Harry Connick Jr. to Join 'American Idol'

It wasn't easy, but "American Idol" has finally chosen its third and final judge for the upcoming season. Harry Connick Jr. has signed on to the show, joining Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez on the judges' panel for the season that will begin next January.

Connick takes the job after negotiations with a long line of potential candidates fell through. For some time, it appeared that the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am was on the verge of accepting the gig, but when he bowed out of the running, choosing instead to return to the UK version of "The Voice," the frontrunner became producer Dr. Luke (who has produced hits for Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and Katy Perry, among many others). Conflicting contractual obligations with other companies were reportedly the reason that Dr. Luke turned down the job. Then it looked for a time that Justin Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, would take the judge's chair.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Idol" producer Simon Fuller celebrated the forthcoming announcement last Thursday with Connick, Lopez, Urban and former judge Randy Jackson, who will be on hand next season as a mentor. The Fox network, however, has still not officially announced the lineup of judges for next season, although the show's production schedule would suggest that an announcement will happen soon.