Keith Urban returning to 'American Idol,' Jennifer Lopez 'in talks'

Keith Urban is officially returning to 'American Idol' for the show's upcoming 13th season.

"Keith is going to return to the show," Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly told reporters Thursday. "The fans really liked him. Keith is a really funny guy."

As for the rest of the open spots, Riley confirmed that it was true that there were talks about having former host Jennifer Lopez come back to the show, but he added that nothing was certain yet. The Hollywood Reporter claims that talks about Lopez' return to 'Idol' have been stalled over money.

Reilly added that the new judging panel will look to "refocus our attention" back to the contestants.

"It really became too much about the judges," he said. "We want some comfortable judges to make it comfortable to view."

Jennifer Hudson, Will.i.am and Dr. Luke are among the possible candidates that will take over the positions left vacant by former judges Nicky Minaj, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson who announced their departures from the show in late May.

After last season saw the show's ratings drop 20 percent, Riley said producers were planing on tinkering with the format of the show.