Shania to temp as 'Idol' judge

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Canadian singer Shania Twain has agreed to be a guest judge on the singing competition series "American Idol."

E! News reported the recording artist is to join permanent panelists Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for contestant auditions in Chicago for two days this week.

Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry and Mary J. Blige are among the other celebrities alternately filling in for longtime "Idol" judge Paula Abdul, who recently announced she would return for the show's upcoming ninth season.

No permanent replacement for Abdul has been announced.

E! News said rumors have been swirling that she and the show's producers have renewed talks in an effort to secure a deal before the series returns.