‘American Idol’ bringing back same judging panel

In this Jan. 13, 2014 file photo, judges, from left, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr. are seen during the panel of “American Idol” at the FOX Winter 2014 TCA, at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, Calif. Lopez, Urban, and Connick Jr. will return as judges with Ryan Seacrest hosting for the 14th season of Fox’s “American Idol.” AP

LOS ANGELES — Fox says it’s bringing back the same trio of “American Idol” judges for the show’s 14th season.

The network announced Monday that Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. will be judging singers again in 2015, and Ryan Seacrest will remain the host.

This year’s “American Idol” included the show’s lowest-rated finale ever, part of a continuing ratings slide for the once-dominant TV series. Fox has shaken up the judges’ panel in past years to try to boost viewership but is deciding to stay the course this time.

The network is taking the show’s downfall into account in scheduling, saying it will air fewer hours next season, and in many weeks there will be just one episode instead of two.

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