Brad Paisley may well be on his way to becoming the next judge on ‘American Idol.’ The ‘This is Country Music’ singer is reportedly traveling to Los Angeles this week to speak with the show’s producers about filling the final seat on the popular reality series’ celebrity judge panel.

Last week, it was just a rumor that Paisley is in the running to become the first recurring country music judge on the wildly-popular singing competition, following Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler’s recent exit from the panel. Pop superstar Mariah Carey has been hired for the revamp, with just one seat remaining. The Country Vibe has since confirmed that country’s own Paisley is officially in talks with the show.

His inclusion seems rather appropriate, too, considering the big role country music has played in the show during the last few seasons. Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina finished at No. 1 and No. 2 during the program’s 10th season, and twangy fan-favorite Skyler Laine finished in the Top 10 in 2012.

As reports surface of Paisley’s negotiations, Toby Keith has also forward to confirm rumors that producers initially asked the outspoken singer to replace Tyler back in early July. Keith turned down the job due to scheduling conflicts.

Paisley is currently in the studio working on his upcoming album, which is already halfway completed. According to the singer, the highly-anticipated project will feature an element never before included in any of his previous work — an unedited, pesticide-free sound.

Trying to new things is the key to keeping things fresh, he says. “I’m always trying to think of things we haven’t done. But luckily, it’s always about music, too.”

No word on a release date for the album, but production for the 12th season of ‘American Idol’ is expected to begin later this year.

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