Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. returning for American Idol XIV
By Brian Miller
The folks over at American Idol have had fits the last several years with their judges changing from year to year. This year they won’t have that problem as Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick, Jr., have all decided to return for the reality singing competition. This season will mark the 14th in the series. Lopez will return for her fourth stint on the show while Urban returns for his third and Connick, Jr. will return for his second season.
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Last year’s talent was not one of the best in Idol history, but the judging panel won over critics with a blend of humor and to-the-point critiques of contestant performances.
The show has struggled since losing Simon Cowell, and last season’s ratings were the lowest for the show since it’s debut in 2002 with a 15 million viewer rating. Ratings for the final shows were also down as well, bringing in an estimated 11 million home viewers.
The show will also see the return of host Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest has been with Idol since the first season and has been the sole host of the show since 2003. Fox was thrilled to announce the returns.
"“Jennifer, Keith, Harry and Ryan are the very best in the business at what they do, and I’m thrilled that they are returning to American Idol for another season. Each brings unique qualities and expertise to the team, but they all share the same passion for helping undiscovered singers achieve the American dream,” Fox executive David Hill said in a statement."
The show is set to return in January, 2015. Caleb Johnson was named the winner season 13 and Jena Irene was the runner-up.