American Idol Judging Panel Announced

Ever since I found out there was going to be an open seat on the American Idol judging panel, I've said that I though Harry Connick Jr. would be perfect for the seat and it looks like I'm not the only one who thought so.

The rumors have been swirling for months and now, Fox has confirmed that the next "American Idol" judging panel will be filled with familiar faces.

The judges for this next season of American Idol will be Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr.

Randy Jackson will be back, not as a judge, but he’ll take over Jimmy Lovine’s role as the in-house mentor.

Keith was a judge last season, Jennifer last season and the one before that and this will be Harry’s first time as a judge, but he’s been a guest mentor several times in the past.

The judges start work this week in Boston and season 13 will premiere in January.