” whose 12th season is scheduled to debut early in 2013, had “no comment.” A spokeswoman for Williams did not get back to use by   deadline.