Former “American Idol” contestant Jennifer Hudson remains on the shortlist of potential judges for next season, but the show has evidently decided not to go with an all-alumni panel.
FOX confirmed Thursday that Keith Urban, who debuted as a judge last season, will return to the panel for the upcoming thirteenth season of “American Idol.”
Though he was not controversial enough to make waves, Urban was generally considered the most valuable, pointed member of last year’s group, which also included Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey. He was always considered the most likely to return, but given rumors that “Idol” wanted to nuke its judging structure and perhaps go with one entirely-consisting of alumni (one rumored panel included Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and either Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken), his comeback was far from certain.
Hudson, as noted, remains in contention for a spot at the table. According to EW and a variety of other sources, other names under consideration include will.i.am and former “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez.
