A new set of judges for American Idol Season 13

MANILA, Philippines - The 13th season of American Idol (AI) started with the auditions last month, with a new set of judges coming into the panel. It’s a new triumvirate all together. Randy Jackson, the last remaining original judge, said goodbye last season and will instead join this year as an in-house mentor (taking over from Jimmy Iovine).

The new set of judges for Season 13 surfaced with Jennifer Lopez returning to the panel after being away last year. Joining her are Keith Urban (who is now on his second year) and first-time judge Harry Connick Jr.

First stop for the judges was Austin (Texas), followed by Boston (Massachusetts) and Salt Lake City (Utah). They are set to proceed to other cities like Detroit (Michigan), San Francisco (California), Atlanta (Georgia) and Omaha (Nebraska).

In every city, the judges marveled at the amazing talents who auditioned. They were “blown away” by the talents who showed up and ended up with the much-coveted “golden ticket.”

The new set of judges, with the show’s long-time host Ryan Seacrest, recently guested in Ellen DeGeneres’ show. They took time out during the auditions in Utah and were hooked up for a live interview with Ellen, who joined the show as judge briefly for one season.

“It’s great. I love this show. I’m so proud of what this show has done over the years,” says Ryan Seacrest of AI.

Traditionally, the show fields in guest judges to join the three resident judges during the regional auditions. The three resident judges are seen together once the Top 24 are chosen and the show goes live twice weekly with one contestant who gets eliminated.

For eight seasons, the three original judges of AI — Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson — sat on the panel, joined by Kara DioGuardi in Season Eight. After that, there have been constant changes in the panel through the years. Music luminaries and entertainment personalities came in as judges.

Paula left after Season Eight, followed by Kara after Season Nine. Ellen replaced Paula but stayed for only one season. Also in Season Nine, Simon  announced his exit from the show (to put up the reality singing competition, X-Factor).

In Season 10, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler came in to the judging panel but both left after two seasons. In Season 12 last year, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith joined Randy in the show. However, only Keith stayed on for Season 13, which will kick off on Jan. 15, 2014.

Harry is not a new addition to the AI family. A self-confessed fan of the show since the Season One, he previously joined as in-house mentor for the contestants before being invited as judge for Season 13.

For the auditions, guest judges were occasionally invited to sit in and help choose the talent who could be given the “golden ticket.” Viewers have seen the likes of Katy Perry, Olivia Newton-John, Neil Patrick Harris and even Quentin Tarantino as guest judges.

Although ratings have declined significantly, it’s not a cause for alarm for the show’s producers. AI remains a most-watched reality-singing competition not just in the US, but worldwide.