Alanis Morissette is in talks to join the judging panel of American Idol.

The 38-year-old singer is said to be "excited" at the prospect of joining the show, especially because it would help boost sales of her forthcoming album Havoc and Bright Lights, which is released later this month.

"Alanis is really excited about the prospect of being on the show. She has a new album coming out and the publicity would be great. She kind of disappeared for a while to get married and have a baby, but now she's ready to get her career back on track," a source said.

Alanis is seen by show bosses as a perfect replacement for departed judge Steven Tyler, who quit the talent contest along with Jennifer Lopez last month. "They have Mariah Carey for the diva figure on the show and Alanis would be the honest judge who could really teach the contestants important lessons about the music business. Nothing is signed yet, but they're negotiating and near closing a deal," the source added.

If Alanis gets the nod to sit alongside Mariah and Randy Jackson, Nick Jonas could be in for a disappointment as he recently confirmed he is in talks for a role on the show. However, Randy - the only remaining original judge - is rumored to be moving to a mentoring role on the show, which would leave another seat vacant.