'American Idol' Renewed for Season 14, Judges Possibly Returning

Last night's American Idol performance show made it all but official, as Ryan Seacrest announced audition cities for American Idol XIV, meaning that the venerable reality singing competition is definitely coming back in 2015!

But there's more, as TVGuide.com is reporting that current judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. are all likely to return next season. FOX offered no comment on the judges, although there are ample hints to the likelihood of their return, as the respective hometowns of each of the three judges will serve as audition cities for the American Idol XIV. The show will come to Harry Connick, Jr.'s hometown of New Orleans, LA on June 25, Jennifer Lopez's hometown of New York, NY on July 23, and Keith Urban's current hometown of Nashville, TN on July 30.

FOX has issued an official press release on the renewal:

Credit: FOX

“American Idol XIV” ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS IN 15 CITIES ACROSS AMERICA

AUDITIONS KICK OFF IN MINNEAPOLIS ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

Auditions Continue This Summer in New Orleans, LA; Uniondale, NY; Nashville, TN; and San Francisco, CA

American Idol begins its 14th season nationwide search for the best undiscovered talent in the country in Minneapolis, MN, on Wednesday, June 18. The search for the next singing superstar continues in New Orleans, on Wednesday, June 25; Uniondale, NY, on Wednesday, July 23; Nashville, TN, on Wednesday, July 30; and San Francisco, CA, on Monday, Sept. 29. Some of the biggest names in the music industry have started on the IDOL stage and there now are more ways to audition!

Once again, auditioners can submit online at www.americanidol.com beginning today through Tuesday, July 1, 2014, and later this year, American Idol XIV will be headed out on the annual “American Idol Audition Bus Tour.” Cities to be visited include Portland, OR; Portland, ME; Reno, NV; Columbus, OH; Albuquerque, NM; Amarillo, TX; Myrtle Beach, SC; Branson, MO; Tallahassee, FL; Richmond, VA and Kansas City, MO. More details to be announced.

American Idol XIV auditions will be held as follows:

Minneapolis, MN - Wednesday, June 18 - Mariucci Arena, University of Minnesota

New Orleans, LA - Wednesday, June 25 - Lakefront Arena, University of New Orleans

Uniondale, NY - Wednesday, July 23 - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Nashville, TN - Wednesday, July 30 - Nashville Municipal Auditorium

San Francisco , CA - Monday, September 29 - Cow Palace San Francisco

Full details regarding the Minneapolis auditions are below. Specific information on the subsequent audition cities will be announced shortly.

Minneapolis AMERICAN IDOL XIV Audition Information

WHO: Men and women 15-28 years old as of June 1, 2014, who are eligible to work in the U.S. Some restrictions apply – please visit americanidol.com for specific information.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 18

WHERE: Mariucci Arena, University of Minnesota

1901 4th St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

HOW: The line to audition opens at 6:00 AM. Please note that auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Wristbands and tickets are required for auditions. Distribution of wristbands and tickets will begin at approximately 7:00 AM and distribution will end at approximately 6:00 PM.

Of course, Ryan Seacrest also mentioned a twist in the auditions process for Season 14. So what do you think the hyped up audition twist will be? Will groups be allowed to audition? Will the age limit be removed? Will we find out that anyone can return even if they've made voting rounds? Sound off in the comments!