StarTracks PhotoNow this is music to our ears.
The day after his successful stint as a mentor injected fresh energy into season 12 of American Idol, Harry Connick, Jr. confirms he's been approached about potentially being a judge next year. "You know, they kinda wanted to know if I would be interested in it," Connick, Jr. told us backstage after tonight's results show.
And the smooth crooner already knows what he'd bring to the table. "I think you need to be completely honest, and I think you need to be diplomatic," he said. "I think there's no reason to be mean, but it is called being a 'judge.' You have to judge. That's what you do."
The New Orleans-based singer also confirmed that this isn't the first time such discussions have taken place. The idea was first floated after he advised contestants in season 9. "The last time I was here, I was so flattered that they were kind of talking about it," he said. "And it didn't work out. There were a lot of things going on on their side and a lot of things going on on my side with just stuff. It's hard to make a commitment like that."
What would it take for Connick, Jr., who has a new album coming out June 11, to seriously consider joining Idol? "$600 million!" he cracked, before turning serious: "I'm going on tour this year so, like, when would I do it? It's that kind of thing."
Still, the longtime Idol fan admits it'd be a thrill: "I was in the audience when Kelly Clarkson won [season one]. Justin Guarini waved at me! It'd be fun."