American Idol is truly going back to its roots for its final season.
Ryan Seacrest just assured E! News' Will Marfuggi that all of the show's former judges, including Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and the formidable tight T-shirted Simon Cowell, will return at some point as the singing competition series takes its final bow.
"We will have the former judges back," Seacrest revealed when Marfuggi caught up with him during Idol's famous Hollywood Week. "The plan is to have all of them back. They've all considered it and I think are enthusiastic about coming back and saluting the show."
Aside from Paula, Randy, and Simon, the list of former judges also includes Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Ellen Degeneres, Steven Tyler, and Kara DioGuardi, and the hilarious thought of all of those people in one room alongside current judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. is almost enough to curb our sadness over saying goodbye to this show.
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Even though Paula, Simon, and Randy are the original kings and queens of the Idol judges' chairs, Jennifer and Harry don't seem to be too worried about any territorial disputes. In fact, Harry's ready to give up his chair to Simon completely.
"He can sit there, hell yeah," Harry says. "I'll go up and sing for him and let him judge me."
Keith, on the other hand, is ready for an American Idol rumble, and he has a special request.
"I'd like to see Ellen and Simon sitting very close to each other, right next to each other, showing people that chemistry," he jokes of the famous Idol frenemies. "I think it's important for people to see that."
Simon Cowell is particularly busy right now on the reality competition front. It was announced last month that he'll be joining season 11 of America's Got Talent as a judge, along with his executive producer role.
American Idol returns to Fox for a 15th and final season on Wednesday, Jan. 6.