Keith Urban will be returning to "American Idol" for Season 13.
While at Television Critic's Association Summer 2013 press tour on Thursday, Fox's president of entertainment Kevin Reilly announced Urban's return to the "Idol" judge's panel as well as the possibility of bringing back former judge Jennifer Lopez for Season 13.
"Keith is going to return to the show. Keith did a great job last year. Keith's a really funny guy -- I don't think he got to let his personality shine through," Reilly said.
"Most of what you've been reporting is true ... Jennifer has been a close part of the show all along. There is no deal with her or with anybody else," he continued of the former judge, who sat on the panel for Seasons 10 and 11. "We have new producers. They've come in with dynamic ideas to tinker with the format between the auditions and the live ... We want some judges that are good at the job, that people like, that will refocus our attention on the contestants. We want some comfortable judges who make it comfortable to view and make it comfortable for the contestants."
Season 12 judges Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey all stepped down from the judges panel. Although the Fox singing competition series was originally rumored to station former contestants Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson to the judges panel, it looks as though the network will be bringing back old favorites for the coming season, especially considering Reilly's reveal that conversations with "Idol" alum Adam Lambert have stalled.
"American Idol" Season 13 is expected to premiere in January 2014.
