Country music star Keith Urban is married to Nicole Kidman.Country music star Keith Urban is married to Nicole Kidman.

Keith Urban is returning to American Idol.

Fox chairman Kevin Reilly confirmed the return of the country music star, settling the fate of the only judge from the last season left on the TV talent competition.

Reilly praised Urban’s participation last season and said fans really like him. But he was mum 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 is to recruit “comfortable” judges and refocus attention on the contestants.

The ratings of American Idol sagged last season. It is due to return to screens in January.

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