Keith Urban returning as ‘American Idol’ judge

This May 16, 2013 file photo shows Keith Urban at the “American Idol” finale in Los Angeles. Urban will return as a judge on the singing competition series. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

BEVERLY HILLS, California – Keith Urban is coming back to “American Idol.”

Fox chairman Kevin Reilly on Thursday confirmed the return of the country music star to the talent competition.

But Reilly was quiet on who else would sit at the judges’ panel next season. The departures of Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson were announced weeks ago.

Reilly said the goal was to recruit “comfortable” judges and refocus attention to the contestants.

The ratings of “American Idol” sagged last season. It returns in January.