Fox Confirms Return of Keith Urban as ‘American Idol Season 13′ Judge

Fox Broadcasting Company announced on Thursday that country singer Keith Urban will be returning as judge to “American Idol” when the singing competition returns for its 13th season.

“I will confirm one thing, Keith is going to return to the show, you could see how much he loved the show,” Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at Fox told reporters at a Television Critics Association meeting in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, former ‘Idol’ judge Jennifer Lopez may also return to the panel when the show begins in January, Reilly added.

“There is no deal with her or with anybody else,” he said after saying Fox has had discussions with Lopez about a return.

Singer Mariah Carey and rapper Nikki Minaj announced after this year’s season finale that they were leaving the talent show, while longtime judge Randy Jackson also quit this year to pursue his music career.