The Fox singing competition, American Idol will start broadcasting starting from January 15, 2014. The Season 13 Final 30 are expected go on live TV in middle of February 2014 with 15 of each gender after completing the Hollywood Round. Regional auditions have been held in Boston, Austin, San Francisco, Detroit, Atlanta, Salt Lake City and Omaha in July and August 2013.
On August 1, 2013, the Australian born country singer Keith Urban was confirmed to return to the show as a judge. Rumors of Jennifer Lopez returning to the show started around the same time Keith Urban was announced as a judge and finally confirmed by Fox on September 3, 2013 along with the announcement of the new third judge Harry Connick Jr. Jennifer Lopez left the show after the Season 11. Randy Jackson who was a judge for several seasons will return as the house mentor replacing Jimmy Iovine. Former Idol sensations Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry are expected to assist Randy Jackson.
Besides the judges, there are number of changes to the famed show on television. Format of the show has been changed along with many newcomers to fill vacancies of outgoing staff members including executive producers, directors and others.