CREDIT: YouTube/American Idol

American Idol XIII 2014 will reportedly have more song choices for AI Season 13 contestants and a workshop from in-house mentor and former AI judge Randy Jackson. These are just some of the things to look forward to in new season of "American Idol" which will have a two-part premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 and Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014.

According to the AP and ABC News, the "American Idol" producers decided to widen their contestants' choice of songs to sing in the competition. It will now include not just the usual classic songs from great artists of the past, but also the current songs that are popular with the younger generation as well.

"American Idol" executive producer Per Blankens talked about the expanded song choices for American Idol XIII 2014.

"After tending toward a fair amount of golden oldies, the show's song list will add more current tunes that the young contestants can relate to," said Blankens in the ABC News report.

Aside from AI Season 13's newer song choices for the contestants, it will now have a workshop for them to help them with their performances. They will be guided and advised by no less than Randy Jackson! Jackson has been loyal to the "Americal Idol" franchise and has been with them since day 1, much like AI host Ryan Seacrest.

The Fox singing competition that has produced amazing singers including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Katharine McPhee and Jennifer Hudson will have some other tweaks as well including a "rush week" before the actual Hollywood week auditions. And, it will officially welcome the newest "American Idol" judge, singer and actor Harry Connick, Jr. He used to guest in previous AI episodes as a mentor. He will join returning AI judges actress, singer and dancer Jennifer "JLO" Lopez and Australian country star Keith Urban.

CREDIT: YouTube/American Idol

Don't miss American Idol XIII 2014 which will be shown on the Fox television network. AI Season 13 will have composer, music director ("The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Grammy Awards," and the "Super Bowl") and music producer Rickey Minor as its official musical director.

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