American Idol (season 13) American Idol (season 13) The thirteenth season of "American Idol", styled as American Idol XIII, premiered on the Fox television network on January 15, 2014. Ryan Seacrest returned as host for his thirteenth season. Keith Urban was the only judge from the twelfth season to return. Former judge Jennifer Lopez, who returned after one season absence, and Harry Connick, Jr. joined the judging panel following the departures of Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson, though Jackson returned as a mentor, replacing Jimmy Iovine. On May 21, Caleb Johnson was announced the winner of the season, with Jena Irene as
American Idol controversies possibly "ruining" "Idol". Melinda Doolittle's departure stunned fans and critics alike. Simon Cowell admitted that the sixth season's crown should have rightfully gone to Melinda. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe responded, noting that "["Idol" producers] were so engrossed with the mentors and didn't really focus on the Melinda Doolittles of the show." Lythgoe also produces "So You Think You Can Dance", and has noted that the dance program gives background information about its contestants, while "American Idol" focused more on its big name celebrity mentors, such as Tony Bennett, Gwen Stefani, and Jennifer Lopez. In the top thirteen in season 8,