Fox confirms Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson for 'American Idol 13'

Fox confirms Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson for 'American Idol 13'

Though the rumors have been swirling for weeks, and have more or less been confirmed by a variety of sources, Fox has yet to make any official announcements on the judging panel for American Idol's thirteenth season.

Well, until now anyway.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Fox Entertainment Chairman Kevin Reilly has released a statement confirming that Harry Connick, Jr. and Jennifer Lopez will join previously announced returnee Keith Urban as the judges for season 13 of the reality singing competition. In addition, Idol vet Randy Jackson will be back, taking over for Jimmy Iovine as the show's in-house mentor. Ryan Seacrest, as always, will be back as host.

“American Idol has always been about discovering the next singing superstar, and next season our judging panel will deliver a most impressive combination of talent, wisdom, and personality to do just that,” said Reilly. “Jennifer Lopez, the triple-threat global superstar who loves Idol and whom Idol fans love; Harry Connick, Jr., a bonafide musical genius and fantastic Idol mentor whose honesty and expertise can help turn these hopefuls into stars; Keith Urban, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who was such a positive force on the show last season. We are also very excited to have our friend Randy Jackson now in a new role as mentor, and the captain of our team – the heart and soul of Idol – Ryan Seacrest returning as host.”

Connick also put out a statement of his own: “I have always been a huge fan of American Idol and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show. 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.”

“I think this season of Idol is gonna be a blast,” said Keith Urban. “New team, new energy, and a whole new field of artists to be discovered and given a chance!”

The judges will begin auditions today in Boston. From there, the panel will travel to Atlanta, Austin, Detroit, Omaha, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco in its search for the next American Idol.

Season 13 of the series will premiere in January 2014.