Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr.: What You Can Expect From Us on American Idol

Keith Urban and Ryan Seacrest also chatted about the panel and new season

By Jordana Ossad Oct 03, 2013 3:41 PMTags

As you might know by now, the American Idol panel this season features both familiar and new faces.

Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. joined host Ryan Seacrest to dish about the new season on The Ellen DeGeneres Show; the episode is scheduled to air Thursday, Oct. 3.

The newbies on the panel this year, J.Lo and Connick Jr., explained their road to (and back) to the judging table.

"It was actually a difficult decision because I had a lot of stuff going on," the 44-year old Latina told Ellen DeGeneres. "It was going to be hard to fit it in. But, to be really honest, I just love the show and I love working with the singers."

And even though she is the only lady at the judging table, J.Lo said that it feels like family working with the team.

"And, this (pointing to Keith and Harry) is working really great," she explained. "So yeah, we're having a great time. At the end of the day, everything that's meant to be happens."

DeGeneres could not resist the opportunity to poke a little fun at newbie Connick Jr. 

Addressing J.Lo, the hostsaid, "I'm glad you're back and I've told you before I think you're great, I think you always gave great notes. I think you're fantastic on the panel so I'm glad to see back…Keith, you know I love you, Harry…um."

"It's always strained with Ellen. It's always strained," the crooner said with a laugh.

Ellen then cued up a clip of Connick Jr. from May 2013 where he revealed that despite the rumors that he was in negotiations, he claimed he wasn't joining the singing competition program.

"How long have you been a liar?" DeGeneres quipped.

"Talks?" Seacrest chimed in. "It sounded so cool."

"It sounded really cool," Connick Jr. said.

"I'm a huge fan of American Idol," he added. "I was even at the first finale when Kelly Clarkson won. I was in the audience and to be sitting up here with Ryan, who I really think is the best, and Jennifer, who is beyond belief. The more I get to know her the more I love and respect her. And. I'm sorry you are?"

"Keith," Urban joked.

"And, Keith, he's a nice man..." Connick Jr. said.

American Idol returns for its 13th season in January 2014.