J.Lo, Keith & Harry Jr. back as AI judges

MANILA, Philippines - To the millions of fans of American Idol (AI) worldwide, it’s certainly great news for them to learn that the three judges — Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban — of the immensely popular singing competition are set to return to the panel for Season 14 next year.

The undeniable rapport of the three judges last season did not escape the eyes of the public. From the auditions in the different cities to the weekly live shows, they joked, laughed and genuinely bonded together, something that was not done by other judges in the past. They also interacted with the contestants even from the audition process.

During the AI 13 finale last May, the three judges even did a production number all together, with the show’s resident mentor Randy Jackson. It was the first time the judges of AI performed together. For Season 14, they will again join long-time host of the show, Ryan Seacrest.

 “I am thrilled that our consummate host Ryan Seacrest, is returning for Season 14, together with Jennifer, Harry and Keith,” says AI creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a recent TV interview. “Their interaction, warmth and experience made them an absolute joy to watch. I can’t wait to see their evolution together continue next season.”

Jennifer joined the AI judging panel in Season 10 and stayed on until Season 11. She took a break in Season 12 and gave way to feuding divas Mariah Carey and Nicky Minaj, who joined first-time judge Keith Urban and veteran judge Randy Jackson. In Season 13, however, Jennifer returned to the show and joined Harry and Keith. Harry is entering his second year as judge while it will be Keith’s third year to sit as AI judge.

Despite low ratings, AI remains the most-watched reality singing competition not just in the United States, but worldwide. Its popularity notwithstanding, the producers still found a way to trim down hours from the show.

Last season, the results show was cut down to 30 minutes presumably because of the slack in ratings. For AI 14, it was rumored that there will only be one show every week as the performance night and results show will be combined into one.

AI auditions started in New Orleans, Louisiana last June 25 and will continue in Long Island, New York on July 23, Nashville, Tennessee on July 30 and San Francisco, California on Sept. 29.

Let’s see who will be given the much-coveted golden ticket for Season 14, which will start airing in January 2015.

Meanwhile, the AI summer tour kicked off in Binghamton, New York last June 24. Featured are Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson, runner-up Jena Irene and the rest of the Top 10 finalists. The tour has a total of 41 performances. For every ticket purchased, AI will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research Alliance to help cure melanoma.

Other stops of the tour are Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and even Ontario, Canada.