Categories: Entertainment News

“American Idol” Confirms Connick, Jackson, Others for Season Thirteen

After months of speculation, “American Idol” has finally settled on a judging panel.

The FOX reality juggernaut announced Tuesday that Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. will join the previously-confirmed Keith Urban at the season thirteen panel.

Though not officially confirmed, Lopez’s return to the table had been long expected. Connick was always part of the talks, but will.i.am and Dr. Luke were previously considered the more likely candidates for that final seat.

The returning Lopez and debuting Connick, Jr. will fill the void left by the departing Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson.

While Minaj and Carey are done with “Idol,” Jackson, on the other hand, will remain on the team.

Randy Jackson, as had been rumored, will replace Jimmy Iovine as the in-house mentor, while Ryan Seacrest will resume hosting duties.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.