Connick Jr. will join Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban on the judging panel when the show begins filming season 13 on September 3, in Boston.
- Sep 4, 2013
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" has unveiled the complete judge line-up of its 13th season. FOX confirms that Harry Connick Jr. joins returning judge Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez, who previously judged the show's season 10 and 11 for the next edition of the singing competition series.
"I have always been a huge fan of 'American Idol' and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show," says actor/singer Connick Jr., whose casting was first revealed last weekend. "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."
It's not the only announcement made by the network as it officially names former judge Randy Jackson as a new in-house mentor for the show, replacing Jimmy Iovine. "Surprise, surprise! I am so happy to be back as part of this amazing show that started it all," record producer Jackson says of his return. "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."
With Ryan Seacrest returning as host, FOX dubs the line-up "American Idol XIII Dream Team." Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Co., states, " '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."
"American Idol" will kick off production on season 13 on Tuesday, September 3, in Boston, before hitting Atlanta, Austin, Detroit, Omaha, Salt Lake City and San Francisco for auditions. The new installment will begin airing January 2014 on FOX.
