'American Idol' FOX Season 14 Returning Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban & Harry Connick Jr as Judges, Ryan Seacrest as Host

 

'American Idol' FOX Season 14 Returning Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban & Harry Connick Jr as Judges, Ryan Seacrest as Host

"American Idol" Season 14 auditions are already underway and continue this week: New Orleans, Wednesday, June 25; Long Island, Wednesday, July 23; Nashville, Wednesday, July 30; and San Francisco, Monday, September 29. 

The bigger news just released officially however, is that Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. will return as judges and Ryan Seacrest will host "American Idol" for its 14th season. Host Ryan Seacrest has been there since the beginning and it just wouldn't feel right with him not hosting anymore. 

Senior Executive Vice President of 21st Century Fox, David Hill said, "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." 

Trish Kinane, President, Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America and Executive Producer for "American Idol" shared, "I am delighted that our dream team of Jennifer, Keith and Harry are back for "American Idol" XIV. Their 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."

"I am thrilled our consummate host, Mr. Ryan Seacrest, is returning for Season 14, together with Jennifer, Harry and Keith," said "American Idol" creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "Their interaction, warmth and experience made them an absolute joy to watch. I can't wait to see their evolution together continue next season."

FOX's long-standing singing competition will return for a 14th season in 2015 but there will be changes to the format for the new season. Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly told reporters Monday that "American Idol" will be "streamlined" when it returns next year, Entertainment Weekly reports.

"American Idol" appears be following the lead of some other reality TV shows including "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," which were also trimmed down to one episode per week. Reilly said the show could have fewer show hours next season "around 37," instead of the usual 50-plus it's been airing and also shared, "I think it will be a two-night format initially during the audition phase, and will quite likely end up as a two-hour show on one night for most of its run."

Ratings for the popular FOX show have been declining steadily for the past several years, but the viewership is still steady enough to guarantee at least one more season of the longstanding show. "American Idol" has produced such stars as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Phillip Phillips, Colton Dixon and more. 

 

 

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