'American Idol XIII' officially welcomes Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban to judges table

"Idol" veteran Randy Jackson returns as in-house mentor; Ryan Seacrest continues reign as host

Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling recording artist, actress, movie and television producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez will return to "American Idol" as a judge. Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum singer, musician, songwriter, composer and film/television and Broadway actor Harry Connick Jr. will join Lopez. The two will sit on the "American Idol" judges' panel with previously announced judge Keith Urban, the four-time Grammy Award-winning country artist who has sold more than 15 million albums.

Rounding out the team is "American Idol" veteran Randy Jackson, who will lend his industry and "American Idol" expertise to the contestants as an in-house mentor. Once again, Emmy-nominated host Ryan Seacrest, who has guided the "American Idol" contestants and judges through each season's journey, will lead the team.

Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Co., said, " '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: Jennifer Lopez, the triple-threat global superstar who loves 'Idol' and whom 'Idol' fans love; Harry Connick Jr., a bonafide musical genius and fantastic Idol' mentor whose honesty and expertise can help turn these hopefuls into stars; Keith Urban, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who was such a positive force on the show last season. We are also very excited to have our friend Randy Jackson now in a new role as mentor, and the captain of our team - the heart and soul of 'Idol' - Ryan Seacrest returning as host." 

"#IDOL2014TheRemix," Lopez tweeted.

"I have always been a huge fan of 'American Idol' and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show," Connick said. "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."

"Surprise, surprise! I am so happy to be back as part of this amazing show that started it all," Jackson said. "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."

"I think this season of 'Idol' is gonna be a blast," Urban said. "New team, new energy and a whole new field of artists to be discovered and given a chance!"

"I couldn't be prouder to be a part of the 'American Idol XIII' family. Our new producers, judging panel and mentor are all fired up for this season," Seacrest said. "I've already witnessed some amazingly talented contestants from around the country during our early auditions, cementing my belief that a new superstar is well within our sights."

Singing hopefuls will meet the "American Idol XIII" team when the auditions travel to Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Detroit, Omaha, Salt Lake City and San Francisco. "American Idol XIII" debuts in January 2014 on FOX.

Universal Music Group's Interscope Records, under the direction of Chairman Jimmy Iovine, will continue to release "American Idol" winner and contestant music.

"American Idol's" impact on the entertainment industry resonates beyond the scope of television. The series has brought generations together with a common goal: to discover the next music superstar. Over the past 12 seasons, "Idol" finalists have released more than 200 albums, scored 396 No. 1 Billboard hits, garnered more than 250 million iTunes downloads and have been certified with 95 Gold and 83 Platinum records. "Idol" contestants have conquered Broadway, television and film, and have won numerous awards and accolades, including American Country Music Awards, Country Music Awards, Grammy Awards and an Academy Award.

"American Idol XIII" hopefuls also can audition at www.americanidol.com, by submitting an audition video online. Entrants should demonstrate their stellar singing ability by performing a song of their choice a cappella. Videos are limited to one submission per person. Visit www.americanidol.com for submission rules and terms and conditions.