Jon Bon Jovi -- I'm NOT the Next American Idol ... Judge

Jon Bon Jovi's ass will not be sliding into Jennifer Lopez's old seat at the judge's table on the next season of "American Idol" ... this according to sources extremely close to the singer.

Lopez threw Bon Jovi's name into the mix during her farewell media blitz this week ... telling ABC News she'd like to see someone like Jon ... or Mick Jagger or Bono take over her spot.

But one Bon Jovi source, who is definitely in a position to know, tells TMZ ... "With all systems go for a new album and a mega-tour on the horizon, Jon wouldn't be able to give those aspiring singers the guidance they deserve."

The source adds, "Jon wouldn't commit to anything unless he can give 100%. With planning for the next album already underway, he's focused on the band."

The search continues ...