It's only fitting that Ellen DeGeneres, former judge on 'American Idol,' would give America their first look at the new judging panel (plus talented host Ryan Seacrest) during a live chat from the auditions in Salt Lake City.

The 13th season of 'American Idol' is heavily in audition mode, and the judges are currently in the third city of hopeful contestants, trying to find America's next best singer.

Although it's a job, it also seems like a ton of fun, as this season's panel of judges consisting of Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. fits together perfectly.

"I'm excited that we've got a group that just sat together and had lunch and laughed out loud and told stories and talked about their lives and really get along," Seacrest shares. "I think people that have watched the show for a long time will enjoy that part of the show when they come back and this is a show that the whole family will be able to watch and that's what we're excited about."

Seacrest has been part of the show since the beginning, and it's exciting to know that he gives two thumbs up to the chemistry of the new judges, which he alluded to in a previous interview.

Connick is his usual hilarious self, and it already looks like he'll give Urban a fair share of ribbing in the upcoming season. "I can't believe I'm sitting up here," he starts. "Ellen, we've talked about it before. I'm a huge fan of 'American Idol' ... to be sitting up here with Ryan, who I really think is the best, and Jennifer, who is beyond belief. The more I get to know her the more I love and respect her."

And then, he looked at the 'Fuse' singer. "And -- I'm sorry, you are?" When Urban said his name, Connick stated dryly: "And, Keith, he's a nice man ..."

It's sure to be a season full of laughter, talent and lots of hard work from the judges. In fact, they work so hard that the country star jokes, "We eat here at the table, we never leave -- we sleep under here." To which Connick adds, "It's very uncomfortable."

With Seacrest's unbeatable hosting skills, the talent of Lopez, the humor of Connick and the fan-favorite Urban (who was voted best 'American Idol' judge ever), we can hardly wait for the season to begin.

Season 13 of 'American Idol' premieres Jan. 14, 2014 on FOX.

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