“American Idol” is back once again with its 13th season.

“Idol” started in Boston on Jan. 15, its first stop on an eight-city tour across the country that ended in Hollywood.

The competition is still following the traditional “A.I.” format as it has been for over a dozen years. Thousands of young hopefuls (some disharmoniously hilarious to watch and others beautifully right on key) turn up to sing for the three judges in the hopes of getting to Hollywood.

However, the show does introduce some new features as well. One addition to the competition is a new prep room that hopeful contestants stand in right before they enter the judgment room. For some, the tiny room gives the singers a last second to prepare themselves before going in; for others, it just builds up the stress and anticipation.

One of the biggest changes that “Idol” has made this year is the judging panel. This is the first year in “A.I.” history to not feature one of the original three judges (Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, or Paula Abdul.)

Jackson has stepped down as the final original judge to become the house “mentor” throughout the show. He will be providing advice and helping those who receive that fateful “golden ticket” to Hollywood step up their singing game and make the right song choices for their individual voices.

Jackson has handed the reins over to returning judges pop star Jennifer Lopez and country singer Keith Urban, as well as new judge, jazz crooner Harry Connick Jr.

With these three on panel, it is almost as if the show has come full circle to the original panel of judges. Urban’s laid-back judging style mimics Jackson’s. Abdul was known for her sweetness to contestants, which Lopez seems to mirror. And finally, Connick Jr. provides that tough, strict edge that Cowell once doled out.

American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST.