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WATCH: New American Idol Judges "Working Really Great"

For the first time in 13 seasons, none of the original American Idol judges will be sitting on the panel. Instead, returning judges Keith Urban (Season 12) and Jennifer Lopez (Seasons 10 and 11) and newbie Harry Connick Jr. will have the difficult task of helping to discover America’s next superstar.

After all the controversy and drama surrounding Season 12 judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, fans will be relieved to know that everything is hunky-dory on set this time around. The judges have been to three cities for auditions so far, and while in Salt Lake City on Thursday, they called into The Ellen DeGeneres Show via live satellite.

“To be honest, I just really love the show and I love working with the singer and I love the family here,” Jennifer said, of her return. “And this [points to fellow judges], this is working really great. Yeah, we’re having a great time. So, at the end of the day, everything that’s mean to be happens.”

Ryan Seacrest, the show’s host, was also present for the interview, and revealed that the judges get along so well that they spend their lunch break together…laughing. It does seem to be a friendly attitude with these three, who poked fun at one another and all seem genuinely excited for the show to return.

American Idol will premiere in January 2014.

MORE LINKS

PIC: New American Idol Judges Together For the First Time

Randy Jackson Returning to American Idol: What’s His New Role?

Jennifer Lopez Under Fire From Human Rights Foundation