The upcoming season of American Idol is going back to its roots with judges: the reality-singing competition series expects a great fresh start with its judges who seem to have much better chemistry.

A lot of things have changed since the last season with new day-to-day producers, a new director, as well as veteran judge Randy Jackson joining as the in-house mentor. "We've made a lot of changes that might seem small in themselves, but they add up to a much fresher picture overall," said the executive producer Trish Kinane.

As viewers are most interested in the judges, at least for the early part of the season, the most obvious improvement made for the new season is Kinane's choice of the judging panel -- singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, a returning judge from Seasons 10 and 11, country singer Keith Urban, also a returning panelist from Season 12, and a former mentor and first-time Idol judge Harry Connick Jr., a singer, pianist and composer -- who are lauded for their "constructive, meaty, interesting commentary."

According to Trish Kinane, "the chemistry wasn't there" last season, where former panelists Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj could not hide their hostile relationship. "You want to feel comfortable watching 'Idol.' I think that's what we've got this year," she said. "I think a family can watch the show happily together without any tension and with it being a positive, warm experience. The chemistry is here in spades."

"You guys are having a great time together, but I also think you have an amazing respect for what this franchise is, for what it's done and the people who have come from it," said Seacrest to the trio.

The three judges also said they connected instantly. "In the first few years of the show, Paula (Abdul), Simon (Cowell), and Randy (Jackson) and Ryan seemed like they were all having a great time," said Urban. "And I feel like what we've got is that same sense of fun that should have been there all along."

In addition, Lopez mentioned that the upcoming season's singers "are breaking genres and stereotypes and I think that's really exciting." She added, "people just pick up on what they love and they become so individual and unique. It breaks down barriers and you can do whatever you want to do."

The upcoming two-night season premiere of American Idol Season 13: The Search For A Superstar is scheduled to air on Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16 at 8/7c on Fox.