Jennifer Lopez has denied she is set to take over from Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol - branding herself "just a fan" of the hit U.S. talent show.

Rumours recently began circulating that the Love Don't Cost a Thing hitmaker was being lined up to step into Abdul's shoes as the lead female panelist after reports suggested the former singer/choreographer had not renewed her contract a following a row over pay.

Speculation heightened after Lopez was spotted dining out with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, who himself has just negotiated a huge pay rise for the new series.

Lopez was reportedly set to be announced as the new judge later this year in time for the eighth season of the popular singing contest.

But the star's representative has refuted the reports, dismissing them as "completely false".

The spokesperson says, "The rumour of Jennifer Lopez throwing herself in the ring to take over for Paula Abdul is completely false. Jennifer loves Idol but just as a fan.

"She just wrapped the feature film The Back-Up Plan, due out January 2010, and will release an album then as well."