Although the start of American Idol's 13th season is still months away, fans are rabidly awaiting the announcement of who will fill out the judges panel. 

In the wake of a disastrous season 12, Idol execs cleaned house, dismissing three of their previous four judges. Gone are Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and long-time veteran Randy Jackson as Fox seeks to find talent that will not detract from the main attraction of the show - the contestants.

Host Ryan Seacrest says the much anticipated announcement is closer than some may think.

"We're going to announce the judges very, very soon and I think people will be excited about the names we'll have on the panel," Seacrest told E! during auditions in Austin, Texas.

Last week Kevin Reilly, Fox's entertainment chief, revealed that season 12 judge and country crooner Keith Urban would, in fact, be returning for the new year.

"Keith did a great job last year. The fans really liked him," Reilly said, according to USA Today. ""Keith's a really funny guy. You could see how much he loved the show."

As judges 2, 3, and 4, speculation still abounds. While it was once believed that the singing competition would opt for a panel of Idol alum, this is looking like less and less of an option.

Reilly stated that the network was in talks with former judge Jennifer Lopez, although no deal had been reached. With Will.I.Am also rumored as a possibility following his work on the UK's The Voice, the only former contestant that seems to still be a strong candidate is Jennifer Hudson.

American Idol will premiere their new judges panel when the show returns in January.

Tags: American Idol