Temporarily unemployed Irish American talk-show star Conan O'Brien and Fox have returned to the bargaining table about a potential late-night talk show featuring the former "Tonight Show" host.

But The Hollywood Reporter says there's a new hiccup to deal with: O'Brien has been asked to appear in Fox's "Idol Gives Back" charity special on April 21.

Sources close to both camps stress told The Hollywood Reporter that the two offers are not related, and that the "Idol" invitation came from the show's producers and not the network. The two sides still expect to have a deal by the time of the "Idol" special.

In the meantime, O'Brien is reportedly still considering other options such as a  syndicated or cable show.