'American Idol' Season 13 Premiere News: Ryan Seacrest Promises Viewers Will See 'Old AI Back on The Air' [VIDEO]
After last season's American Idol was filled with drama between the judges, host Ryan Seacrest is asking viewers to give the show another chance.
The Hollywood Reporter caught up with Seacrest and new judge Harry Connick, Jr. at the Z100 Jingle Ball 2013 concert at Madison Square Garden Friday. Seacrest said, "I will say this to those who have watched the show throughout the years and maybe they didn't watch last year. I ask them to come back and give it another shot this year."
He reassured fans that the judging panel have a good vibe with each other this season. Because of that, viewers will get to see the American Idol they first fell in love with.
"The judges are so fun, and they are having such a good time and they get along with each other so well that I think you will see your old American Idol back on the air."
Connick was not shy about mentioning the issues that came up last season and noted how important it was for the show to "get back on track."
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"It got a little bit off last year and it's got to be about the contestants, and I think all of us are really concerned about finding the best person," Connick said. "Jen and Keith are really focused and American Idol has a track record of making big stars and there is a reason for that."
Connick also said that while he has been a fan of the show since the first season, he and former American Idol judge Simon Cowell have nothing in common. In fact, he says Cowell has a judging method that isn't the best.
"I think [Simon] was fantastic but he's very different...You can't tell people that you didn't like it and not tell them why."
The season 13 of American Idol premieres on FOX on January 15, 2014.