Harry Connick Jr. could be the newest judge in line for "American Idol" Season 13, following the news that Dr. Luke exited the role at the eleventh hour -- reportedly because the job would cause a conflict of interest between his label, Sony Music, and rivals Universal Music, who have the rights to all "American Idol" releases.


According to E!Online, Connick is currently in talks to join the judging panel and, after Dr. Luke, is the top choice for the role. If the deal can be worked out, Connick will join returning judges Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez.


Since Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj were confirmed to be leaving the beleaguered reality hit after last season, names like Jennifer Hudson, Kanye West and Will.i.am have been floated as potential replacements, although Dr. Luke seemed like the most likely candidate until last week.


Connick is no stranger to "Idol," having mentored, guest-judged and performed on the show in recent seasons. The reality competition is set to begin taping Season 13 next week, although THR notes that filming could be delayed if the judging panel is not finalized before then.


Do you think Connick would make a good judge? Who would you like to see on the panel?



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  • Randy Jackson


    <strong>Name: </strong>Randy Jackson

    <strong>Seasons:</strong> 1-12

    <strong>Known for:</strong> Coining the phrases "Yo dawg" and "It's a little pitchy."




  • Paula Abdul


    <strong>Name:</strong>Paula Abdul <strong>Seasons:</strong> 1-8 <strong>Known for:</strong> Crying while judging.




  • Simon Cowell


    <strong>Name:</strong> Simon Cowell <strong>Seasons:</strong> 1-9 <strong>Known for:</strong> His brutal judging tactics.




  • Kara DioGuardi


    <strong>Name: </strong>Kara DioGuardi <strong>Seasons:</strong> 8-9 <strong>Known for:</strong> Introducing the world to "neckitude."




  • Ellen DeGeneres


    <strong>Name:</strong> Ellen DeGeneres <strong>Season:</strong> 9 <strong>Known for:</strong> Walking away from her five-year contract after only one season.




  • Jennifer Lopez


    <strong>Name: </strong>Jennifer Lopez <strong>Seasons:</strong> 10-11 <strong>Known for:</strong> Stealing the spotlight from the contestants.




  • Steven Tyler


    <strong>Name:</strong> Steven Tyler <strong>Seasons:</strong> 10-11 <strong>Known for:</strong> Criticizing and hitting on contestants with confidence.




  • Nicki Minaj


    <strong>Name:</strong> Nicki Minaj

    <strong>Seasons:</strong> 12-?

    <strong>Trademark:</strong> Feuding with Mariah Carey whenever possible.




  • Keith Urban


    <strong>Name:</strong> Keith Urban

    <strong>Seasons:</strong> 12-?

    <strong>Known for:</strong> Making country references whenever possible.




  • Mariah Carey


    <strong>Name:</strong> Mariah Carey

    <strong>Seasons:</strong> 12-?

    <strong>Known for: </strong> Trying to compete with Nicki Minaj's diva lifestyle.