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 "Idol" set. Three judges, whose mannerisms and style mimicked those of the real "Idol" judges, critiqued the performances. Audience members then voted for their favorite performer. There were several preliminary-round shows during the day that culminated in a "finals" show in the evening where one of the winners of the previous rounds that day was selected as the overall winner. The winner of the finals show received a "Dream Ticket" that granted them front-of-the-line privileges at any future "American Idol" audition. The attraction closed on August 30, 2014. "American Idol" is broadcast to over 100 nations outside of the United