CEBU, Philippines - A source confirmed to E! News that Harry Connick Jr. will be joining returning-judge Keith Urban, and heavily-rumored third judge Jennifer Lopez for American Idol’s 13th season.
This news comes after months of speculation as to who will fill the highly-coveted seats of Idol’s always A-list judging panel. The 45-year-old actor has appeared on the reality show as both a mentor and as a performer, and he also served as a guest judge in season 12.
Back in May, Connick exclusively told E! that he had been approached to join AI in a more permanent capacity.
“It’s a fun show. It’s been talked about before, who knows what’ll happen in the future,†he revealed backstage after his appearance on the season 12 panel. “What I’ve done thus far on the show has been really fun, so I’ve had a great time.â€
He continued: “I think you need to be completely honest, and I think you need to be diplomatic. I think there’s no reason to be mean, but it is called being a judge. You have to judge. That’s what you do.†(FREEMAN)