AMERICAN IDOL: Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. Officially Announced as Judges

It has been widely rumored for a bit, but Fox has officially announced that former AMERICAN IDOL judge Jennifer Lopez will return to her seat for season 13, and occasional guest judge/mentor Harry Connick Jr. has joined the series as a judge, too. They join previously announced returning judge Keith Urban. Original judge Randy Jackson will now be the show’s in-house mentor (replacing the departing Jimmy Iovine.

“AMERICAN IDOL has always been about discovering the next singing superstar, and next season our judging panel will deliver a most impressive combination of talent, wisdom and personality to do just that: Jennifer Lopez, the triple-threat global superstar who loves IDOL and whom IDOL fans love; Harry Connick, Jr., a bona-fide musical genius and fantastic IDOL mentor whose honesty and expertise can help turn these hopefuls into stars; Keith Urban, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who was such a positive force on the show last season,” Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company said in a statement. “We are also very excited to have our friend Randy Jackson now in a new role as mentor, and the captain of our team – the heart and soul of IDOL – Ryan Seacrest returning as host.”

“I have always been a huge fan of AMERICAN IDOL and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show,” said Connick, Jr. “And I am honored that they’ve asked me to be a judge this season. As an entertainer, I am truly excited to bring my perspective to AMERICAN IDOL, and to help emerging performers find their way.”

“Surprise, surprise! I am so happy to be back as part of this amazing show that started it all,” said Randy Jackson. “Season 1-3 is the place to be. The original talent show is back with a vengeance and ready to discover the best talent in America.”

“I think this season of IDOL is gonna be a blast,” said Keith Urban. “New team, new energy and a whole new field of artists to be discovered and given a chance!”

“I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the AMERICAN IDOL XIII family. Our new producers, judging panel and mentor are all fired up for this season,” said Ryan Seacrest. “I’ve already witnessed some amazingly talented contestants from around the country during our early auditions, cementing my belief that a new superstar is well within our sights.”

Are you excited about this new(ish) AMERICAN IDOL team?

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