Harry Connick Jr. Joins 'American Idol' as Third Judge

The 'Will and Grace' star is said to have inked a deal to serve as a judge alongside Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez for the show's upcoming 13th season.

August 31, 2013

AceShowbiz -

Harry Connick Jr. has reportedly nabbed the third spot on "American Idol" judging panel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor/singer has inked a deal to serve as a judge in the 13th season of the show, joining Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez.

The news comes almost a week after it was reported that record producer Dr. Luke passed on the judging gig on the show due to conflict of interest. He signed a lucrative label deal with Sony Music and by nurturing talents for Universal Music Group, which holds the exclusive rights to "Idol" recordings, he would run into a snag with Sony.

FOX has not made an announcement regarding Connick Jr.'s supposed casting but the official judge line-up for season 13 is expected to be revealed soon as host Ryan Seacrest recently tweeted, "Got some @AmericanIdol news for you coming very soon..."

Editors' Pick

Former judge Randy Jackson has also been rumored to return to the show as a mentor, replacing Jimmy Iovine who may leave the show after three years serving as in-house mentor.

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