The judges of season 13 of "American Idol" will be back for the upcoming season as well.
Fox announced that Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. would be returning as judges while Ryan Seacrest will be coming back as the show's host for season 14, according to Deadline.com.
"Jennifer, Keith, Harry and Ryan are the very best in the business at what they do, and I'm thrilled that they are returning to 'American Idol' for another season. Each brings unique qualities and expertise to the team, but they all share the same passion for helping undiscovered singers achieve the American dream," Fox's David Hill said in a statement, according to USA Today.
Executive producer, Trish Kinane, added that the judges' "experience, humor and passion for new talent has made them one of Idol's strongest-ever judging panels, and coupled with the expertise and charisma of Ryan Seacrest, we are ready to get out there to find the best talent in America."
The previous season of the singing reality competition ended on May 21.
Season 14 auditions of "American Idol" continue Wednesday in New Orleans. Upcoming audition sites include Long Island, N.Y. on July 23, Nashville on July 30, and San Francisco on September 29.
Although all the judges will be returning for season 14, there is no guarantee that the show's rating will go back to what it used to be.
The judging panel was reportedly well received by fans and critics, but the show still suffered its third consecutive double-digit drop in ratings.
Keith Urban and Harry Connick expressed their excitement about being involved in season 14 before the announcement of their return.
"I'm looking forward to it a lot. I hope all of us stay in tact for next season because I really had a great time and I feel like we've got a good groove going, so I hope we get to keep it going," Urban had stated to HollywoodLife.com.
Connick added, "I can't wait! That is the most exciting thing, we were talking about that last night. To imagine the next 'American Idol' winner is walking around somewhere, that is so exciting. I can't wait - I am so fired up."
