Harry Connick, Jr. Confirmed for 'American Idol 2015'
Well, looks like we've got our first judge confirmed for American Idol 2015. After FOX confirmed that the show has been renewed for a fourteenth season (albeit a season in which the episode order would be reduced to just one night per week), rumors persisted that at least some of the judges on this season's panel would return. And those rumors have proven to be true!
Harry Connick Jr. will return to American Idol for the 2015 season. Connick made the announcement official during his appearance on Live! With Kelly and Michael on Wednesday. During the appearance, hosts Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan asked him about his status for season 14, at which point Connick confirmed, "I'll be back." (Video of the appearance is embedded below)
Connick joins Ryan Seacrest as the two confirmed returnees for American Idol next year. However, it's expected that Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez will also return, as deals are reportedly in the process of being finalized. Auditions are expected to begin soon with a pair of all-new twists, so I guess we'll be getting a complete judging panel announcement in the next few weeks. All in all, it seems the FOX brass likes this panel and will do whatever is necessary to make sure we have J-Lo for the camera to linger on for 70% of a contestant's performance.
Credit: Frank Micelotta/Invision for FOX