American Idol auditions are working their way across the nation while producers are still hard at work putting together a new judges panel for season 13.

After the Fox program saw viewership ratings drop during season 12, the singing competition went to work revamping the show in order to lure fans back to the once popular singing competition. Now possible judge choices are believed to include Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, and Will.I.Am.

Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, and Mariah Carey each departed Idol while Per Blakens was brought in to replace former executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. With an empty judges panel, rumors began circulating regarding a possible decision to fill the slots with former Idol competitors.

It appears that idea may be falling apart. A recent comment from host Ryan Seacrest could point to a return by Urban.

"I was with Keith yesterday, we embraced, and said to each other 'I hope we get to spend a lot of time together.' He's a great guy, and I've become a very good friend," Seacrest said, according to Wetpaint. "I think, based on what I have heard, the audience that watches American Idol is going to be very excited about the panel that we've put together for this Season 13."

Former judge J.Lo was in talks for the position but is searching for more money than the show is willing to pay out, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The site also contends that producer and artist Will.I.Am may defect from the U.K. iteration of The Voice in order to join up with American Idol.

As for former Idol alum, Jennifer Hudson seems to be the only front-runner still reported to be in talks for the job.

American Idol is set to return in January.

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