American Idol 'American Idol' judge Harry Connick Jr. explains why he's been so harsh in his critiques 03/07/2014 American Idol judge Harry Connick Jr. explained to the thirteenth-season's Top 12 finalists why he's been incredibly hard on them. Read More RELATED NEWS Former 'American Idol' finalist Sam Woolf releases his first album'American Idol' adds Scott Borchetta as new mentor to replace Randy Jackson 'American Idol' to premiere January 7 on Fox with schedule changes throughout Season 14 TAGS: American Idol Harry Connick Jr. Randy Jackson Keith Urban