EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Praying For Faith – Faith Hill!

Keep the faith, American Idol fans.

As the spirit of Paula Abdul haunts the judges’ table, Idol is lining up guest judges and the next one they want is Faith Hill, RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively.

The country sensation would bring superstar wattage to the Fox show, which has been using a series of guest judges since Abdul tweeted she wasn’t returning after a lengthy contract dispute.

And yes, call it whatever you want, “talks” or “negotiations” but there are words flowing back and forth between Fox and Paula’s people – words about money and bringing her back. She’s already missed many tapings and if a deal is struck it’s possible she’ll be back in time for the live shows.

Meanwhile, Shania Twain and Katy Perry also are coveted by Idol and appear to be nearly confirmed as celebrity judges.

Paula’s situation “is all up in the air” says a source close to the show. “It could go either way.”