by Rob Moynihan

As American Idol’s 12th season winds down towards the May 16 finale, speculation is growing about another judging shakeup, and a serious contender has now entered the race. 25 Bubble Shows: Which will be canceled? Crooner Harry Connick, Jr. confirmed to reporters after Thursday’s results show that he has been talking with producers about joining next year’s panel. “They wanted to know if I would be interested and it’s a blast, but I don’t know, it’s hard to make a commitment like that,” Connick said backstage.

The actor and performer, who will release a new album called Every Man Should Know on June 11, served as an opinionated mentor to the Top 4 contestants this week and even had a heated argument at the judge’s table with Randy Jackson during Wednesday’s live show. “You need to be completely honest and diplomatic,” Connick said of his judging method. “There’s no reason to be mean, but it’s called being a judge. You have to judge, that’s what you do.”

Read More Harry Connick, Jr. Confirms Talks to Join American Idol as Judge – Today’s News: Our Take | TVGuide.com.