Harry Connick Jr. will be seated in one of three judge’s seats when the new season of American Idol premieres on Wednesday January 15th. Along with Jennifer Lopez, who is returning for season 13 after having left the show following season 11, and Keith Urban, who is returning to season 13 from a very successful (for him, anyway) season 12, Connick makes the final judge to complete the new panel. American Idol is fast failing in the ratings and this decline was set into motion when The Voice entered the picture. Some believe Harry Connick Jr. has what it takes to save American Idol from a definite demise. It will certainly be interesting to see if he has what it takes to raise its ratings once again above those of The Voice. After all, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton have a huge following. And this season of The Voice means the return of Shakira and Usher–both of whom viewers loved during their first season on the show.

On Tuesday evening January 14th, live screenings of the American Idol Season 13 premiere will appear at movie theaters in select cities around the country. Following the premiere the judges, along with host Ryan Seacrest, will answer questions about the upcoming season. You don’t have to be in one of the select theaters to check this out. It will be available online as well via a special “sticker” fans can get when clicking on a link available on the Idol website or on the Idol Twitter page. It will be interesting to learn what fans think of new judge Harry Connick Jr.

The #idol LIVE judge Q&A starts in 30 min at http://t.co/g0Elf7K71F. Check-in now to unlock a special sticker: http://t.co/1CyjUGbqch

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) January 15, 2014

Fans in L.A. lined up much earlier in the day for a shot at getting in on this question and answer session firsthand.

Los Angeles! Who's here for the LIVE Q&A event with the #idol judges? #AskIdol pic.twitter.com/ecclXMXtzq

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) January 15, 2014

Do you think Harry Connick Jr. has what it takes to bring American Idol up out of the dumps and back on to at least even footing with The Voice? Or do you think since The Voice has set a brand new standard as a TV singing competition that American Idol has simply met its match?

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