Keith Urban Returning to ‘American Idol’ for Second Season as Judge
Keith Urban is the last man standing when it comes to 'American Idol.'
The show may have cleaned house after Season 12, with original judge Randy Jackson bouncing and dueling divas Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj bailing after one drama-filled season. No one knows if the judges' exits were of their own accord, or if they were asked to leave, but they were allowed to say they it was their choice to move on.
Nevertheless, Urban is the sole member of the 2013 judging panel to return for a second season. Both the show and the singer issued tweets confirming that he will indeed be back.
The official Twitter account of the Fox reality show broke the news on Thursday (Aug. 1), posting: "Did you hear?! It's confirmed: @KeithUrban will be back at the judges table for American Idol XIII. We love you KU! #IdolKU #TCAs13."
The feeling is mutual, as Urban's tweeted:
It'll be interesting to see just who the country singer will be flanked by for Season 13 in 2014. He was often the most informative of the judges in '13, offering helpful critical commentary to the competitors and hopefuls.
Additionally, longtime producer Nigel Lythgoe was fired at the end of Season 12. At least Urban is moving forward. Onward and upward.
Season 13 of 'Idol,' which is rumored to go through even more production-level changes, should begin airing in January of next year.