There is still an air of ambiguity over who will be judging "American Idol" this year, even as the first round of contestant tryouts continue. Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly at least confirmed at the Television Critics Association that country star Keith Urban would be returning for the upcoming Season 13 of the musical competition. Urban is, at the moment, the only of last season's judges to return, with Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj leaving after one year, and last of the original judges Randy Jackson hitting the road as well.
"Keith did a great job last year. The fans really liked him. Keith's a really funny guy," Reilly said. "You could see how much he loved the show."
Still, fans somewhat expected the more mild-mannered Urban to make a return. What they really want to know is who will be in the running for the addition two/three seats. Jennifer Lopez, formerly a judge for two seasons, is the biggest rumor, and Reilly confirmed that Fox is in talks to bring her back.
"Jennifer has been a close part of the show all along," he said. "Obviously, she's even been on it since she left the panel, so there have been discussions there. There is no deal with her."
Reilly also discussed how producers would be open to bringing back Idol alumni for involvement, such as Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert, but he didn't confirm talking with any of them. Although discussing the judges, he said the fans, and even the network itself, put too much emphasis on the judges and not enough on the contestants.
"We want judges that are good at the job, that people like and refocus our attention on the contestants," he said. "I think even our own marketing maybe skewed that a little. It really became too much about the judges."
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