( CNN ) -- `` American Idol '' returns this week with not a single original judge at the table , new possible contestants and some changes to the format . Have we lost you already ? There was a time when a new season of `` Idol '' would send fans into a frenzy , especially with the addition of new judges . This season will see the return of former judge Jennifer Lopez , along with last season 's judge Keith Urban and newcomer Harry Connick Jr . Original judge Randy Jackson will this season serve as a mentor . The show will be back with heavy competition from NBC 's `` The Voice , '' which for the first time last year beat `` Idol '' in the ratings on a Thursday night . But even while the show , which for years has been a juggernaut in the ratings for Fox , has slid in terms of viewers for the past year , it is still a force to be reckoned with in TV land . `` I do n't think 'The Voice ' is more popular than our show , '' `` Idol '' producer Trish Kinane reportedly said at the recent Television Critics Association winter press tour . `` If you look at the ratings , 'American Idol ' still beat it . But having said that , 'Idol ' is the gold standard . It is the original format . '' Kinane added that she thought there was room for both shows . In addition to the reboot of judges , the show has also made some other tweeks , The Hollywood Reporter quotes Kinane as saying . `` We made a lot of small changes , '' she said . `` We did n't want to do anything radical . We went back and examined every single element of the show , from the talent search to the finale . ... It 's still 'American Idol . ' It 's a million tiny decisions that I think has made for a fresher whole . '' Some are looking to new kid on the block , Connick , to help revitalize the show . The singer told E ! News that he will be honest , but kind . `` I watched the show when they were calling people names and making fun of them , '' Connick said . `` I do n't do that . It 's uncomfortable . '' The reality singing competition has suffered from quite a few complaints from the poor performance of the male contestants last year to the lack of producing chart-topping artists in recent years . According to a Forbes ranking , Carrie Underwood was the top money-making `` Idol '' winner last year . The country artist/ `` Sound of Music '' actress raked in $ 31 million last year and has pulled in $ 83 million over the past few years . Kelly Clarkson was second on the list , with earnings of $ 7 million . Season 13 of `` American Idol '' returns Wednesday night on Fox .
`` American Idol '' returns Wednesday . The shows ratings have been slipping . Producer says it 's as popular as `` The Voice ''