A popular singer has reportedly surfaced as a contender for a judging job on Fox’s "American Idol." Deadline.com reports that Harry Connick Jr. is now in the mix for the job.

"He is a self-professed big fan of ‘American Idol’ who has done two very well-received stints as a guest mentor on the Fox singing competition and has been rumored for a judging gig on the show in the past," Nellie Andreeva writes on the website. "Could it be Harry Connick Jr.’s time? I hear the singer is on a shortlist of candidates for the seat on the ‘Idol’ judging table, which became vacant again after a deal with music producer Dr. Luke fell through at the last minute."

Connick, a multiple Grammy winner, has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and is ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America among the 60 top-selling male artists in the U.S. Known for his blend of jazz and pop crooning, Connick’s best-selling U.S. album is the holiday effort "When My Heart Finds Christmas."

Andreeva notes: "Asked in May on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ whether he would be interested if asked to become a judge on ‘Idol,’ Connick Jr. said, ‘Well, yeah, I mean I had a really good time! I had a good time mentoring. Judging is a whole different deal; I don’t know how good I would be at that.’”

Harry Connick Jr.