Harry Connick Jr. will be pitching up next to Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez in the upcoming season of the ever-popular American Idol, as the singer has been confirmed as the third and final artist to sit in the judge's seat next season. Having served as a mentor on the show on multiple occasions, the singer will finally ascend to the judge's table for the show's 13th season, The Hollywood Reporter first revealed.

Harry Connick Jr
Harry Connick Jr. may possibly last more than one season as a judge

On Friday (30 August) it was confirmed that the crooner had signed a deal to become the latest judge on the show as producers apparently wanted a lack of female presence on the show following the friction and drama that followed last season's bickering judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. The friction between the two reflected particularly badly in the show's key demographic; older women, something that the addition of Connick will hopefully strengthen this time around.

Previously, it was reported that Dr Luke was the frontrunner to take up the final spot on the judge's table, however it turned out that he was tied up in a contract with Sony that prevented him from agreeing to star on the show. As Luke is signed by Sony Music, the fact that the Universal Music Group hold exclusive rights to any Idol recording would have conflicted with some terms in his Sony agreement. Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun was considered as the next potential candidate for the roll, but he turned it down.

Auditions for the 13th season of American Idol have already gotten underway across the United States of America and the show is expected to return to Fox in time for the spring schedule.

Harry Connick Jr ITV Studios
Producers hope Connick will be a hit with the show's key demographic

Harry Connick Jr On A Clear Day
He has served as a mentor on the show many time before