'American Idol' Season 13 Spoilers: Country Singer Keith Urban Back As Judge VIDEO
American Idol will be bringing back at least one former judge for season 13.
Fox announced the return of Keith Urban on Tuesday during the Television Critics Association press tour.
"Keith did a great job last year. The fans really liked him," said Kevin Reilly, Fox's entertainment chief, according to USA Today. "Keith's a really funny guy. You could see how much he loved the show."
Following the competition's sagging ratings during the twelfth season, three of the four judges were let go. Following Candice Glover's Idol win on May 16, the program began to overhaul its tired format. Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Randy Jackson all departed the program but there was no word on the fate of their fellow country singer.
For his part, Urban is elated to be back on the iconic singing competition.
"Thrilled to be back on @AmericanIdol with my pal @RyanSeacrest and dying to know who the other judges will be!!!! -KU," Urban tweeted when the news was officially announced.
Original rumors regarding new judges implied that execs were looking to fill the panel with former Idol contestants. This plan, however, ultimately failed due to scheduling problems, according to CinemaBlend.
Instead, Reily claims that the program is still in talks with Jennifer Lopez regarding a return although there is not deal as of yet. Jackson, too, may find himself on the show once more but in more of a guest role than his previous involvement, according to Deadline.
American Idol will return in January.
