After weeks of rumors that kept "American Idol" viewers on edge, Fox has announced its lineup of new judges for season 13: Harry Connick, Jr. and Jennifer Lopez will sit with country star Keith Urban at the blue table come January 2014.
They'll be taking Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj's spots; they left at the end of last season, which, incidentally, was Idol's least-watched cycle ever, according to the Washington Post.
Jazz musician Connick, Jr.-who had a brief stint playing Grace's doctor husband on Will & Grace- has been a top contender for the judge's seat for a while now.
And it looks like he's happy with the decision.
"I have always been a huge fan of 'American Idol' and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show," Connick told CBS. "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."
Another OG "Idol" judge, Randy Jackson, will replace Jimmy Iovine for the new season, just four months after he announced he'd be leaving the show.
"Surprise, surprise! I am so happy to be back as part of this amazing show that started it all," Jackson said.
Since the beginning of season 12, 'Idol' ratings have steadily fallen, pushing producers to switch up their tactics.
Perhaps it was Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj battling it out for the diva spotlight, or maybe viewers just weren't feeling winner Candice Glover. Maybe J.Lo's year-long break from the show made fans lose a bit of interest.
In any case, 'Idol' hopes the new cast of judges will bring just the right amount of drama, celebrity and of course, musical insight, to the show.
