The new season of FOX-TV’s American Idol returns this week with a nearly new panel of judges. Our own Keith Urban is the lone survivor from last season, while Jennifer Lopez, who was a judge on Season 10 and 11, returns with former mentor Harry Connick, Jr. Keith says working with the two other judges this season seems really natural.

“The very first day that J-Lo, Harry and I got on set, it just felt like we’d been doing it a long time,” says Keith. “In theory, it seemed like it was going to work, and for us, it worked perfectly. So, I hope it comes across that way, ‘cause…I’ve never had as much fun as we’re having this season, so that’s a good thing.”

The show will premiere over the course of two nights beginning Wednesday at 8pm ET/PT.

When he’s not hanging out with two other superstars and sending folks to Hollywood, Keith, who has hit the airwaves with his new single “Cop Car,” can be found on the road with the new leg of his Light the Fuse Tour. On Wednesday, he begins a run north of the border with a show in Vancouver.

Keith Urban (AI new season) OC: …good thing. :16
“The very first day that J-Lo, Harry and I got on set, it just felt like we’d been doing it a long time. And in theory, it seemed like it was going to work, and for us, it worked perfectly. So, I hope it comes across that way, ‘cause I’m certainly, I’ve never had as much fun as we’re having this season, so that’s a good thing.”