If you enjoyed the chemistry of Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. last season on American Idol, rejoice! As anticipated, season 14 of the FOX singing competition will feature the same judging trio as last year.
The contracts for Lopez, Urban and Connick have all officially been renewed for the 2015 season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This will mark the fourth season at the judging table for Lopez (who previously judged in 2011 and 2012), the third for Urban and the second for Connick.
Longtime Idol host Ryan Seacrest will also return for season 14, and he's also contracted for a season 15 if FOX renews the program.
No word yet on whether or not former judge Randy Jackson will returning for a second year as Idol's in house mentor.
The announcement of the three judges' return comes as no real surprise to those who follow Idol chatter. Despite continued slipping ratings for the flagship show, the chemistry between Lopez, Urban and Connick received positive reviews, with a solid blend of humor, criticism and personality between the trio.
Additionally, three of the five audition cities for American Idol season 14 are in the judges' hometowns. This week (June 25), hopeful singers will perform in New Orleans (Connick's hometown), Lopez will be represented through a New York City date on July 23 and Urban's Nashville roots will be center stage during auditions on July 30.
American Idol season 14 has yet to receive an official premiere date, but a few details are known about the program, which will be undergoing some slight retooling from this year's rendition. The competition will be streamlined, with just one episode per week instead of separate performance and results shows.
American Idol season 13 wrapped up last month, with rocker Caleb Johnson taking home the prestigious title over pop-punk belter Jena Irene.
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