The thirteenth season premiered on January 15, 2014, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host. Randy Jackson and Keith Urban returned, though Jackson moved from the judging panel to the role of in-mentor. Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj left the panel after one season. Former judge Jennifer Lopez and former mentor Harry Connick, Jr. joined Urban on the panel. Also, Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were replaced as executive producers by Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Pragger. Bill DeRonde replaced Warwick as a director of the audition episodes, while Louis J. Horvitz replaced Gregg Gelfand as a director of the show. COUNT 9
QSN1 What year did season 13 of American Idol first air? ANS1 2014 QSN2 Who was the host of American idol in its thirteenth season? ANS2 Ryan Seacrest QSN3 What new role did Randy Jackson assume during American Idols thirteenth season? ANS3 in-mentor QSN4 Who directed the thirteenth season of American Idol? ANS4 Gregg Gelfand QSN5 When did season 13 premiere? ANS5 January 15, 2014 QSN6 Who was the mentor this season? ANS6 Randy Jackson QSN7 Which former judge came back to the judges' panel this season? ANS7 Jennifer Lopez QSN8 Which former mentor joined the judges' panel this season? ANS8 Harry Connick, Jr. QSN9 Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Evan Pragger replaced which two executives? ANS9 Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick